Having launched one of indie’s most interesting and raw, emotional solo EPs of recent months, Hila Rabby kindly took part in an interview, to talk about the project, her creative process, her ambitions, and her journey so far in music.
The aptly-titled EP RAW is completely unique, evocative and often spellbinding, and what’s more, Hila’s answers to these questions, and her perspective as a rising artist, portray an incredibly refreshing sense of identity and purpose in modern music.
Stream the project while you read and here’s the conversation in full.
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Hi Hila – great to connect with you, and my congrats for the stunning new EP. To introduce things, where are you based, and who or what first inspired you to start learning and making music?
Hi, thank you so much — I really appreciate that! I’m currently based in Brooklyn, New York. I started learning music at a young age, and my father played a big role in introducing me to all his favourite music. He encouraged me to explore music early on, and I began with piano before moving into singing and songwriting.
Are you professionally trained as a pianist or vocalist? What’s been the main tool you’ve used to establish such a unique writing and performance style?
Yes, I’ve studied classical piano and voice for many years, and I later studied at The New School in New York City. My writing is shaped by a mix of different genres I’ve been exposed to over time — especially classical music and jazz — along with my long-standing love for Radiohead.
Let’s talk about the RAW EP – why this title, and what connects the songs within?
My previous albums, Visions and Moment in Time, were much more electronic and synth-driven, and they took me on a long production journey. With Raw, I felt like I was coming back to the core of my songwriting. The music is presented very close to how it was written, often recorded shortly after the songs were finished.
At first, I considered calling the EP Drafts, because the songs were still in an exploratory stage. But I realized that even though they were recorded early in the process, they still felt complete and whole. Raw felt like a more accurate title —true to where the songs were at that moment.
The project opens with the hauntingly beautiful and distinct ‘Falling Pieces’ – what was the writing process like for this song, and how does it feel to listen back or perform it, now it’s been shared with the world?
It’s been the best experience! I got such exciting reactions from people, which made me fall in love with the song all over again. This song was the first one I wrote after my debut album Visions came out, and it represents, for me, an entire new chapter of writing—the EP is the fruit of that journey.
Why did you choose to leave one song untitled, and how or where did you come up with the sensational piano music for this track?
I was never able to decide on a name for that track, so ‘Untitled’ felt like the best representation of where it stands. As for the piano and harmony, I remember just jamming with myself over some chords until it naturally took on the structure it has now.
What’s the main value, story or feeling you’d hope listeners take away from the RAW EP?
I hope listeners feel seen and empowered through its vulnerability and imperfections
Is live performance on the cards this year, and if so – where can we catch you performing?
You can catch me in NYC! Follow my Instagram to stay updated on upcoming shows
What’s your biggest ambition with this project or as an indie artist, and how will you continue to reach new listeners throughout 2026?
My greatest ambition is to never lose the joy of making and playing music, and to stay true to the way I create and what music gives me. I plan to continue sharing my music with the world and performing live, keeping that connection alive.
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Find all things Hila Rabby. Follow on Instagram.
