Swiss born, Portuguese & Angolan singer/songwriter RAÍZ has fused with London’s multicultural music scene to venture into his newfound territory of edgy bangers and millennial pop. The artist's debut release is memorable single 'Nightmare' which dropped September 30th.
The name RAÍZ stems from the Portuguese word ‘root’ and is a direct link to the deep cultural and musical references which inspire each song in the new EP ‘Saudade’. Saudade meaning: a longing for something that has been.
RAÍZ found the gift of time and solitude amid the globe’s isolation, during which he wrote and co-produced ‘Saudade’ via Zoom sessions and back and forth WhatsApps, all in the confinement of his bedroom. What could potentially have been a creatively dark chapter, has turned out to be the most thrilling time for RAÍZ’s music lift off.
Each single introduces the listener to RAIZ’s extensive vocal range; a warm, at times high pitched, albeit authentic & carefully crafted vocal versatility.
Carrying a similar striking falsetto as The Weeknd, inspired by Majid Jordan’s seductive melodies and incorporating Gashi’s 80’s electro-pop productions; RAÍZ has carefully handpicked his influences to release his new contagious and vibrant first single ‘Nightmare’.
NIGHTMARE
The single ‘Nightmare’ introduces us to the beginning of a tormented love story. During the total of five episodes making up the EP ‘Saudade’, we witness a noir, electro pop and RnB road; unravelling a tumultuous journey of “push and pull” throughout this electric record. ‘Nightmare’ speaks about the heartbreak of a broken promise, the desperate attempts to make things better when all hope is hanging by a thread.
RAÍZ speaks very openly about the true fear of letting go of something that once seemed to be unbreakable. “I’m running out of time, still looking for a lifeline” makes us feel the desperate attempt for mending something that has most likely run its course, with the consistent backdrop of a ticking clock pressing for the next lyric.
“Promises don’t last, nothing ever does” may seem like a bleak verse but echoes the truth of false hope and finding detachment in everyday life.
‘Nightmare’ carries a modern 80’s vibe of reoccurring synths and guitar riffs, bringing us back to exciting and relatable records with a fresh and original after taste. Between the smooth verses and RnB vocals, we find hidden gems of harmonies and instruments that make us eager to re discover the track time and again.
Whilst we are fixated by the dark, slightly “Drive” cinematic feel, RAÍZ also provides us with an ambitious, intense & honest, yet addictive track we will keep on loop.