Artist Spotlight: Raelle

Shot by @henry.ager.photos

Once again, we are shining a light on  the burgeoning alternative R&B and Soul scene, with the latest artist to catch our ear being Raelle. 

The 2022 Glastonbury emerging artist upholds a style bursting with colour and emotion, and is evolving quickly in her musicianship. Unveiling her debut EP last September, the expressive and vibrant Wake Up Sunshine, that garnered support from various publications, Raelle has now set on entering the next phase of her artistic development, illustrating a more matured and nurtured sonic and lyric approach.

Grace unveils a more intricate, moody sound in comparison to the sun-kissed Neo-Soul that much of Raelle’s discography revels in. Working with hidden gem producer Gabriel Gifford, who is collecting an increasingly impressive array of collaborations, the songwriter impresses with her powerful, honest and conclusively uplifting narrative, not afraid of bearing herself emotionally naked, weaving her insecurities in ethereal sonic patterns.  

I sat down with Raelle to discuss the dynamic new single, her stylistic development, and being a Glastonbury emerging artist.

Who’s influencing you?

So many people across different genres ! For example Beach House, Kadjha Bonet, Marvin Gaye, Badbadnotgood ! So many people...I think it’s good to have a diverse music range that means I can draw from a lot of places when writing ! 

How does it feel to be a Glastonbury emerging artist for 2022?

I was so happy, screaming and crying all the rest of it! It was nice to be recognised but such a well respected institution! The other acts on the line up were amazing and it was really nice to be put in with such a talented bunch. I remember the last Glastonbury I really wanted to attend and now I’m on the emerging artist line up it’s crazy how much can change in 2 years. 

How would you define your style?

I would say somewhere in between neo-soul and orchestral soul. But some of my tracks have a more RnB or Jazz feel so it’s varied. I do think that music doesn’t have to fit into genres though I think that could limit your creative expression ! Genres are just a way for others to understand you and your sound better, not really for the artist! But in terms of style, I like using a live band as well! 

Would you say your sound is an ode to traditional soul?

I think so, that is the music I was brought up on, it feels like home to me, and it’s where I am the most comfortable so I always naturally gravitate towards it! I think a lot of my drum patterns are inspired by that era, especially the new stuff that I am working on in particular!

Do you know what stylistic direction you are heading in?

The new music definitely is more inspired by traditional soul! And I’m trying to make it more orchestral! I used to watch a lot of classical music performances when I was younger and I really like the feel that they gave me so I’m going to try and put that in there!  

I was a big fan of last year’s debut EP Wake Up Sunshine. How was the wider reaction to the release?

I think it was good, I never really know what people think of it!  I’m not sure how people liked it, looking back on it there is so much I would’ve done differently for it ! But I am glad at the reception from it! It was a nice way to release an EP 

If you could go back, what would you do differently for the drop? In terms of the music but also the release process?

There is lots of things I would’ve liked to have done but due to resources I couldn’t ! Which I’m ok with, I think everything happens for a reason!

I know you worked with Gabriel Gifford on the new single, how did the collaboration come about?

I heard his production All for you and I thought it was amazing, then he signed onto DMY where I was based and just slid into the DM’s ‘ we collaborated over WhatsApp as he is in Berlin and I’m in London but we made some magic so it all worked out. 

Who would you love to collab with in the future?

Inflo for production and little Simz or maybe Dave on a track ! I am obsessed with all 3 artists ! It would be more than an honour. Hopefully one day it can happen !

Love Grace! Where did the ideas stem from?

It came from me feeling lost, and overwhelmed! And a BROCKHAMPTON song lyric talking about people not seeing God within themselves and that took me on a really interesting journey about what God is, and can we find that within ourselves 

What was the creative process for the song?

The song was written over WhatsApp between London and Berlin ! And took around 5 months to finish ! The strings were composed separately and then recorded separately but they added so much magic to the track !

What are you trying to convey with the track?

I think of the feelings of helplessness. I think it’s important to realise that sometimes there isn’t healing and some people do end up falling and drowning in sadness and that’s ok! I wish people talked about it more 

What’s to come from you?

Lots and lots of new music :) and maybe some videos too, follow me on socials to keep updated!