Similar to the three magical minutes we had with
Danny Avila in Miami, we bumped into chainsaw-magician
R3hab on his way to the decks. The quick chat was quite revealing as he shared the true story behind the update of
Adina Howard’s “Freak.” Actually, his partner in crime,
Quintino, chimed in about breaking up the monotony of soundalike music. Even in just the few minutes we spoke, you could feel the vibe and friendship of these two talented DJ/producers.
RS: How are you doing today?
R3hab: I am good! I brought my buddy Quintino with me, we just did a new record.
RS: It’s called “Freak,” what was the inspiration to do that record?
R3hab: I was staying over at Quintino’s house because I had to catch a flight. I found this old ass sample and thought it was cool and we came up with the idea.
RS: I have to be honest, when I saw R3hab & Quintino – “Freak” that is not what I thought it would sound like.
R3hab: That’s what we wanted to do, we wanted to do something different. . We also a VIP remix that is very R3hab and Quintino.
RS: Is the sound of “Freak” going to be one of your new sounds for the year?
R3hab: No, we are just making music for fun and music that we like. We wanted a good summer record and we did the VIP remix. It was a 48 hour limited remix that we are giving away to the fans for appreciation, it is like a festival banger.
Quintino: There are no limits because if you download the same record from the same artist every time you are not going to listen anymore. If you don’t know what to expect you are always going to listen to new records.
R3hab: It is like Rihanna with “Work” and then she had “Stay” which is more of a ballad and then “We Found Love,” so I am trying to make it a little more artistic and creative.
RS: Didn’t you just remix Rihanna “Work”? How did it go?
R3hab: Yes. It’s so good, you need to listen to it and we have a little surprise coming on the “Work” remix.
RS: What?
R3hab: I can’t say but maybe a second version.
RS: Oh sickening. What else are you working on in the studio?
R3hab: I have a new record coming out in April together with Felix Snow.
RS: When they make the movie of your life who will portray you?
R3hab: Kenny Powers
RS: Why do DJs always wear black?
R3hab: So you don’t see the sweat.
RS: What would you like to say to all of your fans out there listening?
R3hab: Thank you for always supporting me. Make sure to check out the “Work” remix and make sure to check out my brand new record “Freak” with Quintino.
Interview conducted March 2016 during Winter Music Conference.