Raphael – Dreams

By starrymag | December 11, 2023

By: Gladys Luna

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as song-based Pop / R&B with a strong emphasis on melody and lyrics.

Q) Who would you say were the main artists that influenced your musical style?

A) I’d like to say inspired rather than influenced, as myself, the artist, don’t have much influence on my musical style. It’s what comes through naturally. Artists like Burt Bacharach, Sting, Queen, Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, Micheal Jackson, The Carpenters and George Michael – they have all inspired me to work on my craft. They have made me want to make music with integrity and with respect for the craft. I thank them for their music, and I thank my parents for playing those records at home.

Q) With the latest release of your new single “Dreams,” a vibrant song accompanied with encouraging and hopeful lyrics that definitely leave you thinking about that eternal pursuit of our goals and the constant battle we face to not to give up. What would you say was your main inspiration behind this beautiful song?

A) To be transparent, I wrote that song for myself when I gave up hope. I was in a dark place, and I was sad for a little while. It wasn’t a hopeful place to kill your dreams and swallow in despair. The song was always there in my head and for a very long time. I would sing it to myself, and it would somehow pick me up. It would make me feel that I wasn’t alone. I decided to change my mind and I decided not to give up. Despair is not happier than hope and we don’t protect ourselves from failing if we don’t try. We just dim our light. I learnt that. Hope is a gift.

Q) What was the part of the song creating process for “Dreams” that you enjoyed the most?

A) The melody and the lyrics on this one. It was the first verse that I felt was most profound when I wrote it. The first day in the studio was also a special day when the piano was being laid down.

Q) I had the opportunity to watch the “Dreams” music video which I believe is a genius and symbolic representation of life itself. How creatively involved were you in the making of this video?

A) I conceive my music video treatments in a similar way that I do my songs. It’s what I visualize when I hear my song. It’s a view into my inner world. Technically, I work with a friend who understands my vision and together we execute the script when I have decided on the treatment for the track. I studied film in college, and I understand the power of a visual tool to help deliver a song. Many times I’ve wanted to take a video in a certain direction and the playback will tell me otherwise and lead me to where it wants to go with the song. I’ve learnt to listen to inspiration. I let go and let God.

Q) This year we’ve had the pleasure to listen and enjoy your first two singles “Faith” and “Dreams.” Do you have any plans to release an EP or a full album any time soon?

A) I have plans to release more music and as I like surprises, I will leave that as a surprise. I hope you will enjoy my forthcoming work for which there is no confirmation on the release date and the track(s) that I will release and whether it’s an EP or album. I want to say, “We chose to dream, and we decided to have faith and we will have to continue on this journey and see where it takes us. We chose to do it so we will see it through.”

Q) Following with the same line of your single “Dreams,” to that point, what would you say is your biggest dream in life personally and professionally speaking?

A) This may sound really simple, but my dream is to live my life as a kind, fair and honest person. I would like to be remembered as someone who left people with a nice memory. Someone who did their best and didn’t give up. To achieve that for me is the ultimate. The rest I have no control over and it’s down to destiny and whatever it will be with fate, then I will be happy to know those things in my heart if I’ve done my bit. Music is an extension of that for me.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Raphael performance?

A) It’s been a few years since I have done a live show now. From my recollection, I would like to say humbly that it was an uplifting experience for those who were there. If you are in the audience, it’s important for it to feel like you are with a friend and the show is about you as much as it is about me. I would want to leave you feeling uplifted. And if we can learn something about ourselves from a show then it was worthwhile.

Q) Where would you like to see your career going within a few years from now?

A) I want to continue to make more music that I am proud of. I would like to see true artistry and music craft return to an industry where artists who were authentic were celebrated for their work ethic and craft. I would like to be a part of that movement. Songs are like diamonds, if set beautifully they can be forever celebrated in design.

Q) Are there any artists that you have always “dreamed” to collaborate with in the near future?

A) There are a lot of artists that I love and admire, and I prefer to be in the audience, to be honest, when those artists are in presence. It would be a cool experience to have a female artist record one of my songs and I would love to produce a record in a way that I would love for her and to admire of her.

Q) What is the kind of impact you would like to create on your fans through your music?

A) There is more to life than meets the eye and if one person can listen and think “yes I hear you Raphael” and they can find hope or faith or chose to look forward to tomorrow then there is nothing greater that can be achieved.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the wonderful music that you make?

A) I am very humbled and grateful for the support I have received for my music. We are on this journey together and it’s more than just about the music, it’s a journey about life and about us learning about life’s lessons together. We all have something to receive from each other. A word. A lesson. A sign. A guide. A story that is hopeful. We all have something to give each other.