Floridian artist Raffy Bleu returns with 'Don’t Make It Hard', a smooth, jazz-tinged pop single exploring the emotional contradictions of modern dating. Built around warm piano, subtle electronic percussion, and expressive saxophone flourishes, the track balances romance with quiet bruises. Lyrically, it reflects on connection without commitment; the frustration of mutual interest that never materialises, of closeness stalled by endless excuses. For Raffy, a young widower re-entering the dating world after nine years of marriage, the song captures both confusion and cautious optimism.
Known for transforming personal grief into refined, emotionally resonant art, Raffy Bleu approaches vulnerability as strength rather than spectacle. 'Don’t Make It Hard' continues that ethos, offering a message of patience and hope for romantics navigating today’s uncertain landscape. It’s a reminder that believing in love again doesn’t mean forgetting loss, it means carrying it forward with honesty, resilience, and heart.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano. My grandfather was a piano dealer through the 40’s-60’s and my mom was my first piano teacher. Although I love the piano, I equally love listening to the sound of the harp.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I always loved jazz. There is something about big bands and orchestras that I really enjoy. It must be the many melodic lines and textures that you can hear in and out, left and right. Apart from Jazz, I really really love EARTH WIND AND FIRE. I love dancing and as if I’m choreographing and orchestrating in my head.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember owning the album, Shades of Purple by M2M, they are an Australian Duo if I’m not mistaken. I really like the song, Don’t Say You Love Me.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Many. but I really wish I wrote “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey Rae. The poetry, the chords, the melody hits the spot. It’s one of my favorite songs to listen to.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I travel, go on a date internationally, I fall in love and give my all. And then, I’m inspired to write something from the heart.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Fred Buscaglione, There’s something about his voice that I really like. His arrangements, as I discover are always so cool. Love this era! Aurelie Saada and Jungle of course satisfies my craving to hear playful melodies and really cool orchestrations.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Again, If I can dream, I would love to open for Sam Smith, also for Raye and of course Olivia Dean. But honestly, I really really hope I could open for Rick Astley.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Simply being able to share my thoughts through words and sounds and then realizing that some people relate to it and seeing and feeling their reactions just fulfils my soul.
And what is the most frustrating part?
When evaluating my work to make sure that they are truly unique and then finding out that I was not the first one to think about it. There’s really a lot of brilliantly talented people in the world and I celebrate that and I always intend to give the admiration and appreciation they deserve.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Never stop and keep going. It’s not really easy but I love every bit of thing that I do and so I think I will follow this advice.
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Raffy Bleu's new single 'Don't Make It Hard' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.