We recently caught up with Sydney based Alternative Hip Hop artist Raro to discuss his latest single release and much more!
Welcome Raro! Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Howdy Buzz, The world and people around me perceive me as an artist, musician, nerd etc But I would describe myself as a guy living in western sydney with an out of control imagination. My Spirit animal is certainly a doggo, playful and stimulated by the world around me. For as long as I can remember I’ve been trying to materialise my ideas, music at this point in my life seems to be the most intuitive for me.
Congratulations on your new single Aversion! How has the single been received so far?
Thanks! I’m really digging the coverage it’s been receiving, I feel like I’m starting to craft my music in a way that’s accurate to the moment of conception. I say that because generally when I write a track it changes or steers away from the initial idea which can be great, but also disjointing. The video clip was very spot on to the concept of the song and overall I’m happy with how it turned out.
What inspired the new single?
The track was inspired by my struggle to keep my creative flare alive. I titled the track Aversion because I wanted to speak on the idea of not turning away from your true self. I feel like life and it’s compromises can certainly dampen or discourage creativity. Ironically that very emotion and thought process led up to me making this song. Art is a reflection of the times and as a painter and designer myself I started to approach my music the same way, so coming full circle the very element of life that frustrates me the most was actually the driving force behind the song.
How have you been dealing with the COVID situation?
At first like many others I was concerned but still focused on my music and art. I think as the year has progressed It started to take a toll on my mental state. I’ve always been a stay home kinda guy, so I wasn’t opposed to being around my tools which has allowed me to write and create more. Although I have the luxury of having more time to work on my music, I do miss being inspired from going out with friends on a regular basis as my experiences with others and new people I meet have been a strong source of inspiration for many of my songs.
Do you prefer recording in the studio or playing live?
Both are two separate experiences, I find I enjoy both equally, but the buzz and overall atmosphere felt when I’m on stage is electrifying. I like performing live because I get to share my soul to the crowd, but I also get to introduce myself as a regular person, the skits in between tracks are always hilarious and I love making people laugh. Recording in my studio is like visiting or rather making another planet / world. I get to completely immerse myself in ideas and manifest them. Recording and producing my music is an attractive worm hole I do enjoy venturing in.
How did you come up with the name Raro?
I have a husky and I trained her to say my name (Carlo) via bribing her with food. She can’t completely articulate the C in my name so she just settles for Raro. Then fast forward to the moment where I needed to come up with an alias and immediately I saw a photo of my dog in my phone and there it was. Raro
What is the highlight of your musical career?
There are many moments that stand out in my journey , from playing in the snow in Nozawa onsen in Japan, to my first gig at Redfern’s Hustle and flow bar and of course seeing my first debut single on MTV . But my favorite moments are all the times in between where I am by myself and feel the full force of a completed song, Car speaker tests are always my favourite.
What advice do you have for young songwriters out there?
There’s a lot to say but what I found that helped me the most was learning to navigate my own lane and stream of ideas. Once you start showing your music to friends or family naturally they will try to help or give you ideas and personally sometimes that steers me away from creating a true reflection of what’s inside of me on an individual and spiritual level. That’s not to say don’t collaborate or open your mind to the ideas of others, but my approach to music is that it is the language of the soul and that has to be respected and nurtured. Keep writing, dont make music because you want to make money, make it because it strengthens the relationship you have with yourself, and naturally you will find that very joy you feel, others will feel also once it’s out in the world. Finally, Trust your ideas and see where they take you.
What can you not live without in the studio?
My electronic piano.
What is next for Raro?
More music and more worlds to explore and create.
Raro is set to release his new EP Warm Blooded on 4th September.
