July 24, 2023 • 9 mins
Celebrating her smash "Praising You" w Fatboy Slim hitting #1 on the dance charts, Rita Ora shares how the song was born, and how she decided to take on remaking such a classic by Norman Cook.
Rita also takes on #FinkysFirsts!
Find out about:
Follow: @AmericasDance30 on all socials!
Count down the biggest dance songs in the country every week with Brian Fink on America’s Dance 30; listen on dance stations around the world!
Rita also takes on #FinkysFirsts!
Find out about:
- the first thing she wanted to be growing up
- the first time she visited the U.S.
- the first song she ever wrote
- the first dance song that got her into EDM
- the first thing she would want to be praised for
Follow: @AmericasDance30 on all socials!
Count down the biggest dance songs in the country every week with Brian Fink on America’s Dance 30; listen on dance stations around the world!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Rita, this is a little awkwardchatting with you right now, and I'll
tell you why. Last time wewere hanging out, you signed a headshot
for me. Love you my Boohdoes your husband know we're booze? Well,
he doesn't know. Won't killing me? It's like, let's just not
mention that. Pause, all right, dance counting down the biggest dance songs
(00:38):
in the country. This is America'sDance thirty. Rita, Aura, it
has been way too long. Welcometo America's Dance thirty. Thank you.
I'm happy to be here. I'mso excited to be talking all things music.
Yeah, it is so great seeingyou. Congratulations not only on getting
(00:58):
married, but congratulations on all ofthe success with praising you. It's so
amazing. Thank you. Honestly,I wouldn't be able to do it without
the support of you guys, youknow in radio and everybody kind of understanding
the story of like the fat BoySlim sample and kind of really feeling nostalgic
with the sound. And I'm reallyreally happy people are digging it, especially
(01:19):
in the dance community. Yeah,I'm such a fan of the original as
well, so I can't wait tohear how this song was born. But
before we talk all things praising you, let's get to know Rita Aura a
little better with Finky's first Okay,So I love finding out the origin story
(01:44):
of artists. I know when youwere a kid growing up in London you
went to performing school, right,Yeah, I went to a theater school.
Actually I studied drama and theater beforeI did music. And music just
kind of had its like little life. It was like the fox that just
came through and bushes or something,but it came out and here I am.
But was getting into performing or singingor songwriting? Was that the first
(02:08):
thing you wanted to do when youwere growing up or was there something else?
No I knew I wanted to sing. I always wanted to sing since
I was a tiny kid. Thatis amazing. When did you actually start
singing? When I was about six, I joined my school choir and that's
when my teacher kind of was like, hey, guys, I think you
guys should focus on her. She'sgot something, so shout out my teacher.
(02:28):
What's their name? Do you remembermy name? Susie? Actually I
always called her Susie. I don'tactually know her surname. That's awesome.
Now, the first time we met, hold on, Actually, let me
test you. Do you remember thefirst time we met? Honestly, I
feel like I've been working like outhere in these streets for a pretty long
(02:50):
time, so I don't know.Can you remind me? Sure? So
it was in Miami for Miami MusicWeek. It may have been w MC
at the time. It was fora panel that, if I remember correctly,
carry Vance was putting on. Youhad just signed I think to rock
Nation, and not to get toocrazy, but I remember you were wearing
(03:15):
these huge platform shoes and rip.Okay, it's a little psycho that I
actually remember this, But do youremember the first time you actually visited the
States? Um? Yeah, Imean, of course, first of all,
I remember before signing my deal whenI visited the States of going to
New York City. That was likea really overwhelming experience. Oh so that
(03:38):
was the first time. Yeah,I'm sorry, Yeah, so that was
the first time. Yeah, thatwas like twe that was a ten.
That's so crazy that it was solong ago. Now, of course,
you've got some incredible smashes, includingstill one of my favorites, Hot Right
(03:59):
Now out with DJ Fresh, whichis still such an amazing song. But
do you remember the first song youever wrote? Honestly I do, and
I remember it was called I'll BeWaiting and I was about fourteen fifteen and
I could only play like three chordsat the time, and so I wrote
a whole song on like three chordsand I loved it. I still actually
do love it. I think youshould revisit it and bring it back.
