After establishing herself with a wealth of riveting releases this past year, New York's Bianca Raquel returns once again to offer up her sultry new single 'Nympho'.
Capturing more of that smooth and airy R&B aesthetic she has been developing for herself lately, 'Nympho' makes for a wonderfully rich and shimmering listen. With her warm and embracing voice layered across an atmospheric production throughout, she is definitely one to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead as well.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the keyboard. I’ve always loved acoustic pianos as well but I spent a lot of time as an infant sitting in a walker surrounded by keyboards in my dad's studio as he worked. I’m pretty sure that’s where that preference started.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was a kid, I always had a wide range of music I liked. I’ve always been exposed to many different genres of music by the adults I was around. When I was 6 years old my favorite music to listen to was Toni Braxton, Dru Hill, Sade, Brandy, The Jackson 5, The Stylistics, Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Biggie Smalls, and The Spice Girls.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I always had access to my parents’ albums and could play them whenever I wanted so I don’t really have a specific memory of the first one I owned.
What is one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I really wish I had written Dreams by Fleetwood Mac. I love everything about that song from the snare and the hi-hat to the lyrical phrasing to the background vocals to the guitar. For me, it’s one of the best-produced and written songs of all time. It’s simple and complex simultaneously.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I come up with the title first and brainstorm ways to make the concept feel unique but also authentic to my own experiences. Sometimes I’ll write 3 songs stemming from the same title and the one that stays in my head the most is the one that I finish writing and then record. Not being redundant with my lyrics or subject matter is really important to me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I love Victoria Monet, Cleo Sol, Durand Bernarr, Kali Uchis and Jorja Smith.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world who would it be?
If we’re just focusing on artistry and not personal beliefs at all, I would love to open up for Kanye.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I love immersing in all of the work it takes even when it’s challenging because the reward is that I’m learning and expanding as I’m working. Even if I don’t release what I created, the process makes me better and better.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The challenges that come up during the recording process can be super frustrating such as technical issues with equipment or doing the same line over and over until I feel I nailed it. I also get frustrated at times having to be very disciplined with anything that can effect my voice because I’ve damaged it in the past and now that it’s recovered, I’m super protective over it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Stick to what you believe in creatively even if during the creation process other people don’t fully see your vision. When your intention is pure and focused on making something, that intention will be reflected in the final result.
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Bianca Raquel's new single 'Nympho' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.