Lolita Vasquez
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raquela Burt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Raquela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I’ve been a singer since I was 9 years old. I began my professional career when I went into the entertainment business independently back in 1985. I was a singing telegram! But after college, my voice had me traveling all over the world. So, would that make me an artist? Or a creative? Seeing what I’ve done and where I am today, it would make me both… and there are no lyrics in any song that could describe the happiness and satisfaction I’ve experienced.
Raquela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Initially, I was trained to be an opera singer since the age of 9. My father taught me everything he knew until I got older. At that time, I was turned-over to the professional teachers. I couldn’t tell you the exact amount of hours and dollars that were spent on my voice, but if my father was alive today, I would tell him that not a moment or penny was wasted. Was it a risk to have my entire life focused on just singing? Not at all! Mom knew from the moment I started speaking, that I wanted to become a singer and of course, it was so.
I’ve sung and danced on so many major international stages all over the world, including Broadway where I’ve played some pretty tough leading roles. After 9/11, I thought that transitioning into the music business as a recording artist was a way to take a break. HA! When I became a voting member of the Grammy’s, that’s when it really hit me! “The Entertainment Business”
If you want to be a part of the entertainment business, then be prepared to work hard… really hard. Being in the entertainment for so long gave me a lifetime experience to know that if your heart isn’t in it, stop! Only then would it be considered a true risk. The most important thing I learned in this business is that the one who works the hardest and shows up the earliest, is going to win. Competition surrounds us in every kind of career, especially here in the USA. I believe we are all talented in our own unique way. Making a living as an artist or creative is still going to require how much you understand and accept the business portion. It’s not called, “Entertainment”, it’s called “The Entertainment BUSINESS”. I would say, auditioning was at least a good 45% of the time I wrote, sang, performed, dances, act, directed or originated a role. Even when I was performing on stage, sweating my kazoonah’s off, I was still auditioning! If you’re not sure your work ethics are ready for this kind of stuff, then start thinking of something else soon. This business is not for the faint of heart.
I am now a full time private Vocal instructor here in Elk Grove, CA, and man I love it! All that work, my entire resume is truly paying off. I now get a chance to be the mentor. The muse. And what a great privilege and honor it has been. I’ve started signing on some really talented singing/songwriters in the indie/alternative rock genre. My label may be small, but its very mighty. I almost feel like I’m getting a third round opportunity back into the business. I have to admit, it is nice being on the other side of the table these day.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
I come from the analog years where digital was only a dream. Once the transition happened, I suddenly was faced with so many changes. It has always been so difficult to catch up. CD’s became a thing of the past within 5 years time, and suddenly, all my music was being stolen by so may undergrounds internet radio stations. Mu7sic was going to be my retirement plan. HA! It was like starting all over again. Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange said it very clearly, “The music industry is the tip of the spear in the fight against unauthorized generative AI” Every day, I am being exploited as my creative works are harvested, manipulated, chopped up and repackaged without any consent, credit, or compensation. The “No AI FRAUD” Act will create a federal property right for likeness and voice while providing actual penalties towards companies and individuals who attempt to steal and profit off the intellectual property of mine, or any of my fellow artists’ hard work. If NFT’s become a part of this movement, then I’ll know we’ll be on the verge of bringing the artists creations and profit back to where it belongs… the artist.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Read and much as you can! Learn how significant grades go up when or where there is more musical education involved in schools…. especially public schools! Then volunteer! If you know there’s an artist looking to fund a project they believe in, and you already believe in them, don’t leave it at that. Fund them by opening up a fundraiser event or just get proactive with social media. You have no idea what a powerful gesture it can be when someone on the outside stands up for an artist they just heard at a coffee shop or a school concert and wants to do something to see them make a career out of it. Telling them how much you love their music is one thing. Helping them raise money is for real! Now, in no way am I suggesting to get too involved like Yolanda Saldívar was for Selena. No way! Become a street teamer! If the artist has a support page online like Patreon or Indiegogo, then share share share!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raquela.com and https://www.elkgrovesings.com
- Instagram: @theraquela
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquelamusic
- Twitter: @theraquela
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaquelaArtist
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/voice-lessons-with-raquela-elk-grove-4?osq=voice+with+raquela
Image Credits
Doug Hikawa, Raquela Burt, Lolita Vasquez