I’ve been listening to Raiden for a long time. When he released his new single “Light Me Up” featuring Matisse & Sadko, I wanted to spend some time with him to see what else he’s been working on. Originally from South Korea, Raiden has been playing some of the biggest festivals around the world. He’s shared the stage with some of the biggest names in dance music, and gained the respect of fans from around the world. Trained as a guitarist who studied in Japan, his career has changed drastically over the years now he finds himself collaborating with guys like Fedde Le Grand and Bright Lights. Needless to say, I was excited to sit down with him for a while. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Raiden.
Your new single “Light Me Up” is out. Tell me more about the new single and why you decided to debut it on SiriusXM.
Been working with my homies Matisse & Sadko for few months, and out on my home label Protocol Recordings. The guys and me shot the music video in Korea as well and be out soon. SiriusXM is a place where records get the best exposure, a lot of people follow BetaBPM closely to hear new music so to have it debut there was exciting.
You worked with Fedde Le Grand on “Hit the Club.” I love his work. What was it like working with him and do you plan to collaborate again in the future?
It’s a project that I’ve been working on for about 3 years . When I started to listen to dance music, I started my DJ career as listening to Fedde’s music a lot. Thinking back at the time, I can’t really believe we did this collaboration. Of course, I want to work on another project with him in any chance.
I just listened to your set from Ultra Music Festival. Then I realized it was from 2017! Regardless, still enjoyed it. Do you record all of your sets? Any more full sets we can listen to somewhere?
Thank you! I don’t always record all of my sets. But you can enjoy my set from Ultra Music Festival on YouTube.
Who are some of your biggest influences in dance music?
It is very hard to name a few, but I would mention Eric Prydz, Justice, boysnoize, Chemical Brothers, etc.
Do you prefer playing festivals like Ultra, or do you like playing smaller rooms?
Both! I don’t think there’s any DJ who doesn’t like to play in big festivals. Both of them are fun in different aspects. I like playing in smaller rooms because I get to play different music than what I play in the festival.
People who are used to seeing my festival sets got surprised when I played techno. Technasia said my techno set was great at the Ultra Japan after party.
People live and die by the DJ Mag Top 100. You aren’t currently on that list, but as a DJ, do you take that list serious? Would being on that list open doors for you, or is it just a popularity contest? Always curious what guys in the field think of the list.
Whether people love or hate the DJ Mag Top 100 list, everybody is looking at this. I don’t think ranking in the 1st place in this list makes you the top DJ in the world. However, I do care about it, because a lot of people are watching and talking about it.
Las Vegas has become the center for EDM in the United States. What are some of your favorite clubs in Sin City?
OMNIA, Encore Beach Club, and Hakkasan Nightclub are my favorites.
When you are not producing, whom are you listening to?
I listen to rock music like Red Hot Chili Peppers.
You performed during the Olympic Winter Games closing ceremony. Tell me more about that set and how you got involved with the Olympics.
I would say that day was the highlight of my life. I got to open for Martin Garrix, and got aired for the entire globe. I wanted to set apart from the usual EDM style I do, and go back to my roots in rock music. I wanted to express the Olympic spirit and the athlete’s longing for victory with my guitar performance. The Olympics was held in my home country Korea, and I was honored to represent my country as a DJ.
You are originally from Korea. Do you get back to Korea very often? What is the music scene like there?
Yes. I currently live in Korea. For the last few years, dance music has been rising to the surface and now is one of the most popular genres. Following along, the EDM club scene is very active and many dance music producers are releasing and performing in big festivals, inside and outside of Korea.
What’s next for Raiden?
The release of the closing track from the Olympic Winter Games. It will be released on Size Records. Steve Angello influences me not only in a musical way but also in a human way. To be releasing on his label is my true honor.
Thank you for doing this. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you. Enjoy “Light Me Up” and see you next time!
Connect with Raiden:
Website: https://www.raidenmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djraidenofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/raidenmusic
