Rinaly: “This album is the most personal thing I’ve ever created. It’s vulnerable, raw, and honest”

Rinaly’s journey into the global trance scene didn’t happen overnight—it began in Tokyo, where a deep love for dance music turned into something bigger. What started as a spark soon became a mission: to create music that moves people.

As one of the few prominent female trance DJs from Asia, Rinaly didn’t follow a blueprint—she built her own. In a genre often dominated by men, she carved out a space with pure talent, unwavering passion, and a sound that speaks louder than words. Her tracks blend uplifting melodies, driving energy, and emotional depth, striking that rare balance between euphoria and power.

Releases on labels like Future Sound of Egypt, AVA Recordings, and Black Hole Recordings have earned her the respect of trance icons like Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Andrew Rayel, Aly & Fila, and a growing global fanbase who connect deeply with her sound.

Whether she’s playing a massive festival like Ultra Korea or EDC China, or taking over an intimate club night somewhere across Europe, she knows how to build a journey—not just about BPMs, but emotion, release, and connection.

But her impact goes beyond the booth. Rinaly has become a symbol of possibility—for women, for Asian artists, for anyone dreaming of breaking into the scene on their own terms. She’s shown that with authenticity, dedication, and a clear voice, it’s possible to rise.

You’ve become one of the rising names in the global trance scene and it’s been amazing to watch your journey. How did you first fall in love with electronic music? Was there a moment that really pulled you in?

Rinaly:
I can’t remember the exact year, but I’ll never forget the feeling. I visited a nightclub for the first time and experienced electronic music in a live setting. I was completely overwhelmed in the best way possible. But it was around 2013 when I attended my first A State of Trance event that everything truly clicked. That was the moment I fell in love.

The emotional melodies, the driving basslines, and the intricate sound design all resonated deeply with me. Trance had this perfect balance of energy and emotion that I didn’t even know I was searching for. From that point on, it felt like home.

Trance is such an emotional, powerful genre that connects so many people. What was it that personally drew you to it? And what kind of feeling or experience do you hope to pass on to listeners through your sets or tracks?

Rinaly:
Trance is more than just music to me. It feels like an emotional language that speaks directly to the soul. What first drew me in was the way it balanced intensity with beauty. The uplifting melodies, the driving energy, and the sense of unity it creates, made me feel deeply understood in a way words never could.

That same feeling is what I’ve tried to capture on my album. I poured all my unspoken emotions into each track, letting the music tell stories I couldn’t express any other way. Every track represents a chapter of my life—from the highest moments to the darkest lows. My hope is that listeners feel that honesty and connect with their own emotions through the journey.

Your productions strike this perfect balance between uplifting melodies and raw energy. How would you describe your sound in your own words?

Rinaly:
I’d describe my sound as a journey between light and shadow—a fusion of uplifting emotions and raw, driving energy. Melodically, I always aim to reach the heart, but rhythmically, I want to awaken the body. There’s a certain tension in that contrast, and that’s where I feel most creatively alive. For me, trance is about transformation, and my sound reflects that inner evolution.

You’ve played everywhere from massive festivals like EDC and Ultra to intimate club shows. How do those different settings influence your performance and the way you connect with the crowd?

Rinaly:
Every setting has its kind of magic. Festivals like EDC or Ultra feel like a collective explosion of energy. You're playing for thousands of people who are all tuned into the same frequency. It’s powerful—almost spiritual.

But in a small club, the connection is raw and intimate. You can see every face, feel every breath. It’s like having a conversation through sound. At big festivals, I focus on energy and impact, big melodies, and emotional peaks. In smaller venues, I go deeper, more personal. I take the crowd on a more nuanced, emotional journey.

Regardless of the size, my goal is always the same: to connect hearts through music.

You’re one of the few prominent female trance DJs from Asia, which is incredible. Do you feel a sense of pride or even responsibility for paving the way for others?

