On Tuesday, October 5th 2010, I had the opportunity to sit down with M.I.A.’s mentee and opening act Rye Rye moments after her set finished. The following is an account of our meeting:
Q-What were your first experiences with music? Did you play an instrument or sing as a kid?
A-I never played anything but I used to watch music videos with my sister and I would imitate the dance moves I saw. I used to write a lot of poetry and my sister was friends with Blaaqstar [ed. note: M.I.A.’s frequent producer and collaborator] so she hooked me up with him. I called him up and left him a voicemail with a one verse on it that had started as just one chord, you know? I turned it into a whole song and just left it on his voicemail [laughs]. I didn’t know if he liked my voice or something but obviously it worked out!
A-I never played anything but I used to watch music videos with my sister and I would imitate the dance moves I saw. I used to write a lot of poetry and my sister was friends with Blaaqstar [ed. note: M.I.A.’s frequent producer and collaborator] so she hooked me up with him. I called him up and left him a voicemail with a one verse on it that had started as just one chord, you know? I turned it into a whole song and just left it on his voicemail [laughs]. I didn’t know if he liked my voice or something but obviously it worked out!
Q-I know you’re a big dancer, you put on these amazing live shows where you’re basically flying around the stage. Do you think you prefer dancing or singing and why?
A-You know, sometimes I like dancing more because I feel like that’s what my plan in life is. It’s one of those things that I just have in me that’s such a big part of me. But at the same time, I love to make music that makes me dance. So I’d say if I had to choose really I’d pick dancing, but I’m not saying I don’t love rapping!
