Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Aurilia
Hi Raquel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started singing when I was a young girl when my mom would play the piano around the house. I took voice lessons and choir but didn’t really know how to get started with a music career until after College. A mutual friend introduced me to Grammy Award Winning Producer Tony Papa from Los Angeles, CA and we met up in the studio to record a demo. We decided to record my first alum together from this point and this was how it all got started!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The music industry can be a difficult one and you have to be careful who you work with and trust. I have learned this the hard way after working with a few different people that didn’t have my best interest at heart. I recommend not paying for anything up front until the work is done (or contracts are signed.) and researching the people you choose to work with before you work with them. If you have referrals that’s even better! Luckily for me, it was a lesson I learned early on before I got too far into working with the people that were not reliable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am Singer/Songwriter, and sing mainly Country Crossover and Adult Contemporary. When I write however, I do not have a specific genre in mind, I write what I am feeling at the time and the melody will usually dictate if I will end up recording it or shop it to other artists. I have written some songs that I am currently shopping to other artists. A few of them to male artists too, who I feel would sound great on the track! I try and collaborate too as much as possible because I think it’s great to have other writers to bounce ideas off of and it’s a lot of fun as well writing with other people.
I have had the opportunity to open up for some amazing artists in the past like B.B. King (my first concert), Lisa Loeb, Kenny Loggins, Pat Benatar and John Waite. I actually opened several shows for John Waite which was such an amazing experience and I had the best time on the road during these shows. John and his band treated my musicians and I so good. I loved every minute of these shows and this tour we were a part of.
There are a few things I am proud of in my career so far. My first single, “Feels Like” off my very first album, reached #28 on the Hot AC & Billboard Charts which was very exciting. I am also proud of being nominated for an HIMA award for two different songs that I co-wrote with Billy Smiley. The first song “He Said, She Said” in the Adult Contemporary category and “”Mr. Right Now” in the Counrty Crossover Category just this year!
I think the thing that sets me apart from other artists is that I have a unique sound that is my own, and can sing different genres.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I think the most important lesson I have learned along my journey as an artist is to be patient with myself and not compare myself to other artists. With Social Media being so important for promotions for artists, it’s easy to fall into this trap. I just try and keep creating music and good content and go at my own pace. Being active with your fans and engaging with everyone as much as possible is key in building an authentic fan base.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raquelaurilia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelaurilia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquelauriliamusic
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/raquelaurilia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaquelAurilia
Image Credits
DireImage – Chelsea Thompson
