Armed with an immense new single fusing hip hop and immersive electro-pop qualities, the ever-versatile raava kindly took part in an interview. We talk about the inspiration and design of the new single, her diverse repertoire, live show plans, and plenty more. Here’s how it went.
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Raava – great to connect, congrats for the immense new single. To set the mood, where are you based, and how would you describe your approach to making music?
I’m based in the United States, and my approach to music is very emotion-led and cinematic. I don’t like to box myself into one genre I create based on how I feel in the moment. Sometimes that’s high-energy and bold, sometimes it’s haunting and atmospheric. I love blending rap with melodic vocals and building songs that feel like a movie scene you can step into. Every track has to feel alive.
Let’s talk about Shine, a huge production, fast-paced vocals and melodies intertwined with a growing cinematic soundscape. It’s a genre of its own – what was the inspiration, and how did you build the track?
Shine was really about confidence and self-elevation. The core idea behind it was “money, drip, and me” and that’s really all I need. It’s not just about material things, it’s about what they represent: style, growth, independence, and self-belief. It’s me embracing my glow, my ambition, and my individuality me, myself, and I stepping into the spotlight unapologetically.
When building the track, I wanted it to feel cinematic and larger than life. I layered fast-paced vocals with melodic switches to create momentum, almost like it’s constantly rising. The production builds in intensity so it feels like you’re ascending with the song. I focused on stacking harmonies, dynamic flow changes, and creating a soundscape that feels powerful and futuristic. The goal was to make something that feels unstoppable like when you know you’re meant to shine and nothing can dim that.
You seem to take inspiration from hip hop and alternative pop, dance, and plenty of other areas. What are the main values you want to bring to modern music?
Authenticity and versatility. I want to show that you don’t have to fit into one lane to be successful. I love blending emotion with energy making music that you can both cry and dance to. I also care about strong melodies and meaningful lines. I want my music to feel bold but still vulnerable.
What were the main tools you used to amass thousands of streams on this latest song?
Consistency and engagement. I push my music on social media, interact with listeners, and submit to playlists. I also focus on building real supporters not just numbers. Getting radio play early on helped build credibility, and once people hear the energy in the track, they tend to replay it.
Do you work with producers or self-design things at home?
Both. I love collaborating with producers because it brings fresh energy, but I’m also very hands-on creatively. I’m involved in the direction, vocal production, flow, and overall vibe. Even when I collaborate, it still feels very personal and intentional.
You also released the funky guitar groove of Wild Wild Wild West this year, a totally different, stripped back and catchy vibe, with your same vocal playfulness at the forefront. How do you decide which direction to take a new song?
It honestly depends on my mood and what story I want to tell. Wild Wild Wild West felt playful, confident, and catchy I wanted something that was easy to vibe to but still had personality. I don’t force a direction; I let the beat speak first. If it makes me feel something instantly, I run with it.
Then there was last year’s Moonstone, more haunting ambiently but still creative and unlimited as raava tends to be. Your voice stands out well on this one – how have you honed your vocal style over time, and what motivates you to stay creative?
Moonstone was very atmospheric and emotional. Over time, I’ve worked on control, layering, and tone. I experiment a lot with how I deliver lines sometimes softer and airy, sometimes sharper and rhythmic. Staying creative comes from always challenging myself. I never want two songs to feel the same. Growth motivates me.
How important is live performance as you continue to build your career, and what can fans expect from a live show?
Live performance is huge. That’s where energy becomes real. Fans can expect a mix of singing and rapping, flow switches, crowd interaction, and a lot of personality. I want people to leave feeling hyped and inspired. I treat it like a show, not just a performance.
Given the versatility of your releases, what can we anticipate from your next release, and what’s the best way to support you?
Expect something bold and unexpected I love keeping people guessing. It’ll still feel like me, but elevated. The best way to support me is by streaming, sharing the music, adding it to playlists, coming to shows, and engaging on socials. Word of mouth is powerful.
What’s the biggest challenge you face currently as an independent artist?
“Balancing creativity with business. As an independent artist, you wear every hat marketing, branding, networking, creating. It’s a lot, but it also builds resilience. The challenge pushes me to level up.”
What’s something about you that would surprise your fans?
I’m actually very thoughtful and introspective behind the scenes. Even when the music feels bold and high-energy, a lot of it comes from deep reflection. I’m bubbly and confident, but I’m also very analytical about my craft.
Is there anything else we should know?
I’m just getting started. Every release is a new evolution of raava. I’m building something long-term, and I want my audience to grow with me. The journey is only getting bigger from here.
I’m also working toward my album Star Logo and that’s going to be a whole experience. It’s going to
feel mysterious, colorful, and layered. I love playing with aesthetics and symbolism, so the visuals, the tones, the energy everything will connect. I want it to feel like stepping into a different universe, but still very me.
It’s going to be fun for my fans because I’m not revealing everything at once. There’ll be hints, themes, colors, little details to decode. Hehehe I want people to feel like they’re part of something unfolding not just listening to songs, but watching a star being built in real time.
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Find raava on Soundcloud, YouTube, TikTok, X, Instagram.
