Check out our interview with viral Queer alt-pop sensation RAEGAN who just release her new single / video for “WALTZ”, which is a lesbian retelling of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ today! (June 1st) just in time for Pride.
Her debut track, “TIM BURTON,” made waves on TikTok for its witchy and spellbinding energy. Armed with over a million likes and thousands of videos made with the original “TIM BURTON” sound, RAEGAN built on that momentum with follow singles “STALKER”, “HI MY NAME IS” and “STOCKHOLM.”
Follow RAEGAN @raegancomplex
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClIiU8PwRSc” title=”RAEGAN – WALTZ (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)”][vc_column_text]
Hi RAEGAN, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a 20 year old singer-songwriter and producer from Miami FL; I currently live in NYC.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Experimental
Theatrical
Textured
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I grew up doing musical theater so I always sang and was very influenced by Broadway music. I started writing and producing my own music in the beginning of highschool. As a kid I mostly listened and was influenced by Marina and the Diamonds, Melanie Martinez and Musicals.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I play the piano, guitar and ukulele.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes I get nervous all the time when it comes to performing.
Tell us about your new single “WALTZ?”
WALTZ is a song I’ve been sitting on for about 3 years. It’s always been one of my favorites but I needed to perfect it. A few months ago we recorded all live strings and that’s when I felt content, like it reached its potential and was ready to be released.
What’s the story behind the song?
I created this song in highschool when I officially came out as gay. My parents were not very accepting of not only me being gay, but also the specific person I was with. One day I went into the studio and just wanted to make a song out of a waltz for some reason.
Everything I wrote is how I felt at the time in a more metaphorical sense. It’s me expressing how I felt trapped and controlled when I just wanted to be supported and allowed to be in love. Ironically, a few weeks after I made this song, I auditioned and got
casted in the production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at my school. As I studied and read the script in depth, I realized how similar my story really was to theirs. I saw myself in them and was overwhelmed by my emotional connection and understanding of their story. That’s when I got the inspiration for the music video; to create a lesbian Romeo and Juliet.
Tell us about the success of your previous single “TIM BURTON,”?
The success of TIM BURTON was very exciting and unexpected. It’s a very enchanting song that exudes mystical energy and it became a trend for good luck and a manifestation sound. That viral moment introduced my music to listeners and gave me confidence to start releasing my songs to the world.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is making music; it’s the way I express myself and it’s what makes my soul happy.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
To trust myself and be nice to everyone.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend describes me as quick witted, quirky, hard working, and dramatic.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I was a book, at this time of my life, I think the title would be “Living Manifestation” because I feel like my mindset is optimistic and balanced. I’m manifesting the life I deserve by working hard and creating my narrative.
What’s next for RAEGAN in 2023?
My first EP “FUCK RAEGAN” is releasing around September, which I am more than excited for. This project represents me as an artist, so far. And I’m finally going to be performing and interacting with my listeners!!
How would you explain your fashion style?
I would explain my fashion style as girly, alt, and evolving.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is doing what I love, with who I love and forever growing as a person.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet someone living or dead I think I’d want it to be Tyler, the Creator so we could make music together.
Best advice ever given?
I had heard this from my dad all my life but when it finally hit me; “Talent isn’t enough, I have to work harder than everyone else.”
Do you support any charity?
Yes I support many but to name two, the humane society (animal rights) and Lambda Legal (LGBTQ rights).
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In 5 years I see myself touring and not only making music for myself, but also creating movie and/or musical soundtracks. I also see myself acting and being on Broadway one day.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
My favorite song to belt out in the car is probably My Man from Funny Girl or Never Enough by Rex Orange County.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is a great place for audiences to be reached. It feels both powerful and scary to have the future of my career and listeners in my hands. A lot of the time creating content can feel overwhelming, but in my opinion, it’s truly one of the best generations to be in for independent up-and-coming artists to be heard.
Where can we follow you?
On all social media platforms as @raegancomplex
https://linktr.ee/raegancomplex
FAVORITES:
Movie: That’s hard for me to choose but Bohemian Rhapsody keeps coming into my mind.
Tv Series: Broad City
Favorite Food: Sushi even though it never really fills me up
Travel Destination: My favorite place I’ve traveled to so far was Italy.
Cover Photo Credit: Isabella Tan @its.bellatan
Green Dress Credit: Louis Browne @louis_browne
