From Violin to Versatility, Catching up with Raquela Dalli Gonzi
Raquela Dalli Gonzi singing at Rockestra 2023. Photo credit: Mark Soler
Meet Raquela Dalli Gonzi, the Maltese enchantress whose musical journey echoes creativity and global resonance.
From captivating the stages of Malta’s vibrant music scene to gracing international platforms, Raquela’s soulful voice has become a beacon of versatility. Having started her musical journey at age four with the violin, she has seamlessly blended academia with passion throughout her life. Through exceptionally prestigious orchestral collaborations to her super catchy solo releases like ‘Breaking Free’ and ‘I Wish You Well,’ Raquela’s uplifting spirit shines through each note.
And in case you didn’t know, she’s also a maestro in collaboration. Her ventures with artists like Gigi D’Alessio and the local duo Tenishia have garnered global acclaim. What’s more Raquela works closely with many international composers, such as in the case of “Lo Voglio”, she even travelled abroad to work on the song.
We caught up with Raquela to find out more!
Your musical journey spans diverse genres like pop, jazz, classical, and soul. How do you navigate these genres, and what elements influence your unique sound?
My musical journey is shaped by various influences—from Fleetwood Mac’s timeless compositions to the soulful melodies of Barry White. Growing up with artists like Elton John, Mike and the Mechanics, the Police, Nek, and Laura Pausini, I developed a love for various styles. Classical masters such as Bach, Haydn, and Beethoven, combined with my childhood fascination with orchestras, laid the foundation. My passion for the violin, my seven-year studies, and inspiration from vocal legends like Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys contribute to my ability to adapt to diverse genres.
Having participated in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest multiple times, what were the significant takeaways and contributions to your growth as an artist?
Participating in 2009 was pivotal. Competing offered valuable experiences, honing my professionalism on stage. Meticulous mental, physical, and emotional preparation became essential. These contests taught me the art of public speaking, diplomacy, and the subjectivity of competitions. Accepting results gracefully and understanding personal preferences shaped not only my stage presence but also my outlook on the dynamic nature of the industry.
You’ve been involved in musical theatre productions. How does this compare to your work as a solo artist, and do they influence each other in terms of stage presence and vocal delivery?
Recalling my debut in Seussical the Musical brings fond memories. The unique vocal and physical demands of theatre, where I embodied a proud kangaroo, contrast with the solo artist experience. While theatre offers collaborative energy, the solo artist role allows me to personally delve into my artistic element. Both experiences, though distinct, contribute to my growth, influencing stage presence and vocal delivery in complementary ways.
Your collaborations with artists like Matthew James, The Busker, and Tenishia have produced highly successful tracks. How do you approach collaboration, and what do you value most in working with other musicians to create a cohesive musical piece?
Thriving in a team environment, I value collaborations with experienced artists and producers who respect and enhance my style. Whether redeveloping covers with Matthew James, creating vocal melodies with Tenishia, or collaborating on an original piece with The Busker, each collaboration is unique. The magic happens when strengths contribute to developing an idea into something more significant.
What’s on the horizon for 2024?
I’m actively engaged in writing music and performing at events, including weddings. You can stay updated on my latest endeavours by following me on Instagram and checking out my Facebook page.
Go ahead and explore my tracks and collaborations on both Spotify and YouTube!
