Rising UK R&B artist Cilla Raie talks musical influences, motivation and her new EP packed with R&B/Alternative sounds ‘Reconnected’

Cilla Raie

Photo credit: Kolapo Studios

What inspired you to begin a career in music?

I started at the age of 14 years old, being inspired by watching musical legends on TV (MTV specifically) such as Aaliyah, Brandy, Toni Braxton, Destiny’s Child etc. I used to watch them and observe everything from their vocals, mannerisms, styling and everything. I became obsessed with wanting to be an artist so I started to write my own songs and record in the studio. Myspace from back in the day gave me an opportunity to upload music and have lots of people hear me and the opportunities came from producers such as DaVinche inviting me into the studio.

What differs you and your sound from other upcoming artists in the music industry?

I would say what makes me different is my productions. I intentionally work with the producers I have records with because they have an edge to the types of music they create. I’m a big fan of blending sounds together and creating a fusion or a feeling. For instance I have a lot of R&B records that have pop or alternative or drum and base fusions. I like to go based on feelings and making my music relatable with the top lines.

Your new EP ‘Reconnected’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the project?

Reconnected is such a staple piece to me and my catalogue. After taking time out from music to focus on my personal life, Reconnected signifies coming from a place where I was loosing sight of my dreams to then watching the doors reopen for me and falling in love with music once again. I knew I wanted to make an EP early 2020 but with the pandemic at the time I just didn’t know how I would go about affording this. Arts England and National Lottery gave me the opportunity to be able to make an EP, I spent all of September writing and recording. The producers XVR Blck, Walter Ego, Peddy Pro and Serk Lelabo all did an amazing job honestly and I am so proud to have them collaborating with me. Tiffany Evans and Subten are the two features on the project who gave me some great verses. Everything just aligned perfectly to be honest and I am so proud of the project.

Everyone experiences good days and bad days, as an artist. When you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?

My son motivates me everyday. He is the reason I keep going, I get up and make my days productive because what I do is for him. When I feel extremely down and just low in energy I tend to just switch off from work, music or anything of that nature and just spend time with him doing kid stuff or literally just chilling at home on the couch. I find it helps me to just recharge and take a break for a moment. It’s needed in this fast pace world.

In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?

Oh God is a song on my new EP ‘Reconnected’ it’s a song that I wrote a few years ago when I was in a really dark place. I was a new mum adapting to the new changes in my life, and I didn’t know if music was what I wanted to pursue anymore because I felt like I was only getting so far with it. I saw my peers going far and I just felt stuck, in that moment I just wanted to cry out to God. I wanted God to show me if music is my destiny, prove it to me and he sure did. It’s about asking God to show you a way out of the darkness into the light.

What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?

My advice would be to work extremely hard and only focus on your vision and goals, I know that sounds cliché but I made a lot of sacrifices such as staying up later than usual, balancing multiple things at once. Making sure every single detail has been checked over when it comes to the music, vision, styling etc. Having that ability to work hard and staying focused can really make the biggest difference and keeps you one step ahead in a saturated industry.

Cilla Raie

Photo credit: Kolapo Studios

What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?

Fortunately, I have just recently received support from Help Musicians/MOBO trust fund who will be supporting further releases which will include more singles and another EP for 2022. I have already started writing the new music, which I’m super excited to release early next year. I have a bucket list of things I want to achieve and it includes putting together my own headline show. Hopefully things plan out but there will be higher quality visuals and music out, I have to stay consistent.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank everyone for the support I have been shown.

‘Reconnected’ is available now via all major platforms.

Connect with Cilla Raie

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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