An Interview With Raphael

Profiles

Feb 1

Written By Vibe Union

Introducing Raphael Love - local Melbourne / Naarm musician gracing The Dusty Sessions Stage on the 5th of February at Bar 303.

It’s all in the name right? The sweet vocals paired with the solid guitar work from Raphael creates an intimate atmosphere with which to convey any and all ideas on the spectrum of love. Raphael’s sound is dreamy, poppy, moody, and catchy and moves listeners to ponder his unique perspective on life and love.

What made you want to become a musician?

Funnily enough, after middling around on the keyboard as a child (mostly enjoying the silly sound effects), the first thing that made me sit up and go “you know what, I think I want a guitar” was after watching The School of Rock at a friend’s house when I was 9 or 10. So, I comfortably blame Jack Black for that one.

When did you decide to pursue music?

Pretty much immediately. I got my guitar and formed my first group with the two friends I’d watched the film with. None of us knew how to play our instruments, but we still practiced, put together a song and played a few shows at school. We were called Eden. I can’t imagine the noise we must’ve made…

What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?

Far too difficult a question. But, I’d like to say good things…hopefully.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?

I do. Outside of music I also like photography - mainly democratic photograph, in that I like to present the beauty behind mundane scenes or places. Otherwise, I also enjoy other forms of writing, such as novels and poetry. I have two novels and one novel-style collection of poetry that have been published and are available. So, while not worlds away from music, it still gives me time to craft in a bit of a different way.

What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?

I would say two things - my vocal range/my voice and my song-craft. I can handle myself well on the guitar and piano, but those two points will always be far ahead for me.

Do you have any weaknesses that you're actively working to improve on?

Yes, drums. I don’t know how to play the drums. I have had a first lesson just recently, and am advancing quite nicely, but drums have always been a missing piece for me. The annoying thing is that they’re pretty fun to play, wish I’d gotten lessons sooner.

What do you hope to achieve in the next year making music?

More releases, more shows, more features, more plays, more airtime. Always more.

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

I feel like this is the part where I’m meant to say that I live and breathe music and that it means the world to me. But, to be honest, those words have never even appeared in my mind. Music and I have a complex relationship. It’s beautiful, it’s transcendent, but it’s also brutal and frustrating. So, where does the passion come into it all? Not all too long ago, the passion was in making untouchable art music, and that’s still a nice thing to do. But the issue there is the element of perfection. You get lost in a cycle of ‘not good enough until it’s perfect’, which simply never ends. And thus, when one ties self-worth to music made and how that music is received, the cycle will forever turn its wheels. Now, however, the passion has moved for me, moved to the subtle art of imperfection. I will make and I will record and I will perform, and some will be perfect to me, while some will be imperfect. But it will be out there, released, and not languishing away waiting to reach an unattainable bar height before it ever sees the light of day. And that’s where the passion is - perfection in the imperfect. In other words, you have the ability to do it, so just bloody do it.

Describe your favourite and least favourite part about being a musician?

Favourite: Putting the final touches on a good recording. It’s a nice feeling, sitting back and being like “yep, that’s done.”.

And least favourite: See the above response…

What plans do you have this year / any upcoming projects?

I have numerous releases coming early this year, at this point it is singles, but there could also be an EP on the way too.

What made you interested in Performing for Dusty Sessions?

I love what Vibe Union does and really enjoyed the Zoom Lockdown performances and taking part in that. So, when I was asked to return for the Dusty Sessions, I was thrilled.