Interview: A Glimpse Into Rhea Raj’s ‘HUNTER’ Era
Twenty twenty-four has been quite a remarkable year for Indian-American rising pop sensation Rhea Raj. With the release of her debut album HUNTER in May and its expanded version, HUNTER (Tamed Edition), in September, the singer-songwriter, dancer, and producer is certainly at the top of her game with a penchant for curating music that seamlessly blends modern dance-pop and her cultural roots.
Rhea Raj hails from Connecticut and New Jersey, but later moved to New York City where she attended NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music for her undergraduate degree. Growing up, she was exposed to Bollywood dance and Bharatanatyam through her mother, a dance teacher, who ran classes in their home studio. This love for music and dance later diversified into her learning to sing and produce by studying popstars from the early 2000s during her teenage years. It is safe to say that she was surrounded by music throughout her life.
At the age of 15, her participation in the final run of American Idol officially propelled her career to greater heights. The next few years were spent working on her own music, producing for other artists, and even gaining recognition from MTV for her covers of Dua Lipa’s “New Rules,” and Bebe Rexha’s “I Got You.” After years of collaborating with other songwriters and producers, she was awarded the Songwriters Hall of Fame X BMI award in 2020, ultimately leading her to sign a deal with Kobalt Music Group.
As of today, Raj resides in Los Angeles alongside her parents and sister Lara Raj (member of the global girl group KATSEYE), and is the founder of her independent record label, Misschief Records (founded in 2018), through which she releases her own music. Her creativity does not stop there. Apart from the music aspect, she is heavily involved in the direction and styling of all her work from the album artwork to the music videos. Raj’s music video for her latest track “LIGHTS OUT” was co-directed by her and paid homage to her Indian heritage through the lens of a modern popstar.
HALSUG recently had the opportunity to chat with Rhea about her recent releases and the inspirations behind her work.
Q: First of all, congratulations on the release of HUNTER (Tamed Edition). What was your most favorite track to record from the stripped-down versions?
I had so much fun reimagining some of the songs from my album HUNTER into their tamed versions in the Spotify x Coke Studio. Stripping down “HUSH” and building out the orchestral layers for that song in particular was the most magical experience. It transformed the original big dance-pop record into an ethereal ballad, and I love it personally so much.
Q: HUNTER is a fiery project that exudes confidence and girlboss energy throughout. If you could recommend one song from the album for a night-out playlist, what would it be?
My go-to anthem for a night out with the girls is “MESSY.”
Q: You also recently dropped the house party-themed music video for your latest single “LIGHTS OUT,” which you directed alongside David Fernandez. What’s the process generally like when developing the concepts for your music videos?
I make multiple mood boards for every single song I write — it’s one of my favorite things to do. Once I know a song is definitely getting a visual, I’ll build out a full treatment and concept from one of the initial mood boards or bring it to a director to bring the vision to life. I’m super hands-on every step of the way from production to styling and all.
Q: Speaking of the music video, if you could invite any three artists to a Rhea Raj party, who would it be and why?
My sister/bestie/popstar Lara Raj, Charli XCX and ROSALÍA. Like, imagine the looks, the playlist [and] the energy!
Q: 2024 has been quite the eventful year for you with the release of your debut album HUNTER, and your first-ever Hindi and Arabic cover of the song “Kaho Na Kaho.” Is there any particular reason why you chose this song specifically? What was the recording process like?
I grew up adoring that song because my parents would play it all the time. I’ve known for many years that I would cover it eventually, and when the opportunity to record at the iconic Spotify x Coke Studio came my way, I knew it was time. It was my first time singing in Hindi so my parents literally sat in the studio to help me learn it. Honestly such a sweet and special moment for all of us!
Q: Growing up, you were classically trained in Indian and Bollywood dance, while learning the art of singing and producing from a very young age through watching iconic popstars such as Britney Spears. Were there any particular South Asian artists you admired that shaped who you are today?
“Bad Girls” by M.I.A. was such a big moment for brown girls that really empowered me to believe I could be a global popstar. She kicked a door open for a lot of us with her work.
Q: Oftentimes, you incorporate and embrace your cultural heritage in your work, whether through music or even your fashion style. What does this mean to you personally, and what advice would you give to someone who is still navigating their way into embracing their identity?
It makes me feel empowered to express my identity through my fashion and sound. I’ve discovered that incorporating accessories from my culture into my looks makes me feel so connected to my roots and confident.
Q: Any upcoming personal projects that fans can expect from you soon?
I’m so excited to share that I’m finishing a zine for the HUNTER album. It’s a personal passion project that I’ve been developing for over a year with some brilliant artists. It’ll give my fans a deeper look into the visual world I’m building with exclusive imagery I can’t wait to share.
Q: Do you have any message for your fans and all our HALSUG readers out there?
IT’S YOUR HUNTER ERA BABY! XOXO
Which track from HUNTER is your go-to? Let us know in the comments below, or message us on Instagram or X.
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Artist Facts
Name/Stage Name: Rhea Raj
Birthday: April 5, 2000
Nationality: Indian-American
Zodiac Sign: ARIES!
MBTI: ENFJ
Fave Foods: My mom’s homemade Indian food, sushi and acai bowls
Fave Drinks: Iced lattes, matcha with soy milk, and red wine
Fave Movies: Interstellar, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Om Shanti Om
Day or Night?: Early mornings and late nights
Song you’re most proud of: “DIGITAL BABE” bc I produced it
Edited by Divina Aloisa Tolentino