For The Record: RAC, "My new album is about being a missionary kid in Portugal"

Starting out as part of a remix collective whilst at college in Illinois, the big break came for André Allen Anjos (aka RAC) when he scored a Grammy in 2017 for his remix of 'Tearing Me Up' by Bob Moses.

Born in Portugal to missionary parents, but based out of Portland in Oregon, the 35-year-old electronic music producer now has well over 200 remixes under his belt, has worked with the likes of Kele Okereke (Bloc Party), Linkin Park and MNDR, and has just released his third album, BOY, described as a record of 'soft, light, warm and comforting' songs.

He says: “I’ve been doing this professionally since 2007, initially through remixes but then diving into film, TV, ballet and ultimately landing on original work.

"I’m originally from Portugal, where I lived until I was 20, before landing in Portland, Oregon. I’m about to put out my 3rd album of original material on Counter Records. It’s called BOY and loosely based on my childhood, growing up as a missionary kid in Portugal.”

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Is there a record you can’t stop playing right now? 

“Caroline Polachek’s new album PANG. I sometimes don’t listen to music when I’m writing, so I’m still catching up on records from 2017 and 2018 etc. I’ve been getting back into Toro Y Moi stuff - I really like it.”

How many records do you personally own? 

“Probably 300-400 records. I’m not so much a collector, but I’ve accumulated a lot over the years.”

What’s the weirdest, rarest or most expensive record you own?

“The most expensive oddly is my own, my first album Strangers, because it’s sold out. I’ve seen it go on Discogs for a bit of money. The rarest one is maybe the Dan Deacon record, limited edition white vinyl of Spiderman of The Rings. Dan Deacon is great!”

If you could only play one record for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich because it’s very monotonous but puts me in a trance - it’s a mood I enjoy.”

Give us your top 3 recent releases.

“I love the new records by Tame Impala, Caribou and maybe Deb Never - I’m really into her lately.”

Which new artist/band/DJ should we be listening to right now?

“I’m going to go with Orion Sun, I think she’s amazing. She’s been putting out some really cool, interesting stuff.”

Do you have a musical guilty pleasure?

“I don’t really believe in guilty pleasures. I’m not embarrassed by this. Doja Cat, it’s great pop music.”

Best live performance you’ve ever seen? 

“I saw LCD Soundsystem in Portland before they retired - also where I met Holy Ghost.”

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be? 

“Paul Simon. I grew up with his music and I think he’s amazing. He’s on another level of songwriting.”

Keep an eye on upcoming RAC events and tickets here.