Rinaly:
There is a sense of pride, but it often comes with a constant uphill struggle. The trance scene, especially the uplifting genre, is still very male-dominated—and even more so when it comes to trance artists from Asia. As a woman from this part of the world, breaking into the global stage has felt like an ongoing challenge.

To stand out, I focus on creating a deeper connection with my listeners. I do not just produce tracks; I tell stories through them. Each one carries emotion and meaning, allowing people to connect no matter who they are, where they come from, or what language they speak. Music has the power to unite us, and that is what I aim for every time I step into the studio or onto the stage.

Let’s talk about your debut album, set to drop later this year. What inspired you to work on a full album now, and how did it feel building something bigger and more personal than just a single?

Rinaly:
Yes, that’s right! And honestly, this album has been years in the making—emotionally speaking. For a long time, I was releasing singles, each one a snapshot of a feeling or moment. But eventually, I felt the urge to tell a deeper, more complete story—something that reflects my inner transformation, not just as an artist, but as a human being.

Working on a full album allowed me to explore themes like healing, identity, and rebirth on a much more intimate level. It wasn’t just about sound design or structure; it became a process of self-discovery. Every track is a chapter, and together they form a narrative I could never fully express in a single release. This album is the most personal thing I’ve ever created.

It’s vulnerable, raw, and honest—and I can’t wait to finally share it.

You’ve already teased us with “Running,” “Oh Fragile Girl,” and “Unleash” on Black Hole Recordings this year. Can we expect the album to follow that same variety?

Rinaly:
Absolutely! The album reflects all sides of who I am. There’s peak-time trance energy, emotional and melodic moments, and even some creative risks. For the first time, I’ve included tracks inspired by drum & bass and hard techno—sounds that challenged me and helped me grow. It’s a journey through my emotions, my evolution, and everything in between.

If you had to pick—massive festival stages or intimate club rooms—which one feels more like your vibe?

Rinaly:
If I had to choose, I’d say massive festival stages! That’s where I truly come alive. There’s something magical about sharing energy with thousands of people at once—all moving to the same rhythm under an open sky or a sea of lights.

It’s not just about the size—it’s the sense of unity, the emotional highs, and the freedom to create something unforgettable on a big scale. That kind of energy is electric, and it pushes me to give everything I have.

Any plans to bring back your Rina Mirai alias soon?

Rinaly:
I am not currently focused on bringing back the Rina Mirai alias. At this point in my journey, I feel more inspired to express everything I love—whether it is trance, techno, or drum and bass—through one identity.

For a long time, I believed I had to separate different parts of myself and split my emotions across multiple aliases. But I’ve realized that everything I create comes from the same place. It is all a reflection of me.

Rather than hiding certain sides of who I am, I want to take people on a complete emotional journey that reflects both the highs and lows of my life. This feels like the most authentic way to grow as an artist and connect with more listeners.

Rina Mirai will be featured one last time on the album, as part of my story of the years. But moving forward, I will only be known as me—Rinaly.

Any other exciting releases, collabs, gigs, or big dreams you’re chasing in 2025?

Rinaly:
I have some very exciting collaborations coming in 2026, including working again with artists I’ve shared some of my biggest past releases with. I can’t reveal any names just yet, but I’m truly looking forward to what we’ll create together.

As for gigs and dreams, Tomorrowland is at the top of my list. After sharing such unforgettable moments with fans at festivals like EDC and Ultra, I feel ready to bring my music to the Tomorrowland stage. I’ve always admired the love, unity, and energy that surrounds that festival. It would be a dream come true to share my heartfelt melodies there and connect with people on an even deeper and more euphoric level.

Beyond festivals and collaborations, my biggest dream right now is for my album to reach as many people as possible. I created it for those who feel lost, stuck in darkness, or unsure if things will ever get better. I want this album to be a light for them—a reminder that the sunrise is coming, that hope still exists, and that they are strong enough to keep going.