Raghav Re-emerges with a New Sound on Phoenix

During his red carpet arrival in February at the Anokhi Awards in Toronto, Canadian R&B singer Raghav promised big things in 2010. If the early success of his new single, “So Much”, off his forthcoming album Phoenix is any indication, Raghav is on the verge of exceeding his musical reach with the promise of a new sound, likely keeping him, and his music in the spotlight for months to come.

 

Initially, Raghav’s first breath of success emerged from his experience overseas in the UK and India. Although Raghav’s music and creativity became an instant hit overseas, his talent has yet to be appreciated by North American audiences. 

 

His debut album, Storyteller,was released in 2004 and ranks as the 6^th best selling international album in India. In England, Raghav sold an impressive 1.3 million copies of Storyteller, claiming a MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award for Best Collaboration and two UK Asian Music Awards for Best Newcomer and Best Single. He also won an Urban Music Award for Best Chart Act in 2005.

 

His sophomore album, Identity, was released last year and rose to #3 on the Indian charts. This led him to a Southern Asian Music Award for Best Artist, as well as an Asian Achievers Award.

 

On previous releases, Raghav’s music had an unmistakable South Asian element blended into his sound, but on Phoenix, he has decided to move forward with a fresh approach. Raghav characterizes his new identity as a cross between pop and Motown and simply sees himself as a mainstream artist who happens to be South Asian.

 

“It’s a completely different record,” says Raghav. “There will be a lot more surprises on this album. The sound is very unique, fresh and different – but at the same time people will recognize it’s me.” 

 

 

Raghav’s interest in music was first influenced by his parents’ love of Hindi and Indian classical music. He recalls singing along to one of his mom’s favourite Bollywood tapes in their old Ford Granada when he was just four years old – he would listen and sing along to those tapes incessantly.

 

One evening, a brave 5 year-old Raghav had the courage to surprise his family and their guests by serenading them with a Bollywood song and delivering an impressive performance. Shortly after that evening, he was enrolled in singing lessons and Raghav hasn’t looked back since.

 

Over time, Raghav’s musical influences grew to include a range of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Harry Belafonte, Garth Brooks and Marvin Gaye, to mention a few.

At the age of 17, Raghav’s love of music took him to Los Angeles where he pursued vocal training with renowned vocal coach Seth Riggs who had previously worked with such artists as Madonna and Michael Jackson.

 

A year later, Raghav made another big move – this time to Liverpool, England where he studied at the Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. It was during this time that he joined an R&B band called 11/7, which subsequently led to his first MOBO Award nomination.

 

In the quest for a new sound, Raghav teamed up with other talented artists and producers in the music industry, including Toronto rapper Kardinal Offishall and UK producer Labrinth – both of whom worked on “So Much”. Raghav’s other high profile collaboration was with American rapper Redman on “My Kinda Girl,” his download only single released last year.

 

“Working with Kardi was a pleasure,” raves Raghav. “He is mad cool. I have had the opportunity to work with two legends in my life time – Kardi and Redman. They were both so cool and so humble.”

 

“It’s different than anything that I’ve done before. It’s a side of my personality that people haven’t seen. I am having a lot of fun with this record – and I hope people can see that.”

 

Despite Labrinth’s young age, Raghav has given high praise to the UK producer who also recently produced Tinie Tempah’s UK chart topping single “Pass Out”.

 

“No Joke, Labrinth is a prodigy. He’s like 19 years old and he’s a genius. He never takes the easy route. He’s the kind of guy who can produce a Coldplay or a Michael Jackson album. He can write a record for any artist and fall into their skin.”

 

Raghav admitted there were other collaborations in the works but was tight-lipped regarding the details.

 

“I think some of the collaborations are ones that people will not expect. I have worked with great hip hop artists and great reggae artists. I am looking to collaborate with artists who people will be surprised by.”

 

Raghav hopes to have the new album ready before the end of the year. Upon its release, he will tour extensively and promises to put on a great show.

 

“The show is going to be bigger and better than ever,” says Raghav. “For years, I have told people not to call it a come back, but maybe I should. I am coming back hard…but I am going to let the music do the talking.”

 

For Raghav’s fans the anticipated wait is almost over – the Phoenix is ready to rise.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSMbt6Uz0iA