Yeah,Rayeknows itperfectly.
When I tell you I studied that run, Istudiedthat run, says Raye.
Shes ready, a voice says from the distance.
THE SANCTUARY, LOS ANGELESLocated in Aguilera’s Mediterranean-style mansion tucked away in Beverly Hills, the recording studio that she had built is known for its moody, private atmosphere. She’s done a lot of soundtrack work there for films like The Addams Family and Paw Patrol.HIT LIST:“Reflection (2020),” “The Addams Family (Theme)”
Seconds later, Aguilera struts down a burgundy staircase that matches her blouse.
At the bottom of the stairs, Raye is waiting excitedly.
Aguilera tells her as she leans in for a hug.
For the next hour, the singers pose for photos in Aguileras home studio.
(Raye just released her concert albumLive at Montreux Jazz Festival.)
I wasnt ready for this today!
Aguilera says with a laugh.
The pair immediately slide into velvet harmonies, as if they had prepared for this moment for weeks.
I could do that 10 more times!
Watch the video interview below
Aguilera:Thank you so much for doing this and being here.
Im just so in awe and love with your talent and your voice.
Im such a fan.
Raye:I cant believe that.
And thanks for having us in your beautiful home.
It really is an honor.
Aguilera:Im curious about your process.
How do you get your orchestra from city to city?
Raye:I love musicians.
Thats the number-one must onstage, even if the stage is looking dusty.
I have a core band of five who come with me for everything.
Ever since we started using brass onstage, Ive been obsessed.
Aguilera:I was able to do the show at the Hollywood Bowl with the [L.A.] Philharmonic.
I was like a kid in the candy store, where Im just like, Oh, my God.
Orchestral arrangements of Genie in a Bottle.
I love where you come in [with] your musicianship and artistry.
Its about music first.
When I saw you live, I was like, What?
Oh, shes going to bearound.
I was drawn to it because youre so versatile in what you might do.
What we listen to and feed ourselves is subconsciously what we regurgitate.
Ive been listening to the greats.
I love your vibrato.
All your note choices.
Do you have someone you work very closely with?
Because these arrangements are no joke.
Raye:Ive had this tour manager whos worked with me since I started out doing shows.
And he loves music and plays a couple of instruments.
Now, we are at a place where we travel around everywhere together and we make the arrangements.
We do it all on a laptop whilst were on the road.
Aguilera:Its your tour manager?
Raye:He used to be a session musician.
Hes called Pete Clements.
But hes now my musical director.
There was a time three years ago when it was looking a bit bleak.
And weve pushed through.
Aguilera:Having your solid core people is everything.
Raye:How do you know This is the right person Im going to let in?
Trust is such a big thing and feeling safe around people.
How do you know who to trust?
Aguilera:Youll never quite know.
Im a big gut girl.
This business is crazy.
I think your biggest gift as an artist is to listen.
There are a lot of things to be learned over time, and time always tells.
You have to protect your space and your energy.
Raye:Were there ever moments in your career where you didnt feel in control?
Aguilera:When you truly care, youre a control freak.
And its really hard to relinquish control.
I wanted it so bad.
That first record that I did is coming up on [its] 25th anniversary.
Were not doing runs or ad-libs.
I felt like my voice was stifled.
Its just no place for an artist.
Raye:Thats so nuts.
It even makes me uncomfortable in my skin.
Just shut up and let me sing.
How did you deal with being a female powerhouse when it was just gatekeepers and sexist men?
Ive been through all of that too.
I was constantly surrounded by male studio heads and producers.
And now the industry looks a lot different.
Aguilera:Absolutely not.
I cannot be consumed with that aspect all the time.
I just cant do it, literally.
I have to have my sanity.
I want to live my life I dont like to feel affected by peoples opinions.
I think thats so harmful.
Raye:I hear that, girl.
What are your top-five favorite songs youve written and are most proud of?
It took me so long to try and get my voice to just do it.
And even the way you closed it off was so disgusting.
Do you freestyle things like that?
Or do you do 10 runs and choose the one you love the most?
Aguilera:Im pretty programmed when it comes to that.
Raye:Im freaking out.
I have a lot of brass in my voice.
It has a lot of edge to it.
RS: Raye, whats your favorite Christina song?
You are one of the only people to have brought it to the mainstream in such a fresh way.
I remember being obsessed with the three wigs in the video, with three different hair colors.
This is a really hard question to ask.
Do you have a song of mine that you like?
Aguilera:I have a few.
The first time I heard you was with Escapism.
The way you wrote that song!
It didnt sound too forced.
It was effortlessly clever and just so cool.
How did 070 Shake come up?
Shes just such an artists artist.
Shes such a real one and so talented.
Aguilera:Im such a fan of hers too.
One from your album that I really love is Oscar Winning Tears.
Thats the kind of song that I feel would be a fun song to sing.
Raye:Youd eat that song up.
Aguilera:Is it fun to just dig your heels in and … [growls]?
Raye:It is.
I love to sing it.
Its one of those songs that when youre singing it every night, youre like, Oh.
You get to that note and youre like, just, Lord, have mercy.
It takes a lot out of you, to do them notes.
But this one is lower, and Im terrified of it.
Its a mental game sometimes.
I do a vocal warm-up routine.
What is your routine before a show?
Aguilera:Ive never done the straw thing.
Raye:I quite like it.
I think it vibrates subtly any kind of mucus.
Raye:Im obsessed.
That is so fire.
Do you think your voice is less clean now than it was before?
You cant force it or buy it.
It just feels lived in.
Linda Perry got me over being a perfectionist vocalist in a way.
The imperfections become the perfections because its where the emotion lies.
RS: Is there a piece of advice that you would want to give Raye?
Aguilera:I think shes already ahead of the game, to be very honest with you.
I mean, even the fact that she sings barefoot.
Ive already fucked up my legs and my feet so bad with all this high-heel nonsense.
I fucked up the cartilage in my knee.
I love that about you, though.
I never had the balls to just do it.
Those are the best when you just feel the floor underneath.
Raye:I feel like when Im wearing shoes, Im thinking about wearing shoes.
I have a question.
To your memory, what is the toughest vocal performance youve had to do?
Aguilera:Probably A Song for You, which I did with Herbie Hancock.
It was a lot to try and perfect that live.
I sang Run to You for Whitney Houston in front of her.
That was nerve-wracking, but she couldnt have been more sweet and lovely.
RS: What are you manifesting for yourself and for each other in the future?
Aguilera:A duet?
Raye:We should write together.
I would love that.
Aguilera:Well, there we go!
Thanks,Rolling Stone.
