Q&A: Pop Sweetheart Raffaella Unveils Thought-Provoking EP "LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act II)"
A FIERY SONIC EXPLORATION OF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS — Pop sensation Raffaella has recently dropped her highly anticipated EP LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act II), featuring the infectious lead track, “Polly Pocket.” Despite the song’s vigorously energetic beats, its thematic roots delve into the profound issue of reproductive rights, specifically inspired by the disconcerting reversal of Roe v. Wade. The concept of being reduced to mere biological property, encapsulated by a body under the constant threat of an IUD, ignited a fiery response in Raffaella. In her characteristic style, she transforms this serious subject matter into an accessible conversation through the guise of a lively pop production.
“Polly Pocket” exhibits a peculiar contrast as Raffaella playfully sings lines like “if you want me to keep it, maybe you should carry it” over a backdrop of relentless percussion. The track’s levity and accessibility serve as an unconventional yet effective way of addressing the gravity of reproductive rights. Raffaella humorously relates it to the experience of laughter in horror movies, acknowledging that while the topic is still daunting, the ability to dance and discuss it openly brings a sense of liberation.
Regarding the EP as a whole, Raffaella explains her artistic approach, saying, “I split LIVE, RAFF, LOVE into two acts – like a play – so as to create something three-dimensional, something that can stand in the light (Act I) and create a shadow (Act II).” Despite the time gap between their releases, the two EPs engage in a compelling conversation. Each track in Act I finds its counterpart in Act II, creating a shadow that is both larger and darker, akin to the profound depth of a play's intermission.
Raffaella’s debut project, LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act I), co-written and produced by Jake Luppen of Hippo Campus, presents a vivid narrative that immerses listeners in the world of cotton candy and cigarette smoke, drunken kisses and stoned malaise. In contrast, LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act II) establishes Raffaella as a keen observer of human behavior within the pop landscape. The EPs collectively showcase her ability to navigate the intricacies of storytelling and musicality, offering a multifaceted experience for her growing fanbase.
As Raffaella gears up for her first-ever headline tour, Live, Raff, LIVE! next month, she continues to elevate her storytelling prowess and solidify her position as a captivating force in the world of hyperpop.
LUNA: Thank you for sitting down and talking to Luna Magazine. Our readers would love to get to know you and your music more. For any readers who aren’t familiar yet, your record LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act II) just came out. What is the inspiration behind the record and how did this project come to life?
RAFFAELLA: I moved to Minnesota by accident but also on purpose in 2020… my partner produced the record, the music made for a convenient excuse for me to stick around. It took us a couple years to finish it, and then a couple more years to release it. It was a patient process, which I’m learning is the best way to do it, though it can feel really frustrating. I was mainly inspired by my friends who played on the record and helped me write these songs. The movie Drop Dead Gorgeous was a big one too.
LUNA: What did the creative process for LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act II) look like?
RAFFAELLA: Cheese puffs, fetal position, depression, community, chipping chipped red nails and dancing in small rooms.
LUNA: Was there any intention in the way you structured the songs in the way you did with “Millennial” being the opener and “Gush” being the closing track?
RAFFAELLA: I liked that “Millennial” would start Act II off with the word “and.” I also wrote that song during a depressive episode; I often have to hit a low, stay low, and then get sick of rock bottom in order to finally get up… so the depression song made sense as the spark here. “Gush” ends with the lyrics “keep spinning me round” – the implied idea that a song or an album might never end as long as you can keep replaying it… that love can last forever… seemed like a nice note to end on.
LUNA: Did you have any lessons or breakthroughs while creating this project?
RAFFAELLA: Rely on your friends and take your time. I also learned that you can be bad and also good.
LUNA: What is your favorite song from LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act II) and why do you love this song? Is there a certain element that stands out to you the most?
RAFFAELLA: Probably “Polly Pocket.” I wrote it with my best friends and it’s easy to feel proud of something you make with the people you respect the most.
LUNA: What was the hardest song for you to write, either lyrically, emotionally or sonically?
RAFFAELLA: Probably “Millennial,” just because I was in such a dark state. I thought everything I did sucked. I wrote the first verse lyrics and texted them to Jake with the disclaimer “this sucks and I hate it” (paraphrasing), to which he replied “no this is good, please don’t stop writing this song” (paraphrasing). I wouldn’t have been able to get through that one without his support.
LUNA: If you had to describe LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act II) in three words, which three would you choose and why?
RAFFAELLA: Bubble glass pop. I have no idea. I think that’s the most honest response I can give you right now I’m so sorry
LUNA: This is your first body of work in two years since LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act I). Do you think you’ve matured as a band since you released Act I and how would you describe that artistic growth?
RAFFAELLA: My legs felt a little shaky for Act I, whereas now I’m feeling much more grounded. Playing these songs live for two years, alongside people I love, really helped me look at this body of work with a sense of pride. I think we need trust in order to have artistry. I’m learning more and more how to find that trust.
LUNA: What are you most excited for listeners to take away from this project?
RAFFAELLA: I’m excited for them to feel any single feeling when listening to the music.
LUNA: You are also going on a headlining tour for Live, Raff, LIVE! What are you looking forward to the most?
RAFFAELLA: Playing music with my friends and watching Why Not and Ryann perform my favorite songs.
LUNA: How are you feeling in this current era of your career and what does the rest of the year look like that you would like to share with Luna?
RAFFAELLA: I’ve been writing a lot with my friends for their projects, so I’m really excited for those songs to start coming out. I’m also starting to write for my first album, which I think is already sounding the most like the person I’m apparently becoming. Hopefully more on that sometime this year!
