An independent singer-songwriter from Melbourne, strangely enough it was the COVID shutdowns that introduced Rae Santos to a new, burgeoning audience.
An artist who moves between genres (with a focus on pop and rock melodies) fluidly with a sound he calls 'Rae-ification', when the world ground to a halt like many creatives Rae pivoted to Twitch quickly finding appreciative new fans he's dubbed The Panda Party.Inspired by the likes of John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, Rae has released two EPs: 'Stay Your Hand' (2017) and 'All That I Was' (2020).
Rae's newest release is the single 'Red Wine And White Lies', a song about romantic heartbreak and the want to return to the feels of newfound love that was recorded at Elusive Creative Studios with Spud Thompson (producer and sound engineer).
"'Red Wine And White Lies' is a painfully reminiscent song. Juxtaposing heartbreaking lyrics with the driving pop rock vibe leaves the listener stuck between the deteriorating present, and a happier past," Rae says.
Who is Rae Santos... I'm a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, having played gigs and festivals in and around the city for close to ten years. With my first EP in 2017, I was able to experience the touring artist life and I have been craving it since.
I sound like... My songwriting contains elements of John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi. I've been working to evolve my sound and have opened my inspirations to artists ranging from Khalid and Daniel Caesar to Paramore and Dashboard Confessional.
My first gig was... At the Central Club Hotel in Richmond; it was a battle of the bands and whoever sold the most tickets won! I sold two to my parents and three to some friends who ended up not being able to come.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... I go by my real name because people tell me it's got a nice ring to it; also my wrestling name, The Disaster, wasn't suitable to my musical vibe.
@raesantosmusic I really just cut a WWE promo about my new song ‘Red Wine and White Lies’ on my Twitch Stream #fyp #twitch ♬ original sound - Rae Santos
In the studio I usually... Struggle to keep a straight face when my producer (Spud Thompson) tries to make me laugh while I'm recording vocals. Working with an industry professional who also happens to be my best friend makes for an amazing time in the studio. We often get sidetracked when I bring my Nintendo Switch and we have lots of laughs, but we always get it done.
If I could tour with anyone... Hands down John Mayer; we'd have amazing jams and I'd just love to pick his brain. I'm gonna be selfish and sneak Ed Sheeran in there too, for the same reasons.
Social media is... Making everyone feel alone together.
My favourite app at the moment is... 110 per cent Twitch is my favourite app. When live music got cancelled because of COVID, I started live streaming music there and built an amazing community (called The Panda Party) over the last few years. They helped me from going to a dark place and have helped me grow.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... My voice cracking while jamming 'I'm Yours' by Jason Mraz.
Life on the road can be... Addictive.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Three cans of Brazilian soft drink Guarana Antarctica and Japanese Family Mart croquettes. I'm not this much of a diva but you asked soooo.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... I met up with a friend at a cafe who wanted to buy tickets to one of my shows, and as he handed me the money we got mugged by two random guys.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... David Attenborough; everything sounds good with his voice. I'd love to hear him to do a voiceover on a clip of me microwaving a breakfast burrito.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? I would live in Tachikawa in Japan. I love city life in Tokyo, but wouldn't want to live right in the middle of it. Tachikawa is close enough by train, but quiet enough in itself.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Ed Sheeran because I think we'd get along so well through our music and also our personal interest. I'd love to host Steve Lukather from Toto as well; he would be such an interesting person to get to know. Finally I'd invite the American rapper Russ. He's got an amazing mind in and out of music, would love talk to him about his book.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Chicken and pesto pasta with aioli drizzled on top, and some homemade garlic bread. Pairs beautifully with a nice red wine.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I don't know where I'd be without my cute Groodle Dexter, I am a pets lover.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Brazilian Guarana Antarctica.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Sadly, before the end of the last COVID lockdown, 2021.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Mopping.
Do you have any phobias... Spiders, horrifying creepy crawly things yuck.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Reality shows are hard to watch. I couldn't imagine being on one. I'd love to be on the Netflix series 'The Mole' though; it’s more of a scavenger-hunt game show.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? My mate Christian has a C4 Corvette – I'd love to pay someone to impound it randomly.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? This place near me called Just Kebabs does amazing food; it's a staple after every night out I've had.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Eddie from 'Fresh Off The Boat'. I have very similar mannerisms, behaviours and style when I was younger. I really related to navigating two lives and cultures, living in an immigrant household and going to a school with more western ideals.
Last show you binge-watched? This is going to sound so cringe but 'Tiny House Nation' is a show I always come back to. I love the idea of living in a super nice house that you can drive around, and they always have the most amazing, clever designs. I would love to build one someday and I'll definitely be stealing ideas from them.
