DJ Rayne Interview

KALANI: How has Hawaii's dance music scene change over the years, what are some of the trends of today?

RAYNE: "I have been a vital part of this scene, both as as Dj and as a Club Patron for over 10 years. I have watch it grow, almost from infancy, and blossom into a vital aspect of Hawaii's culture. Whether its Hip-Hop, or House Music, this is a "Dance Culture". What gives it life are its crowded dance floors. People ,give it character, dance floors give it identity. Hawaii is forever evolving, through its people, and as people leave, they take a bit of our scene with them, and as people arrive, they bring something new. For some people, Hawaii's Clubbing scene is simply nothing more than a random weekend stress relief, But there's a tight family of Artists, Musicians, Poets and Service Indusrty workers who are into it every day, everynight. It runs in our blood. This is our life. Its a hell of a lot more than a 9 to 5!Trends come and go, But some of the original people that began this scene, years ago are still as much a part it as ever were. We have evolved from an underground culture of True Heads, Turtablist's, Junglists, MC's, Breakers, Poppers and Lockers, etc., into something a little bit more palatable to the mainstream state of mind."

KALANI: If you could had three wishes that would improve Hawaii nightlife what would they be?
RAYNE: "Bring back the Old Skool State of Mind. Its not a place to "BE SCENE", its about the music...End Mainstream Hip-Hop. Underground is way better. Who care how much money you make, rap about something that matters. Every night Club Should have the best, and most expensive sound systems. If you have ever been clubbing anywhere else in the world, you realize that Hawaii is light years around the power curve. I own a sound company with a good friend of mine. We are always pushing for quality in sound."

KALANI: How can another deejay catch your attention and make you say this guy/gal is dope?
RAYNE: "Hawaii has some of the greatest DJ's i have ever heard. Even better than the some of the DJ that Promoters are paying Thousands of dollars to come the the Islands and play. But there are a few legends that have completely blown my mind. If your on point and connected with you crowd, It can be magic! And if you can keep me dancing, you got my props!"

KALANI: Before you start a set what's your mindset like? Do you have a set plan of what you want to play? why or why not?
RAYNE: "Anyone that knows me, knows i tend to be moody. Life is a mindset. DJing has always been my expression. Its how I vent. Its how I smile. I play music based on whats around me, And how it makes me feel. Over the years, have found that my sets are much beter when I live the moment."

KALANI: What is your current deejay weekly schedule?
"Recently I have made appearances at Next Door for 1st Friday's, The Living Room for FAM ( Fasion, Art Music), Longhi's for Image Night, Nicks Fishmarket for the Partmasters, 5520, at The Princeville Resort in Kauai for Aya, Release, at the Sheraton, Poipu, Kauai for F&M, Hula's Bar and Lei Stand for Jack Law, The loft, and Lotus .You can catch me form time to time at Puma in Waikiki, at various outdoor events and I still maintain my underground roots, at a Private Afterhours Club. I also throw free parties at Ka'ka'ako Beach Park from time to time."


KALANI: Any big things coming up for you in 2008?
RAYNE: "About two years ago, I lost myself as an artist. Got caught up in the lime light. Forgot what was important to me and why I started DJing in the first place. I needed a break. 2008 is a new beginning. Not a start over, but a re-energized, more aggressive me.(The)dance floor will be seeing a lot more of me. The break is over."

KALANI: Did you make a New Year's resolution?
RAYNE: "My resolution is to quit smoking... I'll keep u posted on that one... Its hard! is vaporizing cheating?"

KALANI: Main objective whenever you spin?
RAYNE: "My style of music can be quite aggressive and have an edge of funk to it. My objective is to pack the dance floor, and I dont stop until I do. I try to make the people, hugging the walls of the club, uncomfortable where they stand. Force them to shake a leg, wiggle some hips, loosen up and enjoy themselves. In a club, there's the dance floor and then there's the socializing area. I try to make the whole club a dance floor. I even make the bartenders wiggle."

KALANI: Favorite places to spin? Favorite places to spin that aren't around anymore?
RAYNE: "My favorite place to spin in on the beach. No club can conpare to this. The Wave Waikiki will forever be my true love and my all time favorite place to spin. Playing for my friends is a blessing! I actually am the only person in the world that owns a piece of that dancefloor. It's actually the only piece of the Wave left. Rest in Peace."

KALANI: Who do you credit for helping you're growth as a deejay? gig opportunities?
RAYNE: "Ramyt, the imfamous "Archangel" and Jesse Pohera, the late, "Tricky Trever." These guys were the ones that sparked the idea inside my head. And I never looked back. Honestly, most of my friends that are dj's, influence me, in one way or another. Other's are Steve Lawler, Miguel Migs, Ltj Bukem, to name a few.
My first gig opportunity was given to me from Rebecca of "Viva La Diva" at Evolutions Night Club " Formerly The Pink Cadillac". And I have played for so many promoters on this island, that i appreciate all of them for allowing me to play."


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Finish the following sentences:

I love being a deejay because:
"being on stage, playing music for people is a childhood dream come true. I love what i do. I make people dance for a living. My Job is to make people happy! Not many can say that!"

Music is important to me because:
"It's my life, its everything about me. With out it, who would I be? I don't know and don't plan on finding out. A world without music... Not mine!"