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Get Familiar: Rio Rainz

  • Get Familiar

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.

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What message do you hope listeners take away from your songs?I hope they have fun and feel inspired to create! I want them to take away the message that they can do anything they set their minds to, not to compromise on things they don’t genuinely feel, and to put themselves first at all times (which I haven’t been doing a lot of lately). Also, it’s okay to be different and try new things!Your music transcends geographical boundaries. How do you integrate your diverse experiences into a cohesive artistic vision?By collaborating with like-minded people who also have diverse backgrounds! For this EP, it was crucial for me to work with people who understood the broad scope we were aiming for, and together we were able to narrow it down and conceptualize the project.You mention navigating the complexities of life in a unique way. How do you stay grounded amidst the chaos and fast-paced nature of your journey?I don’t —but then I write about what I’ve learned from being devious or all over the place. It depends on the season I’m in! I know the pressure and chaos will get worse, but what keeps me grounded in general are my sisters and cousins. They care a lot about me and always check in. I love them with all my heart, and my faith keeps me strong.What do you hope to achieve through your music in terms of connecting with your audience?I hope I can touch a part of them they didn’t even know they needed to be touched! I share my experiences, and I hope someone out there can relate the way I do.Looking ahead, what are your dreams and goals for your music career and artistic endeavors?I have so many! One big dream is to perform in stadiums and collaborate with my favorite artists, as well as other up-and-coming artists I really admire. I want to win awards and break boundaries for other Black women who experiment with different sounds without being put into boxes.You describe living in a "little fantasy world." What does that look like for you in everyday life?It’s actually very hard. I get called delusional almost every day, but at the end of the day, it’s just how I choose to live my life, and it’s truly pushed me to great heights. I’m sure it will continue to do so! You control your own reality.If you could collaborate with any artist from your diverse list of influences, who would it be and why?I absolutely love Banks—I've always been a fan—and Kanye West, because I feel like the collaboration could either be musically daring and beautiful or lyrically totally outrageous! Either way, it would be amazing!What do you want your legacy to be in the music and fashion industries?I want to become a household name! I want to be a voice for the misunderstood, the forgotten, and those who haven’t had a chance to express themselves.You can stream Saràh Phenom's latest project girl now 

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  • Ants & Sainté at Patta Amsterdam

    Ants & Sainté at Patta Amsterdam

    Patta Amsterdam are excited to invite you to a special in-store event with two of the most exciting names in the game right now - Ants & Sainté! Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering their work, this is the perfect chance to meet them, chat with them in person, and get a behind-the-scenes look into their world. Ants & Sainté are making waves with their unique sounds, fresh style, and undeniable energy. And now, they’re taking time to meet you - their fans and the Patta community - right here in Amsterdam.Ants & Sainté will be in-store at Patta Amsterdam, Zeedijk 68 from 18:00 until 20:00 on November 7th.This is your chance to snap a pic, ask questions, and vibe with the artists up close. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, music lover, or just someone who appreciates good energy, you won't want to miss this event! So grab your friend and come down to Patta Amsterdam for a legendary meet & greet. Can’t wait to see you there!Get familiar with Ants here.Get familiar with Sainte here.

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  • Tales From The Echobox 016

    Tales From The Echobox 016

    Interview by Joe Leonard-Walters | Edited by Passion Dzenga Launching in 2021, Echobox has been forging a path for community radio by showcasing the diverse characters and concepts that surround them. In this feature, we will be looking into a few of the broadcasts that you can tune into so get lock

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    • Tales From The Echobox

  • Boris Tellegen - Final Fantasy

    Boris Tellegen - Final Fantasy

    Get ready for an exciting new exhibition by Boris Tellegen at Backslash Gallery in Paris, running from November 9 to December 21, 2024. The opening reception is on Saturday, November 9, from 2 PM to 8 PM, and you won’t want to miss it! Tellegen, known for his vibrant street art and intricate designs

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  • Get Familiar: MANSO̶U̶R̶

