A new single release from Raluca brings a crips and edgy pop feel that comes with a fresh attitude, and an array of textures and sounds that melt together to create an atmosphere that feels like a different place all together.
"Thunder" features one hell of a chorus that is surrounded with guitar hooks, and rhythmically addictive percussive groove, and synths that add tons of color to this already bountiful and full-bodied single.
The sounds border on retro-synth pop at times and vocally Raluca boasts such a wonderful character and a soiree of presence and attitude that really works perfectly for the song.
This track has a hard-hitting element to it that comes through cinematic and with a powerful backbone. It's impactful and danceable. It's fun but closed fisted, and it rocks but floats atop an electronic undertone.
This showcases a youthful and strong songwriter that does things the way she wants, pays much attention to the details in production, and likely has quite a vision for a song before it happens.
With the release of such a great single, we wanted to have a chat with the artist to find out where this all comes from and what may be next for her.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay so let's start with "Thunder". This single has a fresh almost retro-pop feel to it! Where did this song come from?
It was actually born from a period of me feeling frustrated about a situation in my life. I was tired of living in a limbo of „maybe’s“ and decided to be brave and confidently start saying no. Thunder s a statement. It’s empowerment. It’s setting boundaries and not accepting what doesn’t serve you. It’s about being true to yourself and embracing the storm that is you. The perfect chaos that ultimately brings about good change.
Buzz Slayers: So how did this all begin for you? When did you fall in love with music really?
I was still living in Romania and must have been 4 or 5. My Mum obsessively listened to Mariah Carey’s „I can’t live without you’ and I was so struck how it made me feel so deeply. I didn’t understand a word back then, but I didn’t need to. It was impossible not to feel all the feelings. That’s when I realised, I can’t live without music really I guess.
Buzz Slayers: Who is in your headphones right now?
I’m actually listening a lot to Camila Cabello atm. I love to dance and recently discovered Reggaeton, and in general Latino Pop music for me for that.
Buzz Slayers: What inspires you to write a song?
Life and the feelings that go with it. I have a complex background with being an immigrant to Germany, so identity, the question of who I am and more importantly, who I want to be, plays a big role. This role I like to implement, but also develop from each song and see who else and what more I enjoy being or sounding like. And love, obviously.
Buzz Slayers: I'm hearing some great styles on this song. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
That’s a tough one, cause I really do have such mixed artists that influence and inspire me. The earlier years of Mando Diao, First Aid Kit, I adore Taylor Swift and have discovered Marian Hill during the pandemic. My taste in music is really, really broad, and I’m not afraid to like so many various styles. It’s enriching to me as a listener and also as an artist myself.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I’m not working on music, I either hang out with my fav people in life (friends and my almost 7 year old daughter), dance, travel, write on my book and declare my undying love to my Scottish Fold cats. Oh, and I still work full-time as PMO manager.
Buzz Slayers: Who are you listening to right now?
Moncrieff - Ruin
Buzz Slayers: Would you say live performances are a big part of what you do?
Unfortunately, not yet. But this is about to change soon and I couldn’t be more excited about it. When I first started out as classic singer songwriter in folk / pop 10 years ago, I used to be on stage playing guitar or piano. I’m not a pro in both and was always nervous to mess up. Even so, I still adored being on stage. So I’m very excited to start a new era and be able to focus on singing and performing up there.
Buzz Slayers: This single feels like a big undertaking, is there any advice you'd give to other up and coming artists out there?
Don’t be afraid to go for who you truly feel you are deep inside. Trust in yourself and have the confidence that who you are and what you have has value. Of course one should always try to grow and evolve, not just as an artist but as a person. But simultaneously, take risks here and there. Things will never be perfect. Don’t wait for that. Allow the world to see you and be proud of what you’re doing, knowing that you’re doing the best you can with what you have from where you are right now. And there’s one thing no one else can offer, and that’s being unapologetically you!
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
There will be 2,3 more single releases and then I will start the adventure of playing live while working towards releasing an EP.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I’m so grateful you are on this journey with me. And if my music makes you smile, think, dance or just feel deeply, even if just for a few minutes: know that this means the world to me! I am so humbled by music’s effect on me and my life, and to think that my own music could mean just a fraction of what other artists music mean to me - this is just truly mind-blowing and makes my knees feel a little weak. In the very best of ways.
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