Get Familiar: Rio Rainz

Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Alistair McVeigh

Today, we’re linking up with one of the UK’s freshest talents, East London’s Rio Rainz. Whether he’s hitting soulful notes, dropping raw bars, or blending alt-R&B and rap, Rio’s bringing a whole new vibe. The BAD video? Pure energy - Rio cruising through London in a vintage whip, flexing both style and sound. Born to Irish and Jamaican parents, Rio started performing at six, and by 15, he had the streets buzzing with his Black Box freestyle. Since then, he’s dropped the Cobwebs in My Room EP, sold out his headline show, and dropped hits like "Sunshine" with Finn Foxell. With co-signs from NME, MTV, and The Face, Rio’s solidifying his spot, while keeping it real about his struggles to help others. Let’s dive into his journey and see what’s next for this rising star. So, let’s get familiar with Rio Rainz and see what’s next for the artist who’s not just making noise but building a legacy.

You have Irish and Jamaican heritage and grew up in East London. How have these diverse cultural backgrounds influenced your music and identity as an artist?

Growing up with Irish and Jamaican parents meant navigating two different worldviews. For me, one rooted in tradition and reflection, the other in vibrancy and resilience. Each side of my family had distinct ways of seeing the world, and finding myself meant blending these influences into my own unique identity. Living in east / north london was fast-paced, and diverse, that helped me further shape who I am as an individual.

You started performing at church and in performing arts school at a very young age. How did these early experiences shape your musical journey and stage presence?

It’s clear that performing enhanced my confidence and taught me the power of embracing individuality in front of unfamiliar audiences. Through theater and acting classes, I learnt to take myself less seriously and discover my unique form of expression. church has always been a foundational part of my life. Playing in services was a humbling experience, as it reminded me that music is about something greater than personal ego. It shifted my perspective, showing me that music is a collective experience meant for something beyond myself and the other musicians.

At just 15, you broke onto the scene with a powerful Black Box freestyle. What was that experience like, and how did it impact your career moving forward?

Honestly, that was a really powerful moment for me. even now, people stop me on the street and say, “you’re the kid from that cypher!” I never expected it to get such a reaction. but when I was writing for the cypher, I saw it as my chance to showcase my melodies in a sea of rappers. It helped me carve out my own lane, and people really responded to it. It was my first big break.

Your latest single 'BAD' is out now! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the track and what messages you hoped to convey through it?

I actually had been at my debut carni the night before the session. I slept at a ridiculous time. Woke up and created bad from scratch. I guess the rest is history.

The video for 'BAD' is vibrant and sees you cruising through London in a vintage car. What was the concept behind the video, and how did you bring it to life?

As mentioned before ‘Bad’ has a high energy feel that makes you want to move and feel a bit vein. it’s not just about being bad, it’s about embracing your mischievous side and breaking away from conventions and expectations. it encourages you to take risks, and celebrate your individuality without about judgment’

'BAD' seems to blend alt-R&B and rap seamlessly. How do you approach fusing these genres, and what draws you to this particular musical style?

Lots of my music blends genres, and "BAD" fits right into that experimental space. I had a blast making this track, with no set plan, just great energy in the room and pure creativity.

You play the keys, sing, and rap. How do you balance these different aspects of your artistry, and how do they each contribute to your unique sound?

Balancing the list is a dynamic part of my artistry. Playing a live instrument definitely shapes my melody choices and adds depth to my sound. Each aspect, whether it's playing the keys, vocalizing, or rapping, brings its own flavor to my music. I’m constantly learning and improving, which helps me blend these elements into a unique and evolving sound.

Your music aims to bring peace in an increasingly anxious world. How do you translate this mission into your songs and performances?

My music aims to bring peace to an anxious world by embracing vulnerability and turning it into strength. I focus on being emotionally transparent, using my own experiences to create songs and performances that are raw, honest, and deeply connective. By sharing my honest journey, I offer listeners a space where they can feel understood, finding solace in the sounds.

You aren’t afraid to discuss your past struggles in your music. How important is vulnerability to you as an artist, and what do you hope listeners take away from your honesty?

Vulnerability is key to my artistry. By sharing my past struggles, I create a deeper connection with my listeners. my music becomes more than just sound, it’s a shared experience. I hope my honesty helps others feel less alone and inspires them to embrace their own stories, finding strength in their truth.

