Check out our interview with talented indie-soul artist Raquel Lily. Raquel new single entitled “fuccboi” is out now. Featuring sassy, soulful lyrics, seductive melodies and a strong, funky bassline, “fuccboi” is a determined and resolute song.
Her upcoming debut, full-length concept album, I’m Leaving, features eight songs, narrating a coming of age story about someone going through their 20’s. Raquel confides, “Everyone’s been broken from something. You smoke some weed, you fall in love, they turn out to be a fuckboy, you’re with someone shitty, you break up, you ghost them, you still love them, you resign, you meet someone new and there’s hope again.”
Follow Raquel at @raquel_lily
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Driven, abrasive, silly.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
I really look up to my brother; he’s a big reason why I decided to always be creative in my life, no matter what it was, which essentially led me to have the balls to pursue it. He’s an indie film director. We were both artists growing up, always drawing, writing, reading, listening to music, painting and everything else in between. Being that we were from a pretty conservative family from the Philippines, we were constantly reminded that art is not a viable living or career. I guess you could say that I was always rebellious, but my brother also helped me believe that we were always going to be creators, regardless of what we do in our professional lives. I went to school for neurobiology, got a job in the hospital and never really feared my full leap into full time music and streaming. I definitely have him to thank for continuing to push me towards being the fearless, internet-punk weirdo that I am.
How did you get started in the business?
I started producing sometime during college and put out music on soundcloud, just learning all I can along the way. I started putting out some cover videos on YouTube and continuing to pursue music alongside my professional career. I started playing open mics, then booking local gigs with my band and some event bands I would sing for. Before I dove into music and content creation full time, I was a legal assistant for a laywer, who pretty much showed me how to run my own independent business. I did everything, from accounting to managing all of his case files. So working for myself and doing things independently felt pretty natural. To this day, I’m very DIY and do everything myself; from management to booking tour dates, aside from production and writing the music. One day, I just went for it and decided to take the plunge and leave my professional career behind to fully pursue music. It was tough at first but I eventually build a pretty loyal following, mostly on Twitch, to help me pay my bills and keep creating.
Did you go to music school?
I did not. I graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Smooth, R&B, soulful.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I was obsessed with the Beatles at a really young age, so I started playing guitar at 13. I just really liked poetry at the time and enjoyed the idea of making my own songs that helped me express exactly how I was feeling. I didn’t have the best upbringing, so I always turned to writing songs when I needed an emotional outlet. I still have the same relationship with music today. It’s something that definitely helps me keep sane.
Do you ever get nervous?
I get nervous if I’m doing something super unfamiliar, like singing the national anthem at a big game or something. I perform often, and almost every other day in front of hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of people on the internet, so it helps me stay sharp with my performances and being able to sustain a crowd. Usually when I perform with my band and we’re playing our songs, everything just clicks. It’s more like adrenaline than nervousness. I really enjoy performing.
What is your next goal as a musician?
I really hope to grow my audience, particularly on Spotify and other music streaming services. A big part of my music’s home is already on the internet, with my interactive fans on Twitch. I really want to broaden that reach and hit a lot of music lovers alike. The thought of touching other people’s lives just through the reach of the internet is really inspiring to me. I definitely want to stay as independent as possible and take it as far as I can go. Eventually, I’d love to get on the festival circuit to be able to do all of that live and live-stream it all.
Now tell us about your hit single “fuccboi?”
fuccboi was about someone I met in college. We were never close, nor did we ever really hang out. I just saw him at mutual’s parties, being a complete drunken mess. A few years later, he dm’s me because he found out I was pursuing music. We start talking shop; ProTools, microphones, studio recording….THEN BAM A DICK PIC. I was absolutely horrified. Not only was his computer lighting awful, but his dick was staring right at me, peeking from it’s impressive fortress of fur that I just didn’t ever sign up for or consent to. Not knowing how to react, I was livid, gave him a piece of my mind, telling him how wrong it was and proceeded to block him on all socials. A few years later, I wrote the song. Songs are definitely a way that I process my trauma and in this case, it turned into empowerment. My good friend, Acoupstix, who’s featured in the song actually went to college with me, where we both experienced this fuccboi at mutual gatherings. It’s funny how it all went full circle.
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Do you have a tour coming up or where we can see you performing?
