PopImpressKA Journal | Events, Charities, Art, Fashion, Movies

PopImpressKA Journal: Rachael Cain, Queen of House Music and President of Trax Records

by Olga Papkovitch

March 11, 2019

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

PJ: What valuable lessons did you learn from your parents while growing up?

Rachael Cain: Valuable lessons that I learned growing up include being kind and courteous to all people and living beings. I also was taught to be self-reliant. I came from a family of strong women who instilled the idea that I could achieve anything or do anything I put my mind to as long as I was willing to work hard!

PJ: Having such a great experience in the music industry like a label owner and artist what do you think the direction our industry going towards?

RC: I’ve been on board for many changes in the industry. I realize more and more the importance of social media. We are also living at a time when immediacy is commonplace. Whatever we want is only fingertips away. I can appreciate that, however, I still try to judge artists by merit, not numbers. I also care about personality and creativity. So I like to get to know the artists personally. I think we are becoming a bit too isolated and mechanical. I hope there will be a backlash.

PJ: Who were your biggest inspirations as a businesswoman and as an artist?

RC: My biggest influence as a businesswoman would be Sylvia Robinson the lady behind Sugarhill Records. Interestingly enough she was also a writer, artist, and producer. Sylvia brought Hip Hop to the world and she did it before Russell Simmons. I don’t think a lot of people know that, but meeting her set me on my path. As far as artists, talent wise I’d say Billie Holiday Janis Joplin, and Koko Taylor. They are old school but I really love listening to blues...

PJ: What artists would you like to work with? Name a few?

RC: There are many artists I’d love to work with. Daft Punk would certainly be a top contender. Then there is also Kaskade and Chance the Rapper. Kaskade is a huge Trax fan and extremely talented. Chance is amazing and he has done so much good for youth in Chicago. We have terrible gang problems here and unfortunately, the state isn’t helping enough with programs that inspire. I’ve been working with www.youthcommunicationchicago.org for many years so I really appreciate his talents and drive to give back to his community. I can’t forget the FUNK so I’d like to continue working with George Clinton, (he is retiring) oh no! and add Bootsy Collins as last but certainly not least.

PJ: What are your favorite musical instruments?

RC: My favorite instruments are electronic keyboards and my Roland 303 Acid Machine. I also think of my CDJ’s and turntables as instruments. Then, of course, I love percussion instruments and drums.

PJ: What artists you would like to perform with?

RC: I’d love to perform with all the artists I named to work with, but I want to add I’d love to do concerts with Grace Jones! She’s fantastic and so very inventive and creative. A total trailblazer! Also, Grace is a wonderful person. Her brother Chris is on the label, and I knew their dear mother. We’ve all shared some amazing times but never a stage.

PJ: What stage would you like to perform at?

RC: There are many stages I’d love to perform on, but since I’m so Chicago centric, I’ll say the main stage at Lollapalooza. That’s my home town and it would be fantastic to bring HOUSE back home in such an incredible outdoor manner!

PJ: What is your favorite traveling destination and why?

RC: My favorite travel destination is Paris! I love the history, the art and of course the people! It’s such a beautiful city that it takes my breath away just thinking about it!!!!

PJ: What was your most memorable performance in your career?

RC: It’s very difficult to choose my most memorable performance. I’ve had to put a lot of thought into this and I’m going to pick Fauna Primavera Festival in Chile. It was my first time in South America and it is a magical place. I performed with Marshall Jefferson and Robert Owens, who I really love on our Trax Stage. The audience was so enthusiastic and fun! Everything was fantastic from the moment my plane touched the ground!

PJ: What is your favorite time of the year, cuisine, book, holiday, film?

RC: My favorite time of year is summer, I’m a Leo so I’m a sun child. My favorite cuisine is vegan. I’ve always loved vegetables and I’m all about kindness to all living beings as well as preserving our planet. There’s a wonderful chef at Cite in Chicago, who really prepares great dishes for me and of course others on request. My favorite book is The Secret. My favorite holiday is Christmas and my favorite movie is Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

PJ: What would be your advice as a successful music mogul and artist to young talents out there?

RC: My advice to the any young talent on their career path is to learn as much about every part of the industry as you can. It’s difficult for some people including me, to be creative and still learn aspects about publishing, trademark, copyrights etc but to avoid pitfalls and to have a lasting career it’s a necessity. Always keep on top of things, keep your ear to what’s happening on the street and never be afraid to try new things. NEVER let anyone discourage you. Remember anything is possible. There’s a fine line between constructive criticism, and being open to direction, however, you are the captain of your ship and you are the guiding star of your own destiny. Most important of all is never stop believing in your dreams.

PJ: What are your three wishes?

RC: My 3 wishes are: to bring love and happiness to the world through our music, to live a very long and healthy life. And finally for all my wishes and all the wishes of the many people who have been kind and supportive around me to come true for the rest of our lives.