Embracing the underground music scene, RARE Invites intends to showcase local and regional DJs and producers exploring the rawer, darker side of hard techno and trance music.
The monthly series launched last month at The Mint (inside The Intersection), with a performance by Grand Rapids native, turned Detroit techno artist Henry Brooks.
Curated by GR DJ/artist Kar Powell, aka KARUTH, and local event promoter, record label, fashion label, and management company RARE 111, the monthly series has shows scheduled for the rest of the year, beginning with a late night set from KARUTH on April 12.
“This will be my first proper headline as KARUTH, which will be an emotional release,” Powell said. “To have artistic freedom over a three-hour set is truly rare and a blessing. I’m so grateful for anyone who cares to listen.”
Powell, who also works in marketing and graphic design at The Intersection, fell in love with DJing six years ago.
“In 2017, Deborah De Luca DJ’d at Château de Chambord, a castle in France,” Powell said. “After seeing her performance on YouTube, I became obsessed with the idea of DJing. I did my research, got some equipment and didn’t leave the house until I figured it out. DJing and releasing mixes soon became my main form of self-expression, and still is. That castle is still on my vision board, and I hope to play there someday.”
Around 2022, Powell made up her alter ego KARUTH, a combination of both her and her grandmother’s names, as a way to strengthen her confidence and intuition. Last fall she released her debut single “Heavenly” in honor of her grandmother.
“To me it’s about finding shimmering, heavenly moments, even when you feel surrounded by darkness,” Powell said about the track. “KARUTH honors beauty and darkness, roses and thorns. I’d describe my sound as raw, emotive, and atmospheric, with intentional track selections and original productions to match.”
She said listeners should expect her to go hard with her RARE Invites set.
“In my opinion, GR fiercely wants and deserves more techno music,” she said. “RARE Invites has the opportunity to impact the scene by offering something different. Dance music that is harder, faster, darker and edgier than what GR is used to.”
She added that having a series like RARE Invites means everything to her as an artist because it’s a matter of dreams becoming reality.
“The RARE Invites series is passionate and in the moment, made for those who want to dance and get completely lost in the music,” she said. “The Mint is the perfect setting, because it’s very intimate with stripped down production and concrete.”
With future nights already slated each month for the rest of the year, the series also intends to be about more than just music, by providing a way for artists of all types to connect.
“I hope it serves as monthly inspiration and euphoria for everyone who attends,” Powell said. “RARE 111 invites musicians, fashion designers, photographers, dancers, and artists of all kinds to come out early and network. From doors until the headliner starts, there’s an hour to socialize and discuss artistic ideas with RARE individuals.”
KARUTH plans to release her next single, “Wanted,” soon, and has even more music on the way.
“There’s so much more coming,” Powell said. “I’ve only scratched the surface.“
RARE Invites: KARUTH
The Mint (inside The Intersection), 133 Cesar E Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
April 12, 10 p.m.
Sectionlive.com, rare111.net