I have some plans of some tours later in the year in the fall that I can’t really talk about currently, but what I can tell you is that I’m excited to announce it! I definitely do play live and if people are interested, they can follow me on Spotify where my dates will definitely be at.
Now tell us about your success on Twitch?
Twitch was a game changer for me. I played every local festival, venue, bar, and event you can think of and I still found it a struggle for anyone to care about my music. I was making decent money that way but it’s never really been about that for me. I just wanted to speak to people through the songs I wrote and Twitch was sort of…my people if that makes sense? I grew up playing games like World of Warcraft, so the idea of being friends with people online has always been extremely familiar, considering I had so many friends I made on the internet from just playing games. I started off on Twitch as a gamer, playing first person shooters and mainly Overwatch. I would sing to people while I just blasted players in the faces and I just had a lot of fun with it in the beginning. I started touring colleges in the US full time and had no way to play games on the road. Not wanting to abandon Twitch, I started streaming my shows. From there, I built my following around my original music and its been growing since. Tour ended and upon coming back home, I found that my audience just craved music content instead. So 3+ years later, I can say that I was one of the first Twitch music streamers and have been growing my following since. I stream at least 3 times a week. It’s been a huge part of any music endeavor I’ve ever embarked on. Every project I have is basically crowd funded. From the making of my album in the studio, to music videos, to showing my people songs when I first write it, Twitch has been there along the way and has helped me tremendously.
What we can expect of Raquel Lily in 2020?
Lots of music being released, on a monthly basis until my album drops sometime in the late summer. I’m hoping my tour (in light of the world at the moment) will go as planned in the fall.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I really love belting out Alicia Keys, “If I Ain’t Got You.” That always gets everyone in their feels and I love getting everyone to sing along with it. Such a classic! I also love “Dance With Somebody,” by Whitney Houston because I really like hyping up drunk crowds. “Killing me Softly,” by Fugees is also tied up there with bar favorites.
Name one your strengths?
I’m a workaholic. I love what I do, so music doesn’t really feel like work to me.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To be able to live creatively, as I am, and not worrying about much else. Eating lots of food. Living self-aware, and carefree…with my kitties.
Any loves other than music?
I looooove to cook. I like uploading daily insta stories of me cooking. It’s my favorite thing to do, next to eating. I can put down a lot of food.
Any exiting news you want to share with us?
I’m releasing my next single on 4/20. A track entitled “Mary” 😉
How’s a typical day in your life?
Wake up, work out (lift/yoga), make a giant green smoothie with fruits, social media, emails, send out merch if I need to, work on music production, play with my cats, stream music (MWF), cook dinner, shower and go to bed.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Home cooked meal, produce some music throughout the day, chill with my cats outside, maybe make some banana pancakes, eat icecream.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Salmon. I could live off of salmon for an eternity.
And your favorite cheat food?
Ice cream cake.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
If they were allergic to cats. Phew, I just can’t.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Amy Winehouse. I definitely just wanted to hear more music from her. I feel like we would really get along well based on attitudes and music taste. I felt she possessed this masculinity that I totally resonate with and feel similarly to. She was also absolutely a legend in her craft. I would love to just listen to her talk. Outside from her crazy cockney accent, she definitely had this poetic way with her words.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully spearheading some live-stream musician movement where a bunch of other artists, bands, festivals and people just live streamed music related stuff while doing it all live in front of an audience. It’s been a dream of mine for years and I hope in 5 years, I can say that I live streamed in front of all my Twitch peeps at Lolla or Bonnaroo with a bunch of my friends.
How would you describe your fashion style?
90’s rocker/70’s chic/vaporwave anime…girl….? lol
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a powerful thing, especially for little indies like me. I feel like its a big world but its easier now, more than ever, to find your kind of people.
Where we can follow you?
twitch.tv/RaquelLily
youtube.com/raquellily
twitter.com/RaquelLily
instagram.com/raquel_lily
Quote: “This task was appointed to you, and if you do not find a way, no one will.” – Galadriel (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring)
Song: geez, what genre? Last year’s favorite was “Heart Wants,” by Magic City Hippies. I think this year its “Cheapest Flight,” by PREP.
Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Travel Destination: Italy
Food: Prime Rib Steak
Sports Team: Alabama Crimson Tide, Roll Tide.
