Notion chats to R&B newcomer, Raheaven, about her new song "2Personal", writing process, and what's next.

Raheaven is angelic in both name and sound. The brand new artist chose her moniker to juxtapose her real name – Rahel – with her heavenly sonic offering.

 

Growing up as the eldest of five siblings in north London, Raheaven was surrounded by music thanks to her mother being a singer and her father a guitarist in an Eritrean band. Noting Eritrean musicians Elsa Kidane and Helen Meles as well as Kelis and Beyonce as early influences, Raheaven moulded her own lilting voice and soft melodies into the artist she is today.

 

Unafraid to speak her mind, Raheaven is establishing herself as a confident voice in the music industry. Her debut single, “7AM”, released earlier this year, is an exploration of the frustrations linked to one night stands with an unnamed lover. Now, Raheaven has shared her sophomore release, the unapologetic and evocative “2Personal”, that waves goodbye to a confused paramour.

 

We caught up with the up-and-comer to chat about her “honey wine” sound, new music, and what we can expect next.

Your lyric style is often confident and candid. Do you find it easy to open up through music?
I do. It definitely comes with practice. I do find that it comes naturally to me after a good conversation, being candid is easy, but it’s definitely more difficult to open up emotionally on the deeper songs, sometimes I have to leave the studio to cry, but I’m okay with that. I’ll snap back real quick.
On your single “2Personal”, you put two fingers up to a disinterested lover, choosing instead to value yourself. Are you this strong yourself in day to day life, or do you wish your actions could mirror your lyrics?
No, it’s really true. I wouldn’t say I’m just cut-throat all the time for no reason, but if there is a good reason, I can switch it on real quick. I like to protect my energy And my spirit. It’s not for everyone, but I don’t think it should be seen as unusual for girls to value themselves.
The essence of “2Personal” was more like – this is confusing, so if you can’t make your mind up on where you stand then I’m out.
If your music were a flavour, which would it be?
Honey wine.
Growing up, your house was always filled with music, thanks to your dad’s band. What else in your life inspired you to become a musician?
My mini CD/radio boombox, the Internet, my music teacher at school.. My brother. My friends. Beyoncé, Kelis, M.I.A.
In terms of your sound, which artists have influenced you?

To name a few: SZA, Jazmine Sullivan, Frank ocean, Amy Winehouse, Summer Walker, Partynextdoor I love.

Give me a window into your writing process – how do you write a song?
I cage loads of melodies onto a beat, chop it up, create a structure, add words, add ad-libs and harmonies for decoration. If I’m with people, we’d have a conversation first and carve out the concept.
What is something you’d like people to know about you?

I’m a real-life princess.

In an alternate universe, what would you be if not an artist?
A florist or a pink cloud.
What can we expect next from Raeheaven?
New things, new music, an EP, FUN.

Stream "2Personal" below: