We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raquel De Souza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raquel below.

Raquel, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

My country band’s first gig ever was at a metal bar. Let me say that again, my country band’s first gig ever was at a METAL BAR!

At the time, being an independent artist new to the scene without a label or management you have to wear all the hats. I booked our first show, a music festival in New Jersey.

It was a cloudy rainy day and I remember rolling up to the gig and when I saw the venue I was shocked. It was at a metal bar!

We walked in, it was smokey, dim with a musty smell. There were biker dudes everywhere, men dressed in black or wearing ripped denim jean jackets with huge piercings, the girls inside looked like they could take a punch. I was the only person who wore bright pink pants, glittery make up, I legit looked like Glinda from Wicked minus the blonde hair.

There were two other bands that went on before us. The first one was a death growl screaming metal band, the next one was a progressive rock band.

I would be lying if I said I was not nervous. I had no idea what to expect. I kept thinking why did this booker book us here? Did he even look at our videos? But I was trying to stay positive because this was our very first gig, everyone made the drive down and let’s just do this. The worst that can happen is that people will walk out cause it’s just not their vibe or they will boo us.

After our first song I was surprised by the positive reaction. People did not leave, they did not boo us AND they started moshing to one of my ballads. I could not believe it! At the end when we walked out someone came up to us and said “Hey liked your set, you guys a jazz band”?

This was an experience I will never forget. We made $10 total that day which ended up going into band funds. Yeah it was a little bit of money but I was officially a working musician and did my first gig.

Looking back on it I wouldn’t trade it. This has been a staple in my memories and makes me smile when I think back on my first gig. I have learned a lot of lessons and have grown from it.

Raquel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

This is my first band. I have learned SO much along the way. I have always wanted to pursue music but I had no idea how to do that. I did not come from a family who is in the entertainment industry. This journey has been me figuring it out as I go.

In 2017 I was tired of auditioning for competition shows, never getting selected because I was not what they were looking for. I decided that day that I am going to take my songs and dream into my own hands. I am going to find my own yes and not going to wait for someone to tell me it’s my time, I am telling myself right now that it’s my time and I am going to figure it out.

I began by tracking down peers I went to high school with who I knew were in bands back then. I did not know if they were still in bands but I was hoping they would have some kind of guidance on how to record a song. As I started asking around for advice I was connected with someone who was still doing music and it so happened he records from his house studio.

He helped me record my first single “Run Towards the Highway”. At the end of the session I was bit by the bug and I wanted to record more. He helped me put together studio musicians to record a couple more songs.

I released “Run Towards the Highway” as a single with a music video. I submitted the song to a ReverbNation contest and it won! The song was distributed for airplay. The song charted #32 on DRT Top 50 Country AirPlay charts (2018) alongside global country stars such as Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.

Since then we have completed two USA tours, planning our 3rd USA tour and getting ready to go abroad for the first time to the carribeans.

We have played in country music festivals with Dierks Bently, Kane Brown, we have opened for Andy Grammer and have met incredible fans and friends along the way.

I am currently still an independent artist. We live in a day and age where you can take your career into your own hands. Thankfully, my team and support has grown throughout the years since our first gig but it all starts with you being your own cheerleader. It’s so important for you to believe in yourself first, work on your craft and make the most of any given situation. You will eventually find your first client, gig or customer!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

It’s very important to have marketing material at your shows like a banner, cards or email list. I just got a banner that has a QCR code and all our information and people go up to it and scan it. You got to keep trying all your options and see what works.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Don’t overthink social media. Its free marketing and a place for you to be creative and stay in touch with your fans. Keep trying different things until something works and you got yourself a rhythm. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t have a lot of followers. It is more important to have an organic and engaged audience than a million fake followers.

Contact Info:

• Website: Raquelwildflowers.com
• Instagram: @Raquelwildflowers
• Facebook: Facebook.com/raquelwildflowers

Image Credits
Skye took my first photo