Vents Magazine
Exclusive Interview: Canadian Recording Artist Rawle on upcoming EP “Find My Way”
[as originally published on ventsmagazine.com]
With a captivating approach to his music, Canadian R&B, soul, and pop artist Rawle is one of the music industry’s hottest upcoming recording artists. Rawle’s EP “Find My Way,” set for release April, 2022, is a labor of love detailing his own story of finding himself and his way through the trials and tribulations of life. The EP, which covers such ground as heartbreak, understanding, and overcoming triumphs, also features singer Malanie Amaro, winner of the first season of The X Factor US, among others. We caught up with Rawle to discuss his new music, the passion behind his projects, and more.
First, thank you so much for talking with us. You’ve done some super cool things in music, behind the scenes, and behind the mic. Where did you get your start? When did you know you discover music as a passion?
It has been a very great journey so far. I can say I was passionate about music from the age of 6. I remember I use to daydream about singing to people and making them feel better. I was optimistic and thought I would be able to make the world better if I could just sing [laughs]. I started learning about the business side of music in high-school. I was able to do a cooperative learning and work at an independent record label when I was in grade 11. It was part of the curriculum. I had to successfully complete working with the indie label to get my credit to pass the course. However, more notably for me, I got an intern position with a music manager named Chase Parsons who was partners with Chris Smith who managed Nelly Furtado and singer Tamia’s careers — two other amazing Canadian artists. That was where I learned so much about the music business and managing artists careers.
What’s been your favorite place or venue to perform at? Have you ever felt a connection with a crowd, as some artists say they sometimes feel?
Revival Bar in Toronto. It’s a great venue that books shows year round. They really focus on local talent. What’s cool is I was also cast to act in a play inspired by the 1942 Casablanca movie. I was cast as Sam who was the late Dooley Wilson’s character. Sam was the singer and piano player in the movie, so it was a really great role for me. I’ve had that moment to connect with the crowd while I was performing at Revival Bar both as an artist and an actor. It was such a fulfilling feeling sharing my art and releasing it and getting back this surreal energy. There’s nothing else like it. I just felt alive and a part of this euphoric moment between me and the crowd.
Your work clearly comes from a deeply personal place. Is it a challenge to get so — for lack of a perhaps more appropriate term — vulnerable?
The answer is yes. It’s not easy being vulnerable especially as a human being. Vulnerability to me is like nakedness. When you’re so exposed it’s scary, but that’s really where I draw from to produce my music and my self-expression. Now that I’m becoming more myself it’s less difficult getting to that place of vulnerability. I realized it’s not a weakness but my power, and I have let my guard down and disable my ego, which wants to protect me, I guess. But once I do let it down, I can really tap into it freely.
What was the first song you ever laid down? Do you remember stepping into the booth for the first time?
The first song I ever recorded was called Shooting Cupid. It’s this love song about how love sucked and I wanted to shoot cupid down for making me believe in it. It was exciting but also scary because I went in there with the mindset that I wanted the song to be perfect. But I was not prepared. I didn’t know how I wanted to sing it. I just had the message I wanted to get across. It came out alright. I will probably re-record it and re-release it for my next album.
I understand you were asked to open for Chris Brown but were unable? Is that true?
Yes, it was bittersweet. I’d submitted my music for review to some booking agents in 2020 and then in 2021, when Rolling Loud was happening in Miami. A representative handling the opening acts for Chris Brown reached out to me and said they reviewed my music and wanted to know if I would be interested. Chris Brown is one of my absolute favorite artists. He paved the way for so much of us artists today, so I jumped at the chance. But at the time was still waiting for a work visa for music to be approved so was unable to travel. I reached out and asked if there was any way around it but there wasn’t. I ended up asking the music agents to consider me for future shows which they said they absolutely would do.
I can’t help but notice a resemblance. Has anyone ever mistaken you for Michael B. Jordan? I can’t be the first person to have mentioned this, right?
Oh man, all the time! When I had my hair cut low with a short fade people would literally come up to me and say they thought I was Michael B. Jordan. I got to meet him at a bowling party I attend that the rapper YG was having in Van Nuys. He was super cool. So down earth. Everything I thought he’d be. We took a picture together and look so much alike. I could probably play his younger self or brother or kid.
Do you start with lyrics? Production?
It really depends. It can be both. Sometimes I have lyrics pop in my head or I randomly think of an experience I had and write about it. I also will hear a production that really moves me and I will start to write lyrics or maybe sometimes hum a melody that I will later elaborate on with lyrics.
How did you meet Melanie Amaro?
I met Melanie shortly after she won the first season of the American X Factor. We met on a tour she was hosting with Mindless Behavior. I ended up on tour when they were last together before they split up. I first met the group in Miami before and then met Melanie in Jamaica. We became good friends. After a show in Jamaica it was pouring rain and we were in this field of grass and mud. She had on heels and could not walk through the mud, so I offered to carry her on my back across this huge football field. From that moment on we were thick as thieves. I later took over as her manager and wrote some records for her. I think she’s amazing. Her voice moves me in ways I can’t describe. We also have another song coming out on my “Find My Way” EP. It’s so good — she did an amazing job on the record.
Favorite restaurant in Toronto? Favorite in LA?
There are a couple I like in Toronto. One of my favorites is this Filipino cuisine restaurant called Tinuno, the most mouth-watering food. They cook everything fresh. I’ve celebrated my last two birthdays by having them cater for me. In LA I’m still pretty new and I haven’t yet had much time to find a spot I really enjoy yet. But I am searching.
Are you a sports fan? You’ve had an eclectic home base over the years. Loyal to any one particular city or team?
Yes, mostly because I was an athlete for most of my early life. I competed in track and field in and out school and was a part of track clubs that competed nationally and internationally. In fact, very few people know this but I use to work for ESPN Plus in Windsor Canada, which is right across from Detroit Michigan. We would literally watch sports all day and play games when we were assisting clients with their ESPN Plus accounts. I am Raptors fan. I’ve had childhood friends make it to the N** and I’ve always been a Miami Heat fan too. Every one of my favorite players, from Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Lebron James, and now Kyle Lowry, helped bring us the championship and devoted so much to my hometown Toronto. Anytime the Miami Heat plays and I’m in a city where the game is, I get tickets and go to the game.
Your drive and dedication to your craft is so inspiring. What would you say to anyone who is facing obstacles in pursuing music, or who maybe deals with the fear of not being good enough?
I would say it’s not so much about being good enough, although society these days makes it seem like it is. You really should only be focused on being the best that you can be. As long as you have a passion and you are dedicated to sharing that with others, you will succeed. Some advice I would give is just trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right then it’s not. Sometimes we as artist or aspiring artist can get in our own way. Just remember that this your journey and you have a voice and your own uniqueness. Just stick with that and do not ever give up. Keep going!
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