We recently connected with RaRa and have shared our conversation below.

Hi RaRa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Investment in yourself is always a risk but the rewards do come. I spent thousands paying for my music to be professionally recorded, on travel, PR, and refused to go back to what I knew was safe to do. I also sacrificed buying my first property. I took the risk because I had a calling to power through and believe in myself and my music as an original artist. I had been met with opportunities that I just couldn’t ignore and these were the moments where my higher power really kicked in.

I had a really successful career in the Middle East working as a professional singer in bars, hotels and corporate events singing covers. I also had a vocal coaching business in Dubai & Abu Dhabi. I was also charging for my songwriting services with local Emirati artists. I was making a fantastic living, I had a fantastic lifestyle but my soul wasn’t satisfied singing other people’s songs. I had to get off the wagon and redirect myself as an original artist. Fortunately, I was met with an opportunity when I was living in Dubai that changed my whole life and path. It’s been a bumpy road, it hasn’t been easy in the slightest but for the last five years I have been focused so hard on building a framework of songs, working with different producers and songwriters and recording my album in Memphis with the Hi Rhythm Section (Al Green). I have performed my songs in some of the best events (BBC Show Business Awards, Shooting Stars Ball). Numerous events with celebrity filled rooms on the same bill as Gary Barlow, Beverley Knight, Katherine Jenkins and Tony Hadley. I have worked with some of the best songwriters and producers including Boo Mitchell, Blair Mackichan, John Fortis, Paul O’Duffy, Roachford, Jimmy Hogarth, Ant Whiting, Steve Anderson & Nigel Lowis. I have also just signed a Publishing deal with an independent publisher (Glovebox) in partnership with Kassner Music. It’s an exciting time, the hard work is finally paying off. I am so pleased I stuck at it and followed my dreams!!

RaRa, 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?

It is really important for me to relate to my audiences through my music. I write from true experiences; heartbreak, family pressures, transformation and navigation through the music industry. I want my fans to be on the journey with me. Most importantly, I want to be as authentic as possible, the music to be raw and to be recorded with a live sound. I am a huge fan of the 60s, music and fashion. The Shangri Las, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, The Ronnettes, Whitney Houston, Ann Peebles, Gladys Knight, Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Beverley Knight, Tina Turner are just some of my inspirations There is certainly a Soul, Blues and Gospel influence in my sound.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I was taught more about the music industry and the reality of working as a young female artist. It is a ‘business’, and must be treated like one. I was vulnerable, and treated accordingly to my naivety. On the other hand, I wouldn’t have learnt the reality if I hadn’t have been through some of the more difficult experiences. When I became independent, I discovered Hypertribe, a support hub for music artists that want to earn a living from their craft. Kimberley, the founder, felt more like a guardian angel. She mentored me and taught me some valuable lessons. She educated me on many things I didn’t know, and pointed me in the right direction for me to get back on track. I was eager to release music, that was my focus and she helped me do that. Also, find a good lawyer, and do your admin!!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

When I started releasing music I received DMS from people I didn’t know telling me how much my music related to their current or previous situations. One in particular shared her story with me about how she escaped a domestic abuse situation and how my music empowered her. That kind of reaction is priceless. For me, my music is about connecting with people, it’s a healing process. Everything I’ve written is based on true experiences, and writing has been a form of a therapy of healing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raraofficial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundslikerara.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundslikerara.com
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/soundslikerara.com
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@soundslikerara?feature=shared
• Other: https://linktr.ee/soundslikerara

Image Credits

Ryan Mole
Boo Mitchell
Fyza
Royal Studios Memphis