MEFeater had the wonderful opportunity of speaking to the amazingly talented KRSRaga prior to her release for her music video for “Biking” directed by Saru. The sound is synonymous with a warm summer’s day, but the lyrics are melancholy yet still blissful in the way they are sung. KRSRaga has a smooth and lax voice that will surely take you to a place of comfort. It’s fitting for the production that she creates herself. She is not featured in the video, but through her voice, you can feel her presence.
The two actors, Cristina A. (who impersonates KRSRaga’s singing) and Dimi Mayo are seen having a picnic on the lush grass. With regards to the lyrics, the woman rides around the cloth but does not go anywhere. The man is stagnant as well throughout, with the video ending with him in her arms. After you watch the gorgeous video below, check out our interview with KRSRaga under that where we got a chance to enter the mind of an artist just recently beginning her journey.
When did you first start writing songs?
I actually started when I was a kid. But it was more of singing random things so I can remember it. I use to sing in front of my classes in grade school, but it usually didn’t work out because I couldn’t remember the words.
When did you start recording and know singing was the right thing for you?
Over a year ago. I got my Macbook and started out on Garageband. I didn’t have a mic or anything so I just would just use my earphones. It started off with just covers. The only cover I ever posted was “Candles” by Daughter” which is still on my SoundCloud.
Who or what influences your music?
Anyone who is creative. People with stories to tell. It’s not like I can musical influences from them. I like Nina Simone and Tyler, the Creator because what their messages represent. I like using what I already have.
Do you produce your own music?
For right now I am for the most part, but producing isn’t really my dream. I would honestly give that up for somebody to do it for me.
What is the scene like in Toronto? Is it a challenge to link up with people and make connections?
I think it’s pretty easy but at the same time, a lot of the connections I make are online. There was a time last year I would go to parties then I realized a lot of people were social climbers here. I felt like networking here was not very genuine as it is online. A lot of people think they can come up by knowing the right people, but it’s not genuine that way.
What’s your songwriting process like? What was it like for “Biking”?
The general process is like an hour or two and often times I forget what it’s like because it happens so fast. For “Biking” I was writing based on experiences and stuff. Like I say in the song “I’m biking but I’m going anywhere.” Like now I’m at a park but I don’t know why. Months before I wrote the song, I thought there was literally no bad songs about biking.
What’s your everyday life like as an artist?
I usually try to make a beat a day. I usually make that first, before I try to write the song. I get writer’s block so I would go outside to find things to experience so I can write about it.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to work with other people. I feel like I’ve done enough work on my own for me to branch out.
Do you have any desire to get signed?
I definitely want to get signed but until I really know who RAGA is, but being independent is working well for me. You know that Kendrick Lamar song “i”? That’s going to be the song I play whenever I get signed. (She laughs.)