(04:24):
Now let's leave that no different girl, now different time. So of course
your number one, Praising You withFat Boy Slim is an interpolation of the
original Praise You by Fat Boy Slim. Do you remember the first dance song
that got you into EDM? Yeah, I mean it was Praise You,
(04:46):
honestly, I mean it came outin nineteen ninety eight. I was eight
years old. I started going tothe club scenes when I was about sixteen,
underground sort of club dance scenes,and they were still playing that song,
and then I was just sort oflike, what is this drop?
Like what is going on? AndI just felt so in tune with dance
music, and that's why all mysongs and I do a lot of DJ
features, and I just have thisconnection to dance records. That's so crazy
(05:10):
that it's come full circle. Thatis so amazing. Well, you know
I've been manifesting, honey since twothousand and ten. Well, finally,
in Finky's first in honor of praisingyou going number one. If I was
in throwing you on stage for aLifetime Achievement award, what would be the
(05:30):
first thing you would want me topraise you for? I love that question.
Honestly, It'd be about my workethic, my hard work, my
resilience and sort of just keep keepgoing. That is something that I think
everyone should really be praised for,you know, because that's a lot.
That's a lot of mental discipline,and the work ethic right now is absolute
(05:55):
craps. So yes, you shouldbe praised for that. Hold on,
I'm going to write all this downbecause I will be introwing you for a
Lifetime Achievement award. Let's let's putthem in the atmosphere. Up, Yes,
(06:16):
let's talk about this smash. Howdid you even decide to take on
such a classic? Well, itwas always in the back of my mind,
you know, growing up, evenif even now kind of when I
hoped to do the parties and stufflike that. Like, I'll always have
it with my playlist, and thenI just thought like, wow, dance
music is moving in such a crazyfast pace that like, why not do
(06:38):
something with someone that had such amoment in dance worldwide and try and pay
homage to the ones that really helpedme. And so I didn't even think
he was going to say yes,honestly, like I felt like it was
such a big, big ask becausehe had so much influence in the nineties.
I mean still does you know withthose records that I just thought he
(06:59):
was going to tell me to justf off. But he really turned around
and he said, you know what, I'm just kind of really flattered,
And I said flattered, are youkidding? It would be an honor to
do anything with you? And thatwas that, and I will think I
just think we made a real genuineconnection and he liked the song well.
Side story fat Boy Slim is oneof the best shows I have ever seen.
(07:23):
He was on stage and he actuallystarted screwing up and started wrapping his
headphones around his neck like he washanging himself. I'm like, this is
like he is just so personable andamazing. How long was the entire process?
Of making the song. I meanI wrote the song with my writing
(07:43):
partner separately, with that idea inmind, like before he even said yes,
because I was thinking, like,if if I want to get this,
like, I need him to understandthe vision and believe the story and
like the song. And so Idid. I just wrote him and he
loved it. Luckily, what youhave done. If Norman had said now
we're not doing this, I wasprepared. I mean, listen, it
(08:05):
could have happened. I mean Ijust basically wouldn't have used it. I
would have just let it sit there. Honestly, Ah, that would have
sucked so bad. So when Iwas prepping for our chat, I was
absolutely mind blown to find out thatGeorgia Coup actually played a part in it.
She has been a part of somany amazing songs. Yes, so
(08:28):
George is a good friend of mine. Honestly, she's been around for a
minute, and yeah, she's agreat songwriter. I kept it really small.
I actually texted the idea of itand she was just really really excited.
That's incredible. Now, something thatI love to find out about songs
is how many different versions there are, tweaking from when you guys start working
(08:50):
on it too. When it's finallyput out. Do you know how many
vs there were of praising you?No? I mean what you mean?
Fat were Slim's version. I onlyhad one version of mine? Really,
yes? Yes? And was therea lot of back and forth or was
it a pretty quick process? Well, it was pretty quick. I mean
you kind of had a couple ofnotes about boys them, but overall,
(09:11):
it's it was the same. It'sthe same as it was in the demo,
and I'm happy. I'm happy theyliked it. That is so incredible.
