Interview with Rheo Uno

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

From very very young I used to sing just random noises and little things I’d make up (now known as ad Libs haha) I was obsessed with making not necessarily words, but creating melodies with my voice, I also remember a time I was watching the xfactor with the whole family and I just announced I was going to write a song. I said I’d come back and sing it for everyone, it’s not a chart topper but I went off and wrote a song about losing my older sister. I’d say I was about 11? I stood in the kitchen and sang it to my parents and once again they were just in tears, it’s very cute thinking back, and I guess that was when I wrote my first ever song.

If I wasn’t in music, I’d have followed my other obsession, bit dark but crime psychology, I’m fascinated by serial killers, and what makes their minds tick.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I’m a really social person and love spending time with my friends, and so many of my song concepts are sparked by girly convos about relationship dramas.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

I’m based in the Midlands UK but spend a lot of time travelling too. 

Growing up I was influenced by my dads 90s dance tunes, he was a big clubber and I still have the tracks on my playlist today.

Then equally I’m still influenced by Usher and Neyo from my moms playlists, I was a huuuuge Belieber, like obsessed. I think the reason Im good at ad libs and riffs is because I used to sing Justins over and over again until I could do them, now there second nature.

Tell me about your most memorable show

A real throw back but a show that still sticks in my mind, is when my parents first found out that I could sing, I was given a solo in my year 6 leavers performance, it was literally like 4 lines. When it came to me singing them I stood up and this little spot light was on me because everything else was dark for dramatic effect I guess, I started singing and I just heard my mom and dad gasp and then my mom was in floods of tears, she had no idea until right then that I could actually sing. I was straight into singing lessons and I could sing whenever I wanted haha.

I’ve performed in some amazing places from 5 people to thousands, but performing my own songs and people vibing to them is just the best feeling.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Godiva festival holds some great memories for me, it’s on my doorstep and was the first time I’d played BBC introducing stage.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

It would have to be Coachella with Justin Bieber as suppprt haha, I mean I wish

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music?

Manage your expectations, nothing happens fast, it’s about hard work and staying authentic. 

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

It would be trust your instincts, because of my music industry inexperience at the time, I took guidance from people who didn’t really get me, and I was following a path they chose rather than following my own authentic path, as I do now.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

It’s 100% my latest release DWBIL, rather than my usual tongue in cheek suggestive lyrics, it’s based around a real life experience, so more honest. Wrapped in an upbeat vibe, not in a negative way.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Without exception DWBIL is everyone’s favourite, but I get asked a lot for Good Girl and Let You Go.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

I take small details of what I see in the relationships around me, and build a conversational story around the idea. 

I might use a quote I’ve read somewhere, GOOD GIRL came from a quote “how bad can a good girl get”

In the studio, my producer and co writer Charlie Drew, loops some basic chords together and we put melodies to them, then the lyrics come naturally

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Positivity and strength, don’t be the victim.

Shoot your shot and take the opportunities that come your way

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

We’ve got so many great tracks in the bank, so we’re thinking of putting out an EP early next year and getting some live performances scheduled