Raphaella returns with her brand-new EP: Real.
A four-track collection of stimulating, remarkable alt-pop production, Real is the perfect reminder of how Raphaella has been able to establish herself as one of the most exciting new talents in the British music scene. The EP is fronted by ‘Closure’, an intoxicating and alluring banger featuring Nambyar, which saw instant acclaim pour in from PAPER MAGAZINE, FAULT MAGAZINE and significant blog and playlist hype thanks to its intriguing blend of chopped piano chords and rich, interwoven vocal harmonies. Title track “Real” is a chief standout, merging soft adlibs with striking synths and a powerful beat helmed by the artist at her Shoreditch studio.
Speaking about the EP, Raphaella explained: “Real is really about wanting to find someone that makes you feel something real again. I think after major heartbreak it’s easy to feel numb and think in some way you’re broken eternally. But it’s amazing how in the most random and unlikely of places there’s a switch that can suddenly turn back on again, and just like that – all the blood rushes back to every inch of your body and you’re able to feel again. The whole EP follows that narrative of getting over a past relationship and seeking ‘Closure’, being ‘Alright’ and coming to terms with it, finding someone new who makes you feel something ‘Real’ again when you thought you couldn’t, and ‘My My’ which is me saying I’m ready to love again. I recorded ‘Closure’ in Amsterdam and the other three tracks at my Shoreditch studio. For the whole EP I wanted to create an off kilter analog and lo-fi production soundscape, so mixed both live guitar which I heavily effected, my Prophet 6, chopped up and altered audio and digital synths throughout.”
The EP comes alongside the success of her latest feature, co-write and vocal production for ‘One Night’ with MK & Sonny Fodera, which continues to receive significant support from BBC Radio 1 and Kiss FM with over 19 million Spotify streams alone, as well as vocal producing for Little Mix’s upcoming album including their latest single ‘Break Up Song’.
Raphaella’s solo releases, collaborations and guest features have amassed over 100 million Spotify streams, with radio support coming from Radio 1’s Annie Mac, Pete Tong and Danny Howard plus Radio 1Xtra’s Mistajam and DJ Target, alongside critical acclaim from tastemakers Billboard, MTV, Wonderland, HUNGER and Clash amongst significant blog and playlist support.
She remains in high demand as a songwriter, lending a hand to upcoming singles for Cher Lloyd as well as ‘Last Time’ from Rudimental’s UK Top 5 album Toast To Our Differences and Petit Biscuit & JP Cooper’s ‘We Were Young’ (16M+ Spotify streams). During Raphaella’s illustrious career, she’s hit the studio with names including Anne-Marie, Gorgon City, MIST, MNEK, Steel Banglez, Da Beatfreaks and Martin Garrix, Wilkinson, Matrix & Futurebound and Yellow Claw amongst others, merging her love of analogue synths with her mixed UK and Persian heritage to all that she does.
Raphaella’s star beckons ever closer, and with this new release, guides her sound to a genuinely exciting new level. Real sets the benchmark for what’s sure to be another pivotal summer for the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance graduate.
