ACRAZE, who claimed the number 1 spot on Billboard’s Top New Dance/Electronic Artists 2022 year-end chart partly thanks to his renowned single, ‘Do It To It’ with Cherish, has been beckoning fans to the dance floor with the mean and darkly atmospheric banger, ‘Take Me Away’.
Today brings the ecstasy that comes from a long-wait finally being over, as if walking through the gates of a music festival, with the official release of ‘Take Me Away’ on Thrive Music / Capitol Records.
The vocal sample and title of ‘Take Me Away’ are taken from the indelible hook of Natasha Bedingfield’s 2008 2x Platinum hit ‘Pocketful Of Sunshine’.
ACRAZE shares on the release, “I grew up listening to Natasha Bedingfield, so I was super excited to get her approval on this song,” continuing, “I started working on the track about two years ago, but got the inspiration to finish it last year, before my Paris show with DJ Snake at Parc de Princes. When I played it for the first time, the crowd went absolutely nuts, and I knew right away that I had to release it.”
Alongside ACRAZE’s new release ‘Take Me Away’ as well as announcements of his tours dates and Wynn Las Vegas residency, thatDROP received more intel during an exclusive interview where he spills the beans about a surprise performance in LA, an upcoming collaboration and much more.
What was your creative process when making your latest single ‘Take Me Away’?
I came up with the original idea almost two years ago and spent about a year trying to create a solid drop, but eventually gave up. However, during last summer in July, I had a show at the PSG stadium with DJ Snake, and I really wanted a crazy opening. So, I revisited the idea and reworked it into what you hear today. I’m really happy with how it turned out.
The moral of the story is to never give up on your art. If you are feeling uninspired, take a break and return to it when you are in a better headspace.
What intentions do you put behind your music?
Many of my club bangers, both now and in the future, will have a high level of energy. That comes from my energetic side, which most people notice when I’m on stage.
There’s another side to me that’s a little sentimental. I’m working on some pretty sick records with stories that represent my journey and just stuff I’ve been through. I enjoy making these records because I feel like my story is similar to others’, which makes the music more meaningful.
Do you have any additional unreleased songs or upcoming collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
“Take Me Away” has been one I’ve really been looking forward to. I’m not sure if most people know this, but I sampled Natasha Bedingfield‘s “Pocketful Of Sunshine” for the vocals. I couldn’t believe it when I got her blessing to release this record while I was in Canada a few weeks ago. I grew up listening to her as a teen, so hearing that she loves the record brings the whole situation to life.
Oh, and she’ll be performing the song with me on March 10th at The Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. So, if you’re in LA, come watch this historic moment.
I’m also working on some really cool collaborations. But super excited about this specific one I’m working on with Hayla. I started this idea around October/November of last year and just finished it recently. Probably one of my favorite records I’ve ever made…
Where were you when you found out you hit the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top New Dance/Electronic Artists chart? What was the first thing you did or said?
While I was getting off the stage at a show I was playing in Dubai, I saw a text from my team telling me that I was chosen.
I honestly almost cried from all the excitement.
Following my set, I had a crazy after-party in a penthouse provided by the venue (which was insane haha) This was something that I had never even considered or thought was possible… Super blessed to be a part of a list among some amazing artists.
Funny enough, I did an interview with a producer, DRUU, he actually pointed out your release “Do It To It” as his top 5 tracks at the forefront of electronic music, then the next couple weeks later I heard the track everywhere. Now that is your first Gold single with over 12 billion streams!
What are 5 tracks you find at the forefront of electronic music?
Haha that’s awesome! For tracks that I think are at the forefront of electronic music right now, I would say:
- Skrillex, Fred Again – “Rumble”
- Meduza – “Everything You Have Done”
- Mk, Dom Dolla – “Rhyme Dust”
- ANOTR, Abel Balder – “Relax My Eyes”
- Bizarrap is shaping Latin culture with dance. Love a lot of his stuff.
Congratulations on the new residency at the Wynn in Las Vegas! What are you looking forward to the most about being back in Vegas for another residency?
Thank you! I was super excited to announce my residency with the Wynn fam and to be back in Vegas. I’m looking forward to bringing my sound to Wynn, and also connecting with my audience in a new way.
Can you walk us through a particularly memorable performance or tour experience?
Definitely playing at the PSG stadium with DJ Snake. It was the most incredible experience ever. Getting a standing ovation from 70,000 people after I played was a moment I’ll never forget. France has my heart.
What was the first album that you brought growing up?
Bobby Brown – “Two Can Play That Game”
Is there anyone in particular that you would love to work with in the future?
Lady Gaga
What is one life philosophy you like to live by?
Never take no for an answer.
What’s your biggest fear?
Deathly afraid of heights
Any guilty pleasures?
Frozen Reeses
If you could hold any world record, what would it be?
Longest DJ set
‘Take Me Away’ comes on the heels of the Galantis remix of ACRAZE’s ‘Believe’ featuring Goodboys.
With a bag full of new tracks ACRAZE will also be performing at Breakaway Carolina and ILLENIUM’s Memorial Day weekend celebration at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington state and his international dates include performances in Spain, the
Bahamas and South Korea.
ACRAZE – 2023 TOUR DATES
3/7 Miami Beach, FL Story Miami
3/8 Fort Lauderdale, FL America’s Backyard
3/10 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium
3/11 Las Vegas, NV Encore Beach Club At Night
3/13 Bimini, Bahamas Resorts World
3/16 Panama City Beach, FL Harpoon Harry’s
3/17 South Padre Island, TX Clayton’s Beach Bar
3/18 Tampa, FL The Ritz Ybor
3/19 Las Vegas, NV XS Nightclub
3/22 Miami, FL Nautilus – Spinnin’ Sessions Pool Party
3/22 Miami, FL Sagamore South Beach – DJ Mag Pool Party
4/23 Las Vegas, NV Encore Beach Club
4/26 Las Vegas, NV Encore Beach Club At Night
4/29 Atlantic City, NJ HQ2 Beachclub
5/5 Las Vegas, NV Encore Beach Club At Night
5/6 West Concord, NC Breakaway Carolina 2023
5/12 Boston, MA The Grand Boston
5/13 Mashantucket, CT Shrine Nightclub
5/26 Las Vegas, NV Encore Beach Club
5/28 Quincy, WA Gorge Amphitheatre – ILLENIUM: Memorial Day Weekend
6/3 Seoul, South Korea World DJ Festival
6/17 Las Vegas, NV Encore Beach Club At Night
6/25 Las Vegas, NV XS Nightclub
