[INTERVIEW] ReauBeau Discusses Debut Album Outerspace + Future Of Dance Music

Rising DJ and producer ReauBeau has proven his potential for stardom and does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Native to the Netherlands, ReauBeau's recent successes include accomplishments such as performing at Tomorrowland, radio features on BBC Radio 1 and Diplo's Revolution on SiriusXM, and placements alongside popular brands like Sephora, Toyota, Redbull, and Expedia. Two years in the making, ReauBeau has finally released his debut album Outerspace via Circus Records, and has plans for a music video for the lead track “Don’t Care” in the works. Established as a force within dance music, ReauBeau is ready to start the next chapter of his career.

Read iEDM's exclusive interview with ReauBeau below.

iEDM: What inspired the theme behind Outerspace? Does the album tell a story within its discography?

ReauBeau: It's more of a record of thinking outside the box for myself. As I drew inspiration from “The Universe, it kind of made sense to call my album Outerspace. I also like sci-fi movies a lot.

iEDM: Releasing a debut album seems to be a surreal experience. How are you feeling in anticipation of the drop?

ReauBeau: It's very exciting actually, but I'm also glad I can finally let this out. I have made many tracks in the last year but only 12 made it. Some I just couldn't finish in time or it wasn't the right time yet.

iEDM: Outerspace features a number of vocal and producer collaborations. Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

ReauBeau: I would love to work with Whethan, Son Lux or Flume.

iEDM: You have recently experimented with new DnB subgenres on your single “Rock and Roll”. Should we look out for more experimentation and variety in your upcoming LP?

ReauBeau: I think all my tracks are experiments. "Rock n Roll" is a mashup of punk, jungle and hip-hop. There are a quite a few tracks that aren't just “bass” or “dancefloor” records. I worked a lot on my composition and sound design.  

iEDM: Although projects between dance music producers and pop artists have been historically very successful, a new trend has been establishing roots. More producers have been leaning into punk and rap influences recently. How do you feel about this shift? Are any unexpected influences seen in Outerspace?

ReauBeau: I am super glad that punk and rap are making its way in EDM. I used to sing in a punk band when I was younger and was in a rap group a few years later. So there are definitely influences in there. I love the rebellious attitude in those genres. 

iEDM: Circus Records has been a rightfully notorious label in the EDM industry for many years. What initially attracted you to their brand?

ReauBeau: When I was making dubstep under my old alias Robokop around 2010-2011, I was a huge fan of the label but never got to release on the label during that time. Then a few years ago, they picked my new alias ReauBeau up and have released an EP and now my first LP with them. It feels great! 

iEDM: Do you have a mentor in music? If so, who? How have they aided in furthering your talent and career?

ReauBeau: Good question. I have a few producers I look up to and I think working for film and advertising really boosted my skills in various areas. I'm trying to be a student at all times.

iEDM: Some producers advocate for knowledge in music theory, whereas others argue that it stunts creativity and imposes unnecessary boundaries. Do you have a position on this discourse? Have your favorite tracks been a result of taking one of these approaches?

ReauBeau: I do think learning theory is a good tool in making music because you can come up with sick chords and learn good sound design techniques. As long you use them as tools in your production and not as rules. If you use them as rules in creating music, no boundaries will be broken. 

iEDM: Where is your most productive workspace for creating music? Does your environment have a significant impact on your creativity?

ReauBeau: I have my own studio where I can zone out from normal life. Most of the time, I need a quiet mind to work. Sometimes, I take a few days off or travel to see new things. I remember going to Tokyo and still draw a lot of inspiration from that.

iEDM: Your discography dates back to 2017. How has your sound evolved over the past five years?

ReauBeau: I actually started singing on my own records again after many years. I think COVID helped a lot by not being able to work with people in the studio. I thought, 'What the hell. I can do it by myself.' I did a lot of experimentation the last few years with analog synths.

iEDM: Dance music has exponentially grown in popularity within the past several years. Do you believe this growth has impacted the accompanying subculture? Does culture die as popularity blossoms?

ReauBeau: I think if a genre gets sucked dry by the majors and everyone wants to sound the same, that's where people start to lose interest. At least that's when I start to lose it anyways. 

Photos Courtesy of Maryn Haertel

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