I keep saying we are about to see one of the greatest influx of new talent in the scene in the last two decades. RAFI is a perfect example. With clean beats and a sound as unique as his personality he is on the move signing tracks, playing shows, and most importantly hitting the studio. At a recent show in San Diego RAFI unleashed a set that only a few can. With his curls bouncing and an infectious smile the crowd simply couldn’t get enough.
RAFI is a self-taught instrumentalist who started producing at the age of 15 while attending Orange County School of the Arts. Falling in love with the endless possibility of sound design without instrumental limitations. After graduating USC, RAFI found himself in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown. Being able to work long hours in the studio he found his sound and created a mix of stand-out tunes. In December of 2021, RAFI debuted this sound with his first official track ‘Luna’ with W&O’s Street Tracks and since then has released on Gabe’s G-Spot Records and Lee Foss’ South of Saturn.
Moving forward, RAFI is looking to pave his own path in the industry. Be sure to listen to his most recent release ‘Pay’ on John Summit’s Off The Grid Records. We sat down with him and dove deeper into what music really means to him, his new EP, and future projects.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music? Are there any specific artists or moments that had a significant impact on your decision?
I’ve always been drawn to music and from a young age, I felt like music resonated with me. Classic rock was the first genre that I fell in love with. After beating Guitar Hero on the Expert level, I begged my parents to buy me a real guitar. Within the following year, artists like Slash, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, and Eric Johnson became the idols that I aspired to become. I played lead guitar in a few bands throughout middle and high school, headlining some prominent venues across the U.S.
In college, I met my manager, Wyatt. We both expressed a deep passion for electronic music, and he showed me what house music was all about. I started DJing at my fraternity parties and was introduced to reputable promoters in the Los Angeles area. Given the vast social network of the fraternity, I would bring a group of friends to all of my sets. Promoters took notice of this which led to me being booked at bigger venues. After landing a few summer residencies throughout LA, I felt confident I could pursue music as a career.
Are there any specific instruments or sounds that you’re particularly drawn to? How do these elements contribute to your unique musical style?
Over the past year, I’ve been drawn to glitchy-style percussion. In current projects, I use these sounds to create percussive landscapes that add interesting texture and character to my tracks.
Can you recall a moment when you faced creative challenges while working on a song? How did you overcome those challenges?
Producers are constantly hurdling writer’s block and creative challenges. The best way to overcome my creative challenges is by taking breaks and exercising. If there comes a point in a track where I feel stuck, I take a break, work out, and walk on the treadmill. When I return to the studio with fresh ears and replay the track, it often sounds like a new song, and I note what changes I need to address.
Are there any non-musical influences, such as literature, visual arts, or personal experiences, that have found their way into your music?
Personal experiences, good or bad, always leave a mark on my art. I let these experiences subconsciously fuel my creative process, influencing my music’s tone, mood, and overall vibe. It’s all about conveying all the emotions into your productions. These experiences make my music more authentic, serving as a bridge between my audience and me.
What’s your perspective on the role of music in society? How do you think music can influence or impact people’s lives?
In my life, music has served as inspiration and has offered an escape from daily chaos. I believe that’s how it impacts other people’s lives as well.
How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also considering the preferences of your audience?
I believe that authenticity is the soul of artistry and is what makes your music unique and genuine to your fans. If you stay true to your own sound, your audience might gravitate to what you feel passionate about and support you throughout your artistic journey. So I make the music that I like and hope that my audience likes it as well!
How has your music evolved or changed over time? Are there any specific phases or milestones that marked significant shifts in your sound?
My music constantly evolves depending on outside influences and how I’m feeling at a certain point in time. When I started producing house music, I was drawn to the tech house and wanted to incorporate rolling basslines paired and aggressive drums in my music. Nowadays, my taste has shifted a bit and I am drawn to simplistic, less-is-more tunes that maintain raw energy for the dance floor. After hearing a couple of great tracks in this style, I was inspired to create similar-style tracks.
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback about your music? What advice would you give to aspiring artists on dealing with critiques?
I have a close group of friends that work in music and I’m always open to hearing feedback from them. After multiple days of working on a song, it’s essential to have someone with fresh ears take a listen and provide some input. I also love hearing feedback from people unfamiliar with the house genre. If the track makes them move, people familiar with the genre will likely find it appealing.
Are there any future projects or collaborations that you’re excited about? What can your fans look forward to in the coming months?
I have a couple of collaborations with some rad artists in the works. I plan to finish many more tunes in the next few months and land consistent releases moving forward.
Keep your eyes peeled for Rafi and his future projects. His energy is infectious and his tracks are world class.
If you get the chance to see him, take it.