    Get Familiar: MANSO̶U̶R̶

    Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Adam ZMMeet MANSO̶U̶R̶, the rising star making waves with his new psychedelic EP ‘not disturb’ featuring Sam Wise, Kadiata, El Londo and Rxlls. From spinning sets for big names like JEAN PAUL GAULTIER and NIKE to crafting his own sound, MANSO̶U̶R̶ is bridging the gap between Paris and London’s underground scenes. Raised in an Algerian and Guinean household in Paris, he soaked up rich cultural influences that shaped his eclectic style. At just 21, this esteemed DJ blends hip-hop, jazz, and electronic vibes, creating infectious energy on stage. As he continues to rise, his DIY spirit and creative edge are positioning him as one of the most exciting new voices in the game. Let’s dive into his journey and the sounds driving his artistry!Congratulations on your brand-new EP 'not disturb'. Can you walk us through the creative process and collaboration behind it? What were your inspirations and what do you want listeners to take away from it?My inspiration behind it was honestly just everyday life, you know. All these same questions we all ask ourselves — “not disturb“ is based on real-life experiences. It's about recognizing and handling our emotions in a mindful way. People often fear their emotions, but to me now, it’s fine —you can’t escape who you are. It’s also about knowing when and how to step back from the noise, to protect your own peace and mental space. I’m part of the #albumteam. I really love albums. Especially the ones that resonate with me, my experiences, whatever I’m going through. I love how an album can speak to me, even from miles away, make me feel understood. So I thought why not do the same with my own music. 'not disturb' is my way of capturing these emotions and experiences we all face, through my own creation. That’s why I want people to not just hear it, but actually listen to it.Also, side note - never underestimate a project that a friend sends you because it made them feel something, an emotion they chose to share with you. I love my friends, they build me up, and to me, that's powerful, ngl.Growing up in Paris with Algerian and Guinean roots, and spending time in London, your sound is a unique blend of cultures and influences. How do you think your upbringing has shaped your approach to music and creativity?Long story short: Mumsy listened to Tina Turner, Dad to Miles Davis. She’d play a lot of Disclosure, he would have Mary J. Blige on. You get the idea. So I think that naturally when you see how music can deeply move people like that, it can make you want to feel that same magic. I will say though, I think when you’re a music nerd or neek (or whatever people are calling you) it can feel kind of overwhelming. You’re exposed to so much music that you end up liking a lot of different things. But yeah, my life has always revolved around music; it's really that simple. I will never stop [creating music]. I need that.You’ve worked with some major fashion brands like Jean Paul Gaultier and Nike. How did you go from DJing for these big names to stepping into music production? How do fashion and music intersect for you?First I wanna say I’m thankful for that. I wouldn’t say I stepped into music production though; I was more like 'floating' around it for a while. I’ve always been creating music, even before I started DJing. What I love about production is that it’s all about creation — that’s priceless to me. I just love creating, and I know I always will. Now, it's more about putting in the work to bring those creations to life.Both [fashion and music] are forms of self-expression and creativity, each with a unique ability to influence culture and connect people. That’s why I’m always excited and intentional about continuing to explore music, fashion, or any other paths I choose.Your debut EP 'DO YOU GET IT' made waves in the alt-rap scene. What vibe were you trying to communicate with that project, and how do you feel it's been received?With ”DO YOU GET IT”, I just wanted to capture what I was feeling and going through at the time, without worrying too much about how it would be received—just like with everything else I do. For me, it was more about releasing ideas and creating a sound that resonated with me, rather than trying to please or overthink the reaction. Once the music is out there, it doesn’t really belong to me anymore. People can interpret it however they want. Me, personally, I’m a fan. The most important thing is that it stays true to who I am.From collaborating with artists like Len, BXKS, and Odunsi, to playing alongside Sainté and Ragz Originale, you’ve been making moves in both the Paris and London underground scenes. What do you think draws you to these collaborations, and how do they inspire your sound?These are artists I’ve been listening to from the start, and I know I’ll always come back to their music. Collaborating with them feels truly organic, and it’s something I’m genuinely grateful for. What draws me to these collaborations is simple: I create, they create, so why not work together and see where it takes us, you know?I will say though, working with each of them, they didn’t just take the easy route but really embraced the vision. They weren’t afraid to dive into more challenging beats, and that’s something I really respect and that inspires me. Shout out to all of them. What I’m also realizing more and more now is that your sound is really shaped by who you surround yourself with. That’s the lesson that I’m learning right now—how much your circle influences and pushes you creatively.You’re known for mixing genres like hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. How do you decide which elements to bring together when producing a track? Do you have a specific vision going in, or does it evolve naturally?I don’t really overthink it. Creating, at its core, is just an extension of who you are, right? So I naturally end up expressing whatever I’m feeling in the moment. There’s no specific formula or plan I follow—it’s more about letting things flow. The mix of genres happens because those are the sounds I connect with. Whether it’s hip-hop, jazz, or electronic music, it all just blends together based on the vibe I’m in. I’m just vibing. I let the track evolve on its own and trust the process, without trying to force it into any kind of box.Your live sets are described as energetic and eclectic, with a real communicative vibe. How do you prepare for a set? Do you approach live performance differently from studio production?Same here. It’s all about selecting and seeing what unfolds. If you’re strictly bangers, that’s totally fine— But for me, the track selection is what matters the most. A great set isn’t just about flawless transitions; it’s about curating tracks that resonate with you as a DJ first. That’s the essence of the job, right? Allowing people to discover new sounds. Each track I play, I connect deeply with, and then it’s up to the audience to embrace the experience and the vibe. That’s what I’ve always done and will continue to do with my performances.The alt-rap scene is exploding right now, and you’re positioned right at the forefront of that movement. How do you see this genre evolving, and where do you see your place within it?I’m not exactly sure what defines alt-rap, but what I do know is that I’m focused on making the music that I love. I believe in staying true to your sound and expressing yourself authentically. At the end of the day, that’s what lasts. Contributing to the growth of something I’m passionate about, while staying genuine to my own style — that’s the only approach I’m committed to.You’ve quietly been pulling strings behind the scenes for a while now, not just in music but also in fashion and community projects. Can you share a bit about the vision or mission that drives your work beyond music?My entourage. I truly believe that when you have ideas, it’s essential to put them into action and involve your friends in the process. Also, I love stories, every story carries a unique message and is worth telling. That’s why I’m committed to crafting my own narrative and bringing those stories to life, whether through music, fashion, or community projects. Ultimately, it’s all about human connections and building something meaningful together.What’s next for MANSO̶U̶R̶? Can we expect more collaborations, a full-length project, or any new directions in sound? What should your listeners be looking out for?All I can say is that we’ll keep going, and that’s something we’ll always do. #dyougetit

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  • Get Familiar: Manso̶U̶R̶

    Get Familiar: Manso̶U̶R̶

    Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Adam ZM Meet MANSO̶U̶R̶ , the rising star making waves with his new psychedelic EP ‘not disturb’ featuring Sam Wise, Kadiata, El Londo and Rxlls. From spinning sets for big names like JEAN PAUL GAULTIER and NIKE to crafting his own sound, MANSO̶U̶R̶ is br

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  • Patta 20Yrs Anniversary Sale

    Patta 20Yrs Anniversary Sale

    The Patta 20 YRS Anniversary Sale is coming to Batavia Stad in Lelystad. Join us for a special event where we've set aside Patta staples and exclusives. Team Patta curated a huge selection of recent releases, old gems, mainline apparel, collaborations, and accessories. Don't miss out on budget-frien

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