Well, congratulations on all the successwith it. What is next for
Rita Aura? Well, the album'sout and I'm gonna keep just putting out
great songs. I have a fewmore dance features coming out, so keep
an eye up for that. Awesomeand we're going to keep the secret between
(09:31):
me and you don't need to tellyour husband about I don't even know what
you're talking about. Rito, Aura. It is always such a pleasure seeing
you. Thank you so much foryour time on America's Dance thirty. I'll
see you at the Lifetime Achievement Award. America's Dance thirty. Counting down the
(09:52):
biggest dance songs in the country.America's Dance thirty
Rita, this is a little awkwardchatting with you right now, and I'll
tell you why. Last time wewere hanging out, you signed a headshot
for me. Love you my Boohdoes your husband know we're booze? Well,
he doesn't know. Won't killing me? It's like, let's just not
mention that. Pause, all right, dance counting down the biggest dance songs
(00:38):
in the country. This is America'sDance thirty. Rita, Aura, it
has been way too long. Welcometo America's Dance thirty. Thank you.
I'm happy to be here. I'mso excited to be talking all things music.
Yeah, it is so great seeingyou. Congratulations not only on getting
(00:58):
married, but congratulations on all ofthe success with praising you. It's so
amazing. Thank you. Honestly,I wouldn't be able to do it without
the support of you guys, youknow in radio and everybody kind of understanding
the story of like the fat BoySlim sample and kind of really feeling nostalgic
with the sound. And I'm reallyreally happy people are digging it, especially
(01:19):
in the dance community. Yeah,I'm such a fan of the original as
well, so I can't wait tohear how this song was born. But
before we talk all things praising you, let's get to know Rita Aura a
little better with Finky's first Okay,So I love finding out the origin story
(01:44):
of artists. I know when youwere a kid growing up in London you
went to performing school, right,Yeah, I went to a theater school.
Actually I studied drama and theater beforeI did music. And music just
kind of had its like little life. It was like the fox that just
came through and bushes or something,but it came out and here I am.
But was getting into performing or singingor songwriting? Was that the first
(02:08):
thing you wanted to do when youwere growing up or was there something else?
No I knew I wanted to sing. I always wanted to sing since
I was a tiny kid. Thatis amazing. When did you actually start
singing? When I was about six, I joined my school choir and that's
when my teacher kind of was like, hey, guys, I think you
guys should focus on her. She'sgot something, so shout out my teacher.
(02:28):
What's their name? Do you remembermy name? Susie? Actually I
always called her Susie. I don'tactually know her surname. That's awesome.
Now, the first time we met, hold on, Actually, let me
test you. Do you remember thefirst time we met? Honestly, I
feel like I've been working like outhere in these streets for a pretty long
(02:50):
time, so I don't know.Can you remind me? Sure? So
it was in Miami for Miami MusicWeek. It may have been w MC
at the time. It was fora panel that, if I remember correctly,
carry Vance was putting on. Youhad just signed I think to rock
Nation, and not to get toocrazy, but I remember you were wearing
(03:15):
these huge platform shoes and rip.Okay, it's a little psycho that I
actually remember this, But do youremember the first time you actually visited the
States? Um? Yeah, Imean, of course, first of all,
I remember before signing my deal whenI visited the States of going to
New York City. That was likea really overwhelming experience. Oh so that
(03:38):
was the first time. Yeah,I'm sorry, Yeah, so that was
the first time. Yeah, thatwas like twe that was a ten.
That's so crazy that it was solong ago. Now, of course,
you've got some incredible smashes, includingstill one of my favorites, Hot Right
(03:59):
Now out with DJ Fresh, whichis still such an amazing song. But
do you remember the first song youever wrote? Honestly I do, and
I remember it was called I'll BeWaiting and I was about fourteen fifteen and
I could only play like three chordsat the time, and so I wrote
a whole song on like three chordsand I loved it. I still actually
do love it. I think youshould revisit it and bring it back.
(04:24):
Now let's leave that no different girl, now different time. So of course
your number one, Praising You withFat Boy Slim is an interpolation of the
original Praise You by Fat Boy Slim. Do you remember the first dance song
that got you into EDM? Yeah, I mean it was Praise You,
(04:46):
honestly, I mean it came outin nineteen ninety eight. I was eight
years old. I started going tothe club scenes when I was about sixteen,
underground sort of club dance scenes,and they were still playing that song,
and then I was just sort oflike, what is this drop?
