Exclusive Interview with Japanese Trance DJ Rinaly

TECHNO CLUB VOL. 62: TALLA 2XLC MEETS RINALY

Rinaly follows in the footsteps of artists such as Markus Schulz and Ummet Ozcan by joining trance legend Talla 2XLC for volume 62 of his Technoclub series. The double album features one massive trance hit after another – the first mix by Talla 2XLC, while Rinaly brings her trademark uplifting sound to the second set.

Rinaly has been at the forefront of innovating the Trance genre for close to a decade now. She is frequently invited to venues and festivals across the globe and she has performed in renowned clubs such as AgeHa, Womb, Galame, Zouk Singapore. She also hosts her own radio show on Block FM and has seen several of her singles hit the top Trance charts on Beatport.

In 2020 she was selected as #2 DJ in the DJane Mag Japan Award and she has received global support from the likes of Armin van Buuren, Aly & Fila, Paul van Dyk, Andrew Ravel, Alex M.O.R.P.H. and many more. Her weekly live streams on Twitch, where she has built a tight-knit community of fans, are among some of the most viewed DJ sets on the platform.

She also keeps it real when she isn’t behind the decks: on her social media she is very open and honest about her anxiety and struggles with mental health as she feels the pressure of being an in-demand international artist. She has recently created a Discord server for her fans which has become a thriving community in a number of weeks; a safe space where open discussion is possible on subjects such as mental health – as well as a shared love of electronic music!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Tell us about the first track that put you on the map in the electronic scene and the journey since. How did you get started?

Before entering the world of electronic music, I used to be in a rock band and played bass. I remember making electronic music tracks after the band broke up and was so excited that I could make all the parts myself!

Tell us about your latest project ‘Technoclub vol.62’

It’s hard to explain how honored I am to work with Talla 2XLC, a pioneer in the Trance scene. We’ve been in touch with each other for some time, but since last year we’ve both been very active on Twitch and we’ve become even better friends through it. We’ve also completed a collab track and this is one really big opportunity I got during the pandemic.

Listen on Apple Music

Tell us something we wouldn’t normally find out about you?

I’m fascinated by science fiction. When I look at sci-fi visuals, I hear the sounds linked to them. They stir my imagination and give me new ideas. I’m motivated to put sci-fi items in the studio. Some of the tracks I have released are tracks inspired by space.

What single night out has been most memorable for you as a DJ and producer?

It was like a dream when I performed at EDC Guangdong (China) in 2019. The view from the stage is breathtakingly beautiful and unforgettable. I strongly felt a connection with the crowds and got a lot of energy. Also the interaction with the other artists backstage was very fulfilling.

Give us the name of one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you listen to it?

LinkinPark – Numb. When I was a student, I didn’t understand the meaning of the English lyrics, but the sound was enough to reach me. They taught me the power of music. Then I started to express my emotions through music.

Dream collaboration and why?

Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens. If we combine our sensibilities between international females and between different genres, I think we can make something new.

If you could play any festival, which would it be?

It’s very difficult to answer just one, but I would like to say A State of Trance. It’s a special for me as the first overseas festival I went to. I’m always longing for it.

How do you get a track started? tell us about your production process

Recently, I imagine playing at nightclubs or festivals to start a project. Live streams from home and performances on stage are so different that sometimes it’s hard to imagine though. In those cases, I get inspired by sci-fi and movies etc. as I mentioned earlier.

Upcoming projects? What are you currently working on?

Most of my upcoming releases are Uplifting Trance. I’m experimenting to make a more danceable, driving production. And trying to make it so that people can listen to it and have their mood lifted. Also I’m working on several techno tracks that represent the dark time I spent duting the pandemic. My next single release is a collab with Vadim Bonkrashkov, and Natalie Gioia – ‘Won’t Quit The Fight’ – out on July 2nd on AVA White.

The relationship between a DJ and the audience is crucial, and yet it seems to be a fragile one – how do you see the balance between giving the crowd what they want and treating them to something new?

I can’t share something unless I like it very much. So the balancing can be difficult at times, but I’m always open to listening to my audiences. Their opinion has a great influence on me.

Even though Rinaly is rapidly becoming a household name in Trance music, she feels she is just getting started. With upcoming releases on several prominent international labels, bookings at major festivals and a barrage of sonic innovations ready to be unleashed – Rinaly is ready to take on the world and deliver Trance music to a whole new generation, empowering the next generation female producers that you can be anything you want and the sky really is the limit!

Connect with Rinaly

Website | Instagram | Twitter