Rae Mulla burst onto the indie music rap scene with his dynamic and electric energy as a rapper, combined with a surreal perspective that sets him apart. What truly gives him the edge are his one-of-a-kind music videos, which add a visual depth to his art. To further refine his craft, he interned at a film studio, mastering the tricks of the trade. Now, he’s back with another ultra-cool single, Breathe, created in collaboration with the talented studio figure chrms. The track has innovative beats with clever lyrics that make it fun for the audience. The accompanying video showcases Rae’s artistic vision, featuring striking visuals that perfectly complement the song’s energy.
Rae’s nonchalant energy is hard to overlook even in an email interview. He is full of intrigue and is definitely a name to know.
You were interning at a film studio the last time we spoke. Where are you now, and how has that experience enhanced your creative journey?
I learnt a lot not just about creative things but also all the other things that need to be managed. What a big set looks like, how people manage time and relationships within the set. I was the clapper on set so I ran a lot and learnt a little about lenses, I got to see how people were blocking and lighting scenes. It’s definitely helped me be peaceful and make quick decisions on my own (much smaller) sets.
Breathe seems to comment on various issues. What was the starting point for the song?
Just I was going crazy. Chrms sent a crazy instrumental, we sat and I just did the hook randomly and he loved it.
How do you approach exploring sensitive themes in your music, and how do you maintain radical honesty? Do you feel a sense of responsibility as an artist?
I’m not that honest. I’m not responsible to anyone as an artist. As someone trying to make a career out of something there will always be responsibilities and obligations. I do wonder if some things are worth saying. I think I have a gift. I used to think it was my responsibility to share it. Now it’s more of a choice, not really a responsibility.
Last time, you mentioned that you don’t really have a creative process, but you do become obsessed with the project at hand. Have you evolved since then?
No.
Rap music is experiencing a significant rise in India, gaining global attention and growing exponentially. What are your thoughts on the music coming out of India right now?
There’s talent, hard-work, emotion and good music everywhere. I don’t look at music geographically.
What’s next?
I was planning an 8-track album called Lonely Singles In Your Area. But I think it’s going to end up being a shorter EP. Rather than forcing seamlessness between the different styles of music, I think we’ll condense it to 4 unique tracks, all sonically different from each other, but similar thoughts.
Words Hansika Lohani
Date 20.03.2025