Out Now Magazine Spotlight series featuring pop music rising star Raqs for an interview
Tell us about you:
My name is Raqs, I’m 24 years old and I’m a singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada. I am currently working at a bank but that’s just to help pay the bills. The real dream is kicking off my music career! I’ve loved singing ever since i was little, i always dreamed about being a rockstar. I never thought of having a career in music because I felt I wasn’t good enough or that it wasn’t a realistic goal. It wasn’t until 3 years ago that I started seeing a vocal coach who then I started writing music with. I’ve released a couple songs that didn’t do so well and decided to go back to the drawing board. Since the pandemic, I really took the time to figure myself out and figure out what type of artist I wanted to be, which is why it was important for me to have “Mrs. Monotone” be my first single in a while.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada
When did you start making music?
In highschool i learned to play the bass guitar and fell in love with it instantly! Around 2019 is when I started writing music and I’ve been working on that ever since.
How do you describe your music?
I would describe my music as pop/rock pop/punk
Favorite moment from your career?
In the studio listening back to an unreleased song in complete tears with my producer Justin because I couldn’t believe that I was able to create something so raw, vulnerable and emotional. It was like an out-of-body experience. It was weird but so amazing at the same time.
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus for sure! I feel like I have a huge range of inspirations, Fall Out Boy, Nirvana and Queen were also huge inspirations growing up.
What is your producing software?
I actually don’t produce my own music! I’ve been working super closely with Justin Toito and Luca Liberatore on quite a few projects!
What is your favorite track of all time?
Damn, that’s so hard!!! I’d have to say Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. My mom and I go HARD when that song comes on!
What is your best-producing tip?
I wouldn’t know LOL – I still haven’t quite mastered the art of producing and rely on my producers to work their magic! But I will say, I think being a part of the production process is important. I like being there while making the music so you can see it turn into what it is and give your input on the spot instead of waiting for a mix to be done and giving the feedback then.
Why did you start making music?
Music has been extremely important to me ever since I was little. When I was sad, happy, mad, embarrassed I would listen to music and know that I wasn’t alone, that there was someone out there that could relate to the things I was going through. And as I got older, the things I didn’t hear in music I would write so other people could listen and know that they weren’t alone either.
Also it’s a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, I feel like artists are mini therapists. In writing sessions I pour out my heart to other writers and it feels GREAT because not only do I have a killer song, I also feel so much better after venting ahah!!
What are your goals for the future?
To keep on releasing music, grow my fanbase and go on tour.
What advice can you give for young music producers/DJs?
DO NOT GIVE UP !!!! There have been sooooo many times that i really wanted to give up… “i’m not good enough, this isn’t realistic, it’s too expensive, i’m getting old ” IGNORE IT!!! One piece of advice i got that i say to myself any time i feel like that is “you’ll never know unless you try, and if you don’t try you’ll regret it”
Please write a message to your fans.
Hi everyone!! I am so excited to release new music, meet new people and start doing some shows!! This year is gonna be a really great year, I can feel it!!
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