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| Raquel Sofia |
There is a moment within any career when everything changes. Sometimes that moment of truth comes when you walk in a building for day one of a new job. Other times a person possibly served as an intern for a while, and after a period of time the career becomes a reality. Most of us who have experienced this reality can testify that the moment coincides with receiving your first dollar for services rendered. There are great differences between the music industry and other industries. How a person enters, how long they stay, and the various ways an individual can make money provides the music industry with its unique nature. Nevertheless, there is one similarity between the music industry and other types of employment a person might choose: individuals start at the bottom and work their way up. Most musicians refer to this period as “paying your dues”.
Growing up with my jazz musician father I heard that term, “paying your dues” too much and a little too early in life. Or maybe not! Once I got older and a little wiser I realized that my father was teaching me a little less about music and more about life. To some extent we all “pay our dues” in one way or another. Most definitely the musician understands that term all too well, as I will discuss in this post. This week I was reminded about paying dues as I prepared for Weekly Music Commentary. I am featuring a young artist who is ready for the solo spotlight, after some years of paying dues. This week I am featuring singer/songwriter and rising Latin music sensation Raquel Sofia.
Why feature Raquel Sofia? Why feature her this week? I think it might be best to answer the second question first.
Several months ago I was preparing a story for the Florida Music Letter about the Festival Miami 2015, the annual music festival presented by the University Of Miami Frost School Of Music. I went over the lineup of artists scheduled and one really stood out, Raquel Sofia. There were so many compelling parts to her story I just had to learn more about her. New artist, new album, and many industry insiders speaking about her talent. However, the overall reason I am featuring her this week is that she is performing next weekend, Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the Festival Miami.
I have attended concerts at the Gusman Concert Hall on the University of Miami campus before, and enjoyed the intimate feel of the 600 seat hall. For young Raquel Sofia this concert will feel different than just a concert on a college campus. Why? Raquel Sofia is graduate of the Frost School of Music. Obviously, Raquel must be feeling a wide range of emotions leading up to this concert. For now, let me give all of you reading a little introduction to Raquel Sofia.
Raquel Sofia Borges is an extremely talented singer/songwriter from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Following her graduation from the University of Miami, Sofía performed backing vocals to Juanes, Shakira and Jean Carlos Canela on tour. In 2013, she was featured in advertisements for Target and in 2014 signed to Sony Music Latin releasing her first solo EP and debut album earlier this year. Raquel Sofía also received a nomination for Best New Artist at the 16th Latin Grammy Awards.
Some may look at Raquel Sofia’s background and feel that she really didn’t pay many dues in regard to her music career. I think the dues were definitely there, but not so much a scratching and clawing through the backdoor of the music scene to make it to the top. However, graduating from University of Miami on a music scholarship is not an easy task. I’m positive young Raquel Sofia was challenged to be the best musician possible while working through the tough curriculum at Frost School of Music. Then she worked as a background singer for very talented Juanes and Shakira. Most interesting is the fact that surely Raquel Sofia possessed the talent even during her time background singing. That experience was necessary in order for others to realize her talent level. Paying dues? Absolutely!
Raquel certainly has the music world buzzing about her after displaying her abilities throughout her new album. Grammy award winning producer George Noriega has an interesting viewpoint of Raquel Sofia. He said, “Raquel Sofia is one of those rare artists that come along only once in a generation… She not only has an enormous amount of talent as a singer and as a songwriter but also delivers it in a unique way that defies genres and labels… Don’t even try to confine her into one musical box… Her style can only be described as ‘Raquel Sofia’”. Juanes added, “Raquel Sofía is the breath of fresh air that Latin Pop needs”.
Even though I am a blogger who is not governed by musical genres, my library does not include much Latin music. Of course, living in Miami provides easy access to the best of today’s Latin music, but I’m just not a big casual listener. I did take time to listen to Raquel Sofia’s entire album Te Quiero Los Domingos [I Love You on Sundays]. As I listened carefully, I could hear what many others were hearing from the budding star. That very eclectic, jazz-infused alternative rock sound is more than enough to give most music fans a pleasant listening experience. Even if you don’t understand Spanish.
Now after time spent as a music major at the University of Miami, singing backup for Shakira and Juanes, Raquel Sofia is ready to take her place at the front of the stage, back at the familiar stage in Gusman Concert Hall. Dues paid in full.
* photo by Amanda Julca
Great post.
I am someone who does not listen to much music, and when I do it is classical. I did like your description of the singer above. And I appreciate those who have paid their dues. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Some high-profile artists – e.g., Linda Ronstadt, Christina Aguilera – have made Spanish-language albums, so you wouldn't think that listeners today would be fazed by Sofia's Spanish vocals.
I listened to the song – it has a bit of a surf rock sound, yes? I could have done without the gratuitous sexuality in the video, however, even if that sort of thing is de rigueur these days.
LIke the song in the video a lot. Enjoy the concert Saturday and thanks for introducing us to Raquel.
After watching the documentary, "20 Feet from Stardom" I'm not surprised that a former back up singer is as talented or more talented than the person center stage. Dealing with Divas on the road is paying your dues in my book. She is great. Smooth, easy and dynamic.
I definitely like her voice and her style. As a person who has a BA in music, I know that it isn't a walk in the park. She would be very knowledgeable about many aspects of music and it shows. Thanks for the intro!
Even with my language barrier, I certainly like the sound of her voice and the music. I look forward to listening to more. Love Latin music.
Please give more of her music a listen as well. You should enjoy her other songs.
I do not generally listen to Latin music but I would not rule it out. 8 am open to most music genres.
Raquel's life experiences sound interesting or perhaps it is the way in which you have presented her to us.
I feel compelled to Google Raquel now!
She's totally fabulous. Thanks so much for the intro Edward. I love to find new music – well new to me 🙂
I really liked this. This song was a nice mix of Latin and pop. And a beautiful voice. I think we will hearing more about Raquel Sofia.
I'm happy you took a moment and listened. Raquel Sofia is on her way toward stardom. Yes, no box for her.
I can't believe how much I loved this! And Latin music isn't necessarily my thing, but I think the producer is right. Don't put Raquel Sofía in any kind of box:)