We sat down with singer songwriter Raquel Kiaraa to chat about her thoughts on the music industry, what success looks like to her as well as what we can expect from her in future. Raquel released her profound single ‘Swim in our Ocean’ on June 28th via Sono Rak Corp. The track is a powerful pop-rock anthem to unleash your imagination to and grab life by the horns. So far, she has received attention from renowned publications like Billboard, Rolling Stone and CLASH Mag, and has garnered over 2 million streams across platforms.
What are some of your earliest memories of music?
Some of my earliest and most cherished memories of music are tied to my parents, who both had a profound love for it, though their tastes were worlds apart. My dad introduced me to Leonard Cohen, whose hauntingly beautiful lyrics and melodies inspired and shaped my musical journey. One of my fondest memories of him is coming downstairs on a Sunday morning, seeing him with his headphones on, completely lost in the music, and rocking out to The Beatles ‘Baby You Can Drive My Car’. His passion and admiration for music was infectious. He also took me to every great concert, to name a few, Guns and Roses, Bon Jovi, Cold Play, U2, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Kings of Leon, Elton John, Tina Turner, and Cher.
My mom, on the other hand, was the epitome of cool and hip. She loved Toni Braxton, Deborah Cox, Michael Jackson, and Madonna. She loved R&B, hip hop, and soulful singers. I can still picture her dancing her heart out, hitting those high notes to Whitney Houston or Ani DiFranco, or even rapping along to the beats of her favorite hip hop tracks. She was the mom all my friends wanted to hang out with because she let us listen to the music their parents wouldn’t allow. Her love for music was vibrant and inclusive, making every moment special.
The way my parents loved and shared music remains incredibly special to me. Their diverse tastes and the joy they found in music have deeply influenced who I am as an artist today. They taught me that music is a universal language, capable of expressing the deepest emotions and connecting people across different walks of life.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
Both are essential parts of my journey, but there’s something profoundly magical about performing live. Studio work is where I wrestle with my demons, where I shape and mold raw emotions into something tangible. But performing live? That’s where the alchemy happens. The connection with the audience, the shared energy, the raw vulnerability of baring my soul on stage – it’s an irreplaceable experience. It’s where my music truly comes alive.
As a musician, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?
The music industry often feels like a battlefield where art and commerce clash. If I could change one thing, it would be to create more spaces where the purity of art isn’t compromised by the demands of business. Artists should have the freedom to create without constantly battling the pressures of marketability. The music scene needs more genuine support for artistic integrity over commercial success.
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
The most memorable response I’ve had to my music has to be from my parents when they listened to my second album. I showed them every song, and by the end of it, they were blown away. They couldn’t believe it was me. My dad, being his brutally honest self, said, “You remember the story about Milli Vanilli, right? This is you singing, really you, by yourself? You need to sing me something a cappella. I need to know this is, in fact, you.”
I appreciate their honesty because it keeps me grounded. So, I sang a cappella for them, and the look of awe on their faces was unforgettable. It was a testament to how far I’ve come. Proving to my parents that I’m made for this means the world to me because they’ve seen me struggle with music from the very beginning and have been there through all my growth. Showing them – and the world – what practice and hard work can achieve is incredibly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder that with dedication, anything is possible.
If you could put together a radio show, what kind of music would you play?
I’d play music that moves the soul – everything from haunting ballads and gritty rock anthems to soulful blues and introspective indie tracks. It would be a space for songs that tell a story, that speak to the human experience in all its beautiful, messy complexity.
What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?
Success, to me, is found in this very moment. Over the past six years, I’ve learned music from the ground up, and watching it unfold in ways that inspire me has been an incredible journey. I have the gift of writing; seeing my parents in complete awe of what I’ve accomplished is one of my biggest successes. They remember a time when I couldn’t carry a note or a tune, and now, I’ve created an album with a second on the way. I’ve released music that people are responding to – it’s out there, and I’m doing it.
Some people have all the talent in the world but never do anything with it. For me, success is about making it happen, putting my work out there, practicing my vocals every day, honing my songwriting skills, and writing music consistently. It’s knowing, with confidence, that I can do this. The true success is recognising that I am limitless, believing in my potential, and watching that belief come to life. It’s wild to me, and I’m genuinely proud of it. Not many people pick up something new in their 30s and run with it, but I’ve broken through those self-imposed limitations.
My purpose in this world is to inspire people, make them believe in their goals, do what they think they can’t, and face their fears. This is my greatest success – knowing that my journey can ignite that spark in others. Nothing feels better than seeing where I am now and knowing where I’ll be in the next few years. That excitement, that drive, is what fuels me. So, what I want to achieve with my music is more than just success; it’s about creating a legacy of inspiration and empowerment.
One last nugget of info you can’t wait to share with your fans?
One last nugget of info I can’t wait to share with my fans: My second album is set to be released in early 2025, and it’s a project I’m incredibly proud of. This year, I’ll be dropping three new singles, including ‘Swim in Our Ocean’ which has already been released. The music video for it will premiere at the end of July.
I’ve realised that I’m deeply drawn to love and all its intricacies – the good, the bad, and the ugly. My greatest storytelling comes from love. This album is a culmination of years of relationships, each one finding its place in the music. I write and create through the lens of love, heartbreak, betrayal, and the beauty and darkness that come with it. It’s something that flows naturally for me, and I want my fans to get ready for the ultimate love-writing album.
I love the writing, the sound, and the intensity of this album. I’ve blended my pop, rock, and disco influences to create something that brings out all the moves. Writing about the melancholy and joy of love will never go out of style. Love – whether we’re wanting it, hating it, buried beneath it, or immersed in it – connects us all on every level. It’s something people will always want to sing along with. So come along with me on this wild journey of love in all its forms and complexities. I cannot wait for you to experience it – truly, madly, deeply.
Follow Raquel Kiaraa:
Website – Facebook – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
