The 21 year old rapper and producer Raghd is a growing star of Sweden's flowering music culture.
With a curiosity for innovation and development she creates unique melodies that last. With influences from the alternative rock as well as the hip hop scene she’s currently active with a new EP. Are we there yet.
“To share those notes would be like robbing myself of my personal experiences.”
Has the thought of working with music always been present?
I’ve been turning to music my whole life. It’s always been constant. In the beginning, I didn't own a computer. Every idea and concept was recorded on GarageBand. It sounded awful, but I needed to understand the process behind to develop further. Later on, I borrowed a studio at a local youth club, to be able to properly produce. Once I started to meet people with the same vision, everything fell into place.
Your latest EP Are we there yet, reference to a journey towards an unknown destination. Where are you heading?
Are we there yet portrays the experience of being a teenager. To battling the unpredictable future and handle the melodrama of growing up. The EP is a reminder that we are still on some kind of journey to discover ourselves. As well as a careful note that someday the hard parts of the past are not going to be present anymore.
Do you find any difficulties when collaborating with other musicians?
Conflicts can be caused if difficulties are compromising. Some things have slipped through my quality net with the outcome of something good. When putting ourselves in uncomfortable positions, we develop as artists. You have to dare to try new concepts and surround yourself with people that believe in you.
What would you say is the first thing you listen to in a song, yours and others?
Lyrics are powerful, but something connects with me through a melody. That's the part of a song that I get inspired by and has a breathing presence in my daily life.
What do you do to maintain good mental health?
I've found different exercises guiding me through an anxious state of mind. When traveling by public transport I sometimes practice focus. To observe the presence in the room and stay calm and grounded in that exact moment.
Would you consider yourself having any responsibilities in what you are producing?
I feel responsible to be authentic, not speaking in certain ways. Honest words are harder to tell than lies. That's why the things I put out there need to come from my heart. My music is a reflection of my journey and is challenging others' frames and guidelines. I can talk about certain aspects of a subject but I respond to myself not others expectations.
Are there any personal experiences that you would not consider sharing through song?
I love to write diaries. To share those notes would be like robbing myself of my personal experiences. I would never exploit myself like that. I am more than an artist. I'm a sister, friend, student, and more. By closing that door from exposure I maintain the individuality of my identification. Raghd.