Last year, you released your EP 'Cobwebs in my room' and sold out your headline show at Lower Third. What were the highlights of those experiences for you?

Releasing 'cobwebs in my room' and selling out my headline show at lower third were unforgettable highlights. The adrenaline rush of seeing the venue fill up and feeling the crowd's energy was insane. It was incredible to see people come together in real life for this shared experience. After the show, I met fans, including someone who drove 10 hours just to be there for the weekend. That meant a lot to me. The night before, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep, spending hours in my room with a deodorant can pretending I was in the O2 arena. These moments were deeply moving and made all the hard work worthwhile.

You collaborated with Finn Foxell on the hit single 'Sunshine.' How did that collaboration come about, and what was the creative process like?

The collaboration on ‘sunshine’ came about through our shared producer, Dom valentino. I’ve always admired Finn Foxell's unique style, which stands out from the typical UK scene. After he heard the track and rocked with it, we set up a session. Finn wrote his verse from scratch and laid it down within 20 minutes.

You’ve received co-signs from major outlets like The Face, NME, Hypebeast, MTV, and Complex. How do these endorsements impact your career and motivation as an artist?

I’m grateful for the co-signs from major outlets like The Face, NME, Hypebeast, MTV, and Complex. They boost my exposure and help new listeners discover me while offering existing fans a deeper look into my creative world. I take each endorsement as a step forward, fuelling my motivation and pushing me to keep writing.

You’ve been compared to artists like Berwyn, Jim Legacy, and Bakar. How do you feel about these comparisons, and how do you set yourself apart within the music scene?

I appreciate being compared to artists like Berwyn, Jim Legacy, and Bakar, they’re all talented. My music blends influences from many genres, true to my way of creative expression. . While I rock with those artists, I focus on being true to myself and my unique sound. Staying authentic is how I set myself apart.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and approach to music?

Some of my biggest musical influences are Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Bakar, Rex Orange County and Daniel Caesar. Amy Winehouse is probably my favorite, her authenticity and jazz influences are inspiring and reflect her true east london roots. Each of these artists has helped shape my sound and approach in distinct ways.

With 'BAD' and ‘Mutual Butterflies’ now both out in the world, do you have any other releases that your fans can look forward to in the near future?

Yes, I’ve got three more tracks lined up for release this year, each showcasing a more distinct sound. I’m especially excited for everyone to hear "Mutual Butterflies” that just dropped. It’s a chance to share more of my evolving style with my fans.

Are there any upcoming collaborations or live performances you’re particularly excited about?

Currently, there are no specific collaborations lined up, but I’ve been working with artists I admire, which has been a great experience. I’m also excited about some upcoming live performances, with plans that I think will really resonate with fans. stay tuned for that !

What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to continue evolving your sound and presence in the music industry?

I’m looking forward to touring unseen parts of the world, discovering new cities with my friends and loved ones, and sharing incredible experiences with my fans. I plan to keep evolving my sound, experimenting with different styles, and creating music that really connects on a deep level. It’s about growing as an artist and making a meaningful impact through both my recordings and live shows.

Reflecting on your journey from performing as a child to becoming a recognized artist, what have been the most challenging and rewarding moments so far?

The journey from performing as a child to being recognized now has had its challenges and rewards. Social media often feels like a constant quest for external validation, and music can be consumed quickly and superficially. I’m focused on creating genuine connections with people who resonate with my music. It’s incredibly rewarding when someone stops to chat with me on the street or recognizes me in unexpected places. It makes me feel that my work is truly valued and that I’m building something meaningful. as I see it, “make the garden beautiful, and the butterflies will appear.”

What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out and looking to make their mark in the industry?

Be true to yourself and embrace every step of the journey. face your fears with resilience and validate your own worth. have fun with your art, and everything else will follow naturally.

How do you stay grounded and maintain your mental well-being while navigating the pressures of the music industry?

Running has been a game-changer for me, it’s a crucial outlet for stress and helping me stay grounded. I stick to a daily routine, focusing on planning and executing tasks effectively. In addition, learning about psychology and understanding how we humans work has given me valuable insights into managing my mental well-being. This combination keeps me balanced while navigating the pressures of the music industry.

Stop what you’re doing and tap in! London’s Rio Rainz, just dropped heat and it’s a straight banger.  Go stream that now and catch the wave before it’s too late.