604 Now
Interviews

Get Acquainted With A Singer + Songwriter; Raiel

Raiel

How do you find opportunities and fine-tune your craft? If you asked Vancouver singer and songwriter Raiel, he’d say you have to immerse yourself in what you do. In just a few short years Raiel has gone from an opening act to a real stage presence. We chat about his artistic journey, evolving vibe and the Vancouver music scene:

What was it like to move to Vancouver from the Philippines as a teenager?

Oh man, moving to a different country was definitely an eye-opening experience. I was fourteen at the time and like any adolescent kid, I was just getting used to my circle of friends, being able to move about in my home town and was looking forward to high-school just to name a few things.

We moved in July 2005 not knowing a single soul from the city except for my parents alone and spent half a year waiting to go to uncharted territories – it required me to literally live a ‘new life’. It was hard at first, scary even … but like any  situation I was able to find my groove. Vancouver is now home to me.

 

How did you and Juno Award-winning rapper Shad come together for your first single “Angel”?

2012 was when I started writing for to first EP “Hybrid”. I was part of the YouTube scene in Vancouver, but was still so inexperienced to offer anything to the table. For me to curate a body of work at the time was quite difficult due to the lack of direction with my art. I had still so much to learn, yet I was so ambitious that I was eager to make something or ‘anything’ happen.

I was under an independent label at the time and my friend Ian who was over-looking the production happened to be cousins with Shad. The idea of having him on a record popped out of nowhere but it wasn’t something that I wanted to milk. If it happened, then great. If it didn’t, move on.

When I heard that Shad was willing to share a few bars, I was in the Philippines for vacation. Ian messaged me saying he had a bounce of Shad’s verse that he has for “Angel”. As soon as I heard it I liked how it worked out, so we went with it. At the end of the day, I’ve always been so thankful for that even if I’ve never met the guy. Hopefully I get to meet him one day.

 

Did you learn a lot when you started off opening for rising YouTube artists and other musicians?

Most definitely. I started pretty early in 2009 – opening for Jeff Bernat. That was one of the biggest thrills I’ve experienced. Being used to recording in front of camera where any takes could be re-done to a one-time slot on stage in front of hundreds of people was scary, but so exciting.

Every opportunity that came after that always taught me a particular lesson ranging from: technicalities, patience, being able to work on connecting with a crowd, timing, what songs were best applicable to the vibe of the crowd, learning how to network, to straight up demeanor – how you present yourself and your attitude towards being in that sort of environment. The list could go on, but I assure you all those I’ve applied throughout all the years of me continuing this journey and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

What genre describes your music and how have you evolved your vibe over the years?

In all honesty I’m not too certain. Hahaha! I come from a background where both my parents had polar opposite tastes. My dad introduced me to Funk, Jazz and Soul, and my mom introduced me to 80’s & 90’s Pop and R&B. Then in my teen years, I listened to Hip-Hop, Rock, Metal, K & J Pop and Rock… man, all sorts really except for Country.

I think starting off doing the “Cover Game” back in the day really helped narrow down what types of styles I was more comfortable with and ended up leaning towards R&B/Soul material. Eventually I experimented with Jazz and Live Instruments in my records and started rapping a bit. Although I don’t call myself a rapper, I sure as hell just have fun with it. So screw it. Hahaha.

So coming back to the description of my music, lately I haven’t been too fond of ‘genres’ per se, but I geared my focus towards applying all my influences together to create something that screams ‘me’.

How did it evolve? HOMEWORK! Lots and lots of it. By that I mean studying people’s music. Taking random trips to HMV or something and spending a couple bucks to buy some CD’s that spark interest. Having listening sessions with my squad and just opening your senses to what’s really out there, not just what’s trending. Like Questlove says – “Never a teacher. Always a student.“ Why set a limit, right?

 

You’re becoming a regular at some of Vancouver’s best music spots, what are some of your favourite venues to play?

I wouldn’t really say I’m a ‘regular’. I’m more of a … selective social-chameleon. Haha! I like checking out venues with my squad to see what’s happening in the scene. It’s good to be aware.

But so far, my favourite venues to play I’d have to say are… Fortune and the Alexander, for now. I’m looking forward to visiting the Imperial as well, I heard it’s dope. Hopefully my brothers and I get to hit up more places around the city! There’s so much to list!

 

Favourite Vancouver artists?

Freeman Young, Baby David, Isaac Shah, Reez, Kingston Madden.

 

Raiel

How did you come to the decision to push back the release of your EP “Muse” last year?

Personally, I’m a bit nit-picky when it comes to my music. If there’s anything that comes off as a ‘flag’ or comes off a tad bit off… I choose not to ignore it. I knew there were still more fixes I could do to make what I had better. So in the name of quality, I postponed the release.

It was such a difficult decision to make, as I wasn’t the only one either who made that call. My brothers Freeman Young and Baby David too had to make that compromise as well with their albums. But in the end, it was much more worth it with all the finessing.

P.S. Shouts to Zach Flentge-Wong for the mixing and “The Sensei” Justin Frew for mastering! Y’all made wonders out of it!!

 

What’s next for Raiel?

I suppose for now, it’s just a matter of continuing to have the right work ethics, the right attitude and to continue to write to more and more material. I hope to travel for music soon and hopefully carry on with unfinished business. There might be a new single on the way too, who knows?

 

Advice for aspiring artists?

Patience, Persistence and be real with yourself. I cannot stress this enough! Ain’t nothing more gratifying that being able to open to the world about who you really are and having no shame or insecurities about it. Be YOU! Oh … and just be nice to people, man. Haha! You gotta show respect to earn respect, get me fam?

 

Follow Raiel’s music on SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

 

 

Interview by Amar Mirchandani @amarmirch

Log in or create an account to save content

Become a local insider