Getting To Know... Rafa Rico

After making a name for himself with a rich array of offerings over the last few years, Venezuelan artist Rafa Rico has now returned to deliver his latest delight 'Wonder'.

Conjuring a warm and atmospheric aesthetic throughout, 'Wonder' sees him unveil a truly mesmerising release. Filled with breezy aesthetics, humble production, and his own soothing voice layered from start to finish, he is definitely a name worth keeping an eye on in the future.

So with the new single doing the rounds, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What were the first instruments you fell in love with?

When I was like 7-8 I wanted to play drums, but because we lived in a small apartment, that wasn’t a good idea. Then when I was around 11-12, I discovered a Spanish guitar in my grandpa’s closet, I undusted it and started fooling with it a bit until I just couldn’t stop playing it for a minute.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

I think more than a specific artist or band, what has inspired me the most is the feeling I get from music and what it all conveys for us as humans, as an unknown language for things we cannot express with words solely. That inspires me. Motivates me to keep discovering myself through writing.

What kind of music did you love as teenagers?

I was very deep into rock, metal and classic rock, but musically open to many styles as well. I was influenced by Mtv 90s like most kids my age now, then I was really into singer/songwriter/folk stuff, seeing things like Eddie Vedder doing his own stuff aside from Pearl Jam, The Beatles doing their stuff separately too. I was anticipating myself and trying to close the “school band” gap in my life to start being the guy who split and began his own solo career.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

I think it was ‘Knocking On Heavens Door’ by Bob Dylan, right after listening to Guns N’ Roses' version, which I hate haha Maybe “Blackbird” too, since those were songs I wouldn’t stop playing when I was a kid.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

It depends on what activity I’m doing, I like indie folk a lot but lately I've been listening a lot to soul and r&b and some Portuguese jazz as well.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

A few, I wouldn’t say I do it much, but definitely some songs about people that touched my life deeply.

What have been the most memorable moments in your career so far?

I’m still looking forward to growing in my career and experiencing amazing moments. So far I’m very grateful to have shared the stage with wonderful and historically important artists from my country and latin America. As a producer, I’m always reminiscing about the time I had the chance to work along with big AAA producers such as Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd) and Garth Richardson (Red Hot Chili Peppers) in the same studio.

Outside of music, what are your biggest passions?

I love animals, IPAs and outdoors!

If you weren’t musicians, what other path do you think you might have taken?

I was very close to dedicating my career to the audiovisual industry, it was a tough call for me to choose one path at some point where I needed to focus more on one thing only. I chose music and I’m deeply grateful and proud of taking that decision. I'm also lucky to still work in the film and advertising industry as a composer/sound designer and sometimes voice over actor.

And what advice would you give to those looking to start a career in music?

Be decisive, persistent and very patient. Take breaks, nurture yourself with everything you can, release music constantly and don’t get stuck with one idea.

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Rafa Rico's new single 'Wonder' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.