Exposed Vocals Interviews Raquel Munn

Raquel grew up in the diamond city, Kimberley, South Africa where she danced and sang throughout her childhood. As a teenager, Raquel was part of a tribute band called “The Kimberley Spice Girls”, whereby they mimicked the real band, performing all over the country, including on television, the radio and also appearing in the “You” Magazine (National Magazine of South Africa) in 1999. Raquel went on to study Musical Theatre at the Tshwane University of Technology obtaining her National Diploma and also completing her Advanced Two for the Royal Academy of Dance in classical ballet. Raquel has released and recorded songs with ‘Shota Music’, featuring in albums such as SoulCandi SessionThree, and ‘I Am’ by Theo Kgosinkwe. Raquel also recorded and wrote songs with Gabi le Roux of Kaleidosound Productions (EMI, South Africa). Raquel’s most recent track is “Black President” on Shota’s latest album “Warrior” (GALLO). Raquel has performed in many musicals namely, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, My Fairlady, The Rocky Horror Show, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, having had the opportunity to cover the lead role of Belle. Raquel featured in the lead role of Sharpay in Disney’s High School Musical Asian Tour with an international cast. Raquel has also worked as a featured singer for Royal Caribbean International on some of the world’s biggest cruise ships namely, the Mariner of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas and Independence of the Seas. Raquel has featured in TV commercials internationally and presented various infomercials. Achieving more success in the music industry is a long awaited goal.

Links are:
Twitter: @RackedyRacks
Facebook: RaquelMunn
Soundcloud.com/raquelannemunn
Website: raquelmunn.com

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?  

Raquel: South Africa is my home, and I grew up in a small town known for its diamonds called Kimberley. The famous Canary Diamond from the movie ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ comes from our biggest man made hole. In Kimberley, the arts weren’t really a thing, but I always loved singing and I wrote my first Rap Song when I was 9years old. I always danced and went to ballet and it all kind of grew from there. I recorded my first demo when I was 15.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Raquel: As of now, I still use my real name Raquel Munn, but I also go by the name ‘RQL’. A name a close friend always called me when we were performing on ships. He just took the vowels out.  I guess a lot of people couldn’t say Raquel and always called me ”Rachel’ so he simplified it and it stuck.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Raquel: I think it’s hard to get music out there, but by sharing you may reach more ears. You have to expose your music and create a listenership. I have given some music out for free, because I think that’s how you start and as your craft gets better you should start to earn an income and generate sales.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Raquel: I think you have to always believe in your brand, because it’s hard for someone on the outside to get it. The gig shouldn’t matter, from a small pub to a conference, you will be exposing ears and that could lead to more radio requests because they remember that song you played at that gig. You have to punt yourself! I remember Gloria Estefan who couldn’t get her hit “Conga” out to her producers, so they played weddings and Bar Mitzvah’s constantly performing that song till people recognized it and started requesting it on local radio. Talk about commitment.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Raquel: Everyone makes mistakes, you’re human. You just laugh it off and carry on. Sometimes if I’m not focused enough, I might miss a step, but you just keep going and remember to do a better focus next time before the show. I think the more you perform live, the easier that gets to correct.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about? 

Raquel: I haven’t toured with my music yet, but have toured with performing troupes in Musicals and on ships. I think what makes it interesting is how close you get to the people you work with. You get to really know people. What happens on tour, stays on tour. Lol.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?  

Raquel: If I don’t plan to write, it won’t necessarily happen. I could be driving and suddenly something will come to me and I have to hit record on my phone ASAP! It’s always been easier to hear a melody. I record it and start matching lyrics. Other times, producers bring me instrumental tracks and I jam to it until I start to feel what the song is saying to me. I start with the chorus and work from there. I record what I like and go into the studio the next day to lay down some vocals. I then take the new track home and work on it some more.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Raquel: Yes, I use a website:RaquelMunn.com. I usesoundcloud.com/raquelannemunn andreverbnation.com/RaquelMunn.

Twitter: @RackedyRacks

Instagram: @raquelmunn

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Raquel: My Ballet RAD class music! Does Britney Spears count?

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?  

Raquel: OMG! Record an album and go and give the poorer communities a great concert for free. I don’t think I could take a year off.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?  

Raquel: Not at present. I have worked with both Cubase and Protools.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Raquel: Radio and interviews, but I think live performance on tv is the best. Of course a YouTube following can get you steps ahead.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why? 

Raquel: Madonna!!! At Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. Well, because she’s a business guru (love her) and well she’s never performed in South Africa before.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Raquel: I’m going back to write. And if it feels right, I will release an album. My style is changing and I am searching for a new sound that’s true to me now. I’m performing in a cabaret like show later this year called “Au Revoir” in Cape Town, which may lead to more artistic discovery for me.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?  

Raquel: Making Music

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?  

Raquel: First cassette was Roxette, ‘Joy Ride’. I guess the amazing fun that that song was, but my first album was Mariah Carey, ‘Daydream’ , and all I wanted to do was sing like her.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?  

Raquel: You have to make time. It’s so easy to procrastinate!(every artists struggle) I have a daily planner and I try to do everything I set out to do the day before.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?  

Raquel: I think what is coming is going to be deeper and honest. I think that’s going to resonate with more people. I’ve been singing in the dance style, but I think I want to also be more vulnerable in my vocals too, which may call for a completely new style. Watch this space…..