@MsLashaunTurner in the flow with @RanesMusic-Cali.FM
Ranes talks about his upcoming release INNER G in this exclusive interview with @MsLashaunTurner for Cali.FM.
Unapologetic in his style, lyrics, and character. RANES fluidly filters the sounds of Contemporary R&B with a grain of Pop as he expresses his feelings through melodies. RANES is confident in being honest with his emotions and sharing those same thoughts with whoever is listening. His music sheds light on honesty, independence, love, happiness, sadness, and a search for whatever satisfies his soul as a young man in this era.
- Congratulations on the upcoming release of “Inner G (energy) “. How did the idea for it come about, and, from start to finish, how long did it take to complete?
Inner G was something that came very instinctively. Over the summer I was working on a couple songs that I really enjoyed making and this producer called Dominic had sent me a beat that I had no intention of writing to it anytime soon. Around a month later, I was going through my files playing this beat over again, simultaneously coming up with lyrics and melodies based on what I was feeling in the moment of trying to understand where me and this girl were standing. Before you know it, I was like “I think I got something here” and booked a studio session straight away for like 2.5 hours and just recorded what I had been singing at home. I recorded all the vocals in that studio session feeling very satisfied with what came out and boom Inner G(energy)!
2. Does the upcoming EP fit into a particular musical genre, or does it borrow from multiple forms? What can the listeners expect?
I really think this EP is an introduction to my sound, style and character. It is sort of an opener to who Ranes is as an artist and what he stands for as a being. People can definitely expect to hear a blend of contemporary R&B with different eclectic sounds. Each song is very different from the other one and has its own unique tune. I would say that each sound matches with each mood of the song, taking you to a different place. I think my listeners can definitely expect to hear some acoustic, hard basses, some groovy sounds and honest lyrics.
3. Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc., and why?
I would say that there are different emotions that circulate in my music, because of the fact it comes from a truthful place. It really represents how I feel in various situations with relationships and life. Though I have moments that are sad, frustrating or somewhat joyous, self-indulgence is probably what dominates my music. I’m always reflecting on situations and finding how I can gain pleasure from it, which is why I believe that a lot of people will relate to my music because of how personal it is.
4. Has the pandemic affected your music or production in any way?
The pandemic has definitely affected my music, when it comes to trying to get studio time. The bookings are a lot narrower and securing a space to record can be a hassle sometimes. But being at home a lot during the pandemic has forced me to accept a lot of circumstances, which has forced me to think, reflect and even discuss with others about life. That has definitely helped my writing. Which is why my voice memos are always jacked haha.
5. Where will fans be able to stream or purchase Inner G (energy) ?
Fans will be able to stream Inner G(energy) on all the major platforms from Spotify, to Apple music, to Pandora to YouTube.
6. Tell us about Ranes, where are you from and how did your surroundings shape you in a creative sense?
So, I was born in Pennsylvania and moved to London when I was a toddler. I grew up with parents that loved to travel and were always seeking new careers in new cities. A big part of my upbringing was living in different countries such as the US, UK, France, Belgium and Ireland. Moving really has made me the international individual that I am today and has made me very open-minded. I grew up singing in Church choir which is where my singing really started and I got involved in a lot of musical theatre productions at my school and clubs. I began taking singing lessons for like 3 months but stopped because I had great vocalists from my church to learn from.
7. Who were your musical influences coming up?
Growing up, I listened to a lot of music that my family enjoyed like Michael Jackson, D’Angelo, Eryka Badu, Donny Hathaway and since my family background is Cameroonian, my family was hooked on a lot of fusing Jazz funk like Manu Dibango etc. But when I began to sing for real which was probably around 12 years old, I discovered people like The Weeknd and Frank Ocean who were really those guys for me because that was a genre of music that my parents didn’t put me on so I really appreciated hearing something different. Other artists today such as SZA, James Blake and Khalid contribute to my bowl of inspiration as well.
8. What inspires you to write & record music today?
I would say just knowing that me being able to have vocals and write isn’t random or just by accident, it’s really a gift from God that I believe is meant to be used. The more I get inspired, the more ideas that fall onto my lap, I never feel fully satisfied until I know I’ve put them into something that I can enjoy and other people can enjoy.
9. What’s next for you? What do you want your supporters to know?
Besides the EP that will be coming out some time soon, I am planning on getting more in touch with my listeners on social media, maybe do more virtual live stuff with the little I can during this pandemic and continue to promote the music that I want to be heard. I want my supporters to know that this is the beginning of a sick journey that I want them to take with me and see how far we go.
10. Which Social Media platform can your fans find you on the most?
Definitely Instagram and Twitter @Ranesmusic
Originally published at https://www.cali.fm on November 10, 2020.
