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Rhian!´s music has been featured on BBC Introducing, Pride Radio, Gaydio and many more. Last year Rhian! put out an impressive eleven releases, a combination of singles and remix EPs. QX spoke with him about his latest release, the inspiration behind his music and more.

Hello, Rhian! Welcome to QX. You just released your latest dance track, I Need Somebody To Love Tonight. It’s a sexy take on an original release by Sylvester in 1979. How do you think you have made it yours?

I want to pay homage to the icon that is Sylvester but, at the same time, not copy him. I feel like Sylvester’s was more dark and melancholy. I bumped up the bpm, completely reworked the track from scratch, and made it sexier and more me.

People recognise You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real). What drew you to Sylvester? 

I grew up in a very religious household in Trinidad. My father is a preacher, and when I first heard and saw Sylvester (thanks to YouTube), I had never seen anybody like that in my life. He was so loud, authentic and ahead of his time. I admired his bravery because it wasn’t cool to do what he was doing back in the 70’s and 80’s. I was intrigued and inspired by his style, stage presence and the way he used the upper part of his voice.

Last summer, you released Vitamin D, which was played a lot in London clubs and all over Europe. Why do you think your sound is so popular in dance clubs, and did you get to dance to it on the dance floor?

First of all, I love dancing, being in the clubs and feeling the music. I am a member of the community, and I pay attention to what’s going on musically. I actually wrote this specific track on my way home from a night out and recorded it with my beautiful trans friend Brandy X. The title is Vitamin D. The gays love it, haha! And yes, I danced to it multiple times. I sent the track out to DJs months before the release to test it out on the dance floors, and the reaction was amazing. I’ll never forget those moments.

QX interviews Rhian! singer-songwriter. Photo by Ajax X
Rhian! (Photographer Ajamu X @ajamustudios)

You have shared your love of music since a very early age. Tell us something about Rhian!, the early years.

I was such a shy little boy growing up. I barely spoke, but I came alive when I was singing and performing. It was a place where I felt safe and comfortable. Music was and is still my joy and I feel most alive when I’m making music or on the stage connecting with an audience. That exchange of energy is electric.

You’re based in London, what are your favourite queer venues and club nights, and why?

OMG! I can’t pick one, so I’ll name a few. In Soho, I love Circa, Ku Bar, Freedom and The Friendly Society. All very different but all very me. I’m not one dimensional. There are many layers to me. So I go depending on my mood. Sometimes, I’m the social butterfly, or at times, I just wanna have a catch up with a friend, have a heart-to-heart and not be somewhere too loud. Club wise, Roast at Electrowerkz. The variety of music in the different rooms is amazing. House, Pop, Techno and R&B all in one night. For after hours, the places to go are A:M on Friday night into Saturday morning and Beyond on Saturday night into Sunday morning. It could be at the end of your night, or you sleep through the night and wake up at 5 am to go do some cardio on the dance floor.

QX interviews Rhian! singer-songwriter. Photo by Ajax X
Rhian! (Photographer Ajamu X @ajamustudios)

What do you like to do when you’re not performing?

Well, clearly, from the previous question, I never go home, and I’m always out. Jokes. I actually enjoy meditation and practice mindfulness and gratitude, working out 5 days every week. I love cooking and I cook my own meals everyday.

Finally, what plans do you have In the pipeline? 

So many things. I’m in the studio next week, working on a remix for the single. I’ve mapped everything out, and I can’t wait to start on it. I understand the value of having a track in different formats to reach a wider audience. I have also been writing and recording a lot of new material, and I believe that 2025 is the year that I should release an album. So stay tuned.

I Need Somebody To Love

Stream I Need Somebody To Love Tonight or follow Rhian! on his social media accounts and keep up with the latest releases.

Photography: All images supplied

Ajamu X @ajamustudios

https://www.ajamu-studio.com/

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