Like what is going on? AndI just felt so in tune with dance
music, and that's why all mysongs and I do a lot of DJ
features, and I just have thisconnection to dance records. That's so crazy
(05:10):
that it's come full circle. Thatis so amazing. Well, you know
I've been manifesting, honey since twothousand and ten. Well, finally,
in Finky's first in honor of praisingyou going number one. If I was
in throwing you on stage for aLifetime Achievement award, what would be the
(05:30):
first thing you would want me topraise you for? I love that question.
Honestly, It'd be about my workethic, my hard work, my
resilience and sort of just keep keepgoing. That is something that I think
everyone should really be praised for,you know, because that's a lot.
That's a lot of mental discipline,and the work ethic right now is absolute
(05:55):
craps. So yes, you shouldbe praised for that. Hold on,
I'm going to write all this downbecause I will be introwing you for a
Lifetime Achievement award. Let's let's putthem in the atmosphere. Up, Yes,
(06:16):
let's talk about this smash. Howdid you even decide to take on
such a classic? Well, itwas always in the back of my mind,
you know, growing up, evenif even now kind of when I
hoped to do the parties and stufflike that. Like, I'll always have
it with my playlist, and thenI just thought like, wow, dance
music is moving in such a crazyfast pace that like, why not do
(06:38):
something with someone that had such amoment in dance worldwide and try and pay
homage to the ones that really helpedme. And so I didn't even think
he was going to say yes,honestly, like I felt like it was
such a big, big ask becausehe had so much influence in the nineties.
I mean still does you know withthose records that I just thought he
(06:59):
was going to tell me to justf off. But he really turned around
and he said, you know what, I'm just kind of really flattered,
And I said flattered, are youkidding? It would be an honor to
do anything with you? And thatwas that, and I will think I
just think we made a real genuineconnection and he liked the song well.
Side story fat Boy Slim is oneof the best shows I have ever seen.
(07:23):
He was on stage and he actuallystarted screwing up and started wrapping his
headphones around his neck like he washanging himself. I'm like, this is
like he is just so personable andamazing. How long was the entire process?
Of making the song. I meanI wrote the song with my writing
(07:43):
partner separately, with that idea inmind, like before he even said yes,
because I was thinking, like,if if I want to get this,
like, I need him to understandthe vision and believe the story and
like the song. And so Idid. I just wrote him and he
loved it. Luckily, what youhave done. If Norman had said now
we're not doing this, I wasprepared. I mean, listen, it
(08:05):
could have happened. I mean Ijust basically wouldn't have used it. I
would have just let it sit there. Honestly, Ah, that would have
sucked so bad. So when Iwas prepping for our chat, I was
absolutely mind blown to find out thatGeorgia Coup actually played a part in it.
She has been a part of somany amazing songs. Yes, so
(08:28):
George is a good friend of mine. Honestly, she's been around for a
minute, and yeah, she's agreat songwriter. I kept it really small.
I actually texted the idea of itand she was just really really excited.
That's incredible. Now, something thatI love to find out about songs
is how many different versions there are, tweaking from when you guys start working
(08:50):
on it too. When it's finallyput out. Do you know how many
vs there were of praising you?No? I mean what you mean?
Fat were Slim's version. I onlyhad one version of mine? Really,
yes? Yes? And was therea lot of back and forth or was
it a pretty quick process? Well, it was pretty quick. I mean
you kind of had a couple ofnotes about boys them, but overall,
(09:11):
it's it was the same. It'sthe same as it was in the demo,
and I'm happy. I'm happy theyliked it. That is so incredible.
Well, congratulations on all the successwith it. What is next for
Rita Aura? Well, the album'sout and I'm gonna keep just putting out
great songs. I have a fewmore dance features coming out, so keep
an eye up for that. Awesomeand we're going to keep the secret between
(09:31):
me and you don't need to tellyour husband about I don't even know what
you're talking about. Rito, Aura. It is always such a pleasure seeing
you. Thank you so much foryour time on America's Dance thirty. I'll
see you at the Lifetime Achievement Award. America's Dance thirty. Counting down the
(09:52):
biggest dance songs in the country.America's Dance thirty
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