Creative Conversations 045: Raissa's Alt Pop Revolution
Interview by Luke Byatt
Do you love Alt Pop? If so, you need to be acquainted with Raissa. Signed to Mark Ronson’s Zelig Records, the 23 year old singer and producer has been leaving her mark on the US scene, while also capturing the attention of international audiences. We caught up with diverse and bold artist to uncover her artistic identity, recent release ‘SHADES ON’, and much more.
Futuremag Music: Hey Raissa, how're you holding up so far in 2021?
Raissa: Pretty good. I’ve been really lucky all things considered. Some days are easier than others, but I’m healthy and safe and able to do and pursue what I love to do every day!
Futuremag Music: Could you talk us through how you developed your distinctive Pop aesthetic?
Raissa: One day I just gave up trying to be what I thought I should be, and I just started doing what I felt like doing instinctively, what I had suppressed in me for a long time. That’s where it all changed… The moment I let my inner child have a say, I became more myself than I ever was before. Things visually, musically, etcetera; all started to fall into place and grow! I let myself be directly influenced and inspired by the movies, objects and music that had always had a special place in my heart instead of telling myself that I couldn’t do certain things and should do others. I think it’s easy to fall into that, especially with the way women are usually socialised, to make ourselves digestible and smaller.
Futuremag Music: Congratulations with the release of 'SHADES ON', it's a brilliant and bold record. Could you outline the production and writing process?
Raissa: This song came about really quickly, similarly to ‘Go Fast Baby’. It was the day before everything went into lockdown and I was with my best friend Diako and his girlfriend Ayesha in the car. It was nighttime and as a joke I put my sunglasses on. Later on the three of us were in Diako’s bedroom where he had a little studio set up, and he started playing that deep bass synth at the beginning of the song and then layered an 808 under it and Immediately got on the mic and freestyles the top line. We then added some background vocals abs harmonies and that’s pretty much it! Diako worked on his production a little more but we didn’t want to fuss over the song. It was meant to feel freeing and funny. From people’s reactions I think we achieved that!
Futuremag Music: You also have a sensational visual element to your releases, can you give us some insight to how you developed your style?
Raissa: I’ve always loved visual art and movies - I just paid attention to what really spoke to me, what made me feel hopeful or made me feel like the world was a wonderful place and followed that feeling, took inspiration from those things and translated them into my own perspective. I think going with my gut and genuine feelings of joy for things is what I always try to do creatively.
Raissa by Clyde Monroe
Futuremag Music: In partnership with Your Favourite Team, what is a piece of advice or something you wish you knew when starting out following a career in music?
Raissa: Don’t let anybody make you feel inferior because chances are they’re just as lost, if not more lost than you! Be brave about your work and your ideas and self, work with the people who make you feel like you can be brave.
Futuremag Music: To wrap it up if Raissa was a cocktail, what would be in it to best describe your sonic?
Raissa: Hmm that’s a tough one ! I don’t like to drink so I think my cocktail would be something alcohol free. My favourite thing to drink is milk tea - and being a Herogirl is about embracing what you love and what makes you happy so... Milk tea in a cocktail glass? Haha