Raquela Dalli Gonzi, for the most of you probably known as Raquela, is a Maltese singer. Her life has always related to music: in fact, when she was 4 years old, Raquela started learning playing violin.
She had the chance to perform in lots of events and everybody who has listened to her at least once will remember her because of the voice she has: a powerful and gentle voice which can reach the highest notes whit no signs of difficulties.
She has participated in Malta Song for Europe, the musical contest who brings a singer from Malta to the Eurovision Song Contest, three times: in 2009, in 2011 and in 2017 as well, with the song “Ray of lights” composed and written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat.
Periodicodaily has got the opportunity to interview her. For this reason, I’m not wasting other words on describing her. I think you’ll find everything you want to know about Raquela among the following questions.
Have a nice read!
I’ve read you met music when you were very young, just 4 years old, learning how to play violin. Can you tell me what your fist impression of music has been?
I was brought up listening to classical music, followed by some contemporary artists like Elton John, Mike and the Mechanics, Fleetwood Mac and so on. I fell in love with music. It evoked a passion in me and helped me identify a small part of my personality.
Why have you decided to change your “instrument” from violin to your own voice, after 9 years of learning how to play such a difficult instrument?
I can’t say I have ever changed my instrument. I can still play the violin. I discovered a new talent and decided to experiment with it. During that period, I listened to great vocal artists like Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Cher, Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston and I used to sing along to their songs. I’d imitate them, create harmonies for their songs, and learn some of their techniques. I fell in love with a new challenge and then I got ‘discovered’ by a few good local composers and musicians and was asked to perform in various shows that helped me develop my music career. 
You had lots of possibilities to make you known by the public: among the others, you have participated to “Malta Song for Europe” three times. Last time has been this year with the song “Ray of light”: why are you so interested into the ESC? What does it mean to you?
ESC is a way of creating a song and sharing it with the public. I’ve had the luxury of working with pretty good composers and producers and enjoyed being part of their projects. I also love the show, the dress, the make-up, the sound system and the stage.
Talking about “Ray of light”, this is a song which has lots of positive messages, and your voice, even if you are not an “angel”, is so delicate that can remind to sky, also because of the “high” that you reach singing. What does this song mean to you? To whom is it dedicated?
It was written by Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat. As soon as I heard the tune and read the lyrics I fell in love because it was a message I longed to share with the audience. Like you said, it offers one of the most inspiring of messages, one of love, understanding and hope.
In 2009, you sang with Gigi D’Alessio on his stage. Before the song started he said that he “needed twenty years to have the admiration of the public. You had just 5 minutes”. I think this is something inappropriate to say to someone who has already done lots of performances. How have you felt in that moment?
I don’t think he was aware of that. Having said that, the admiration of the public is very hard to achieve. In my opinion, having a number of performances does not mean achieving admiration of the public. Sometimes the public doesn’t appreciate the artist’s work as music is subjective.
In conclusion, I know you are about to produce a new album. Can you tell us something about it?
It is taking me a while to produce this new album simply because I am on a journey of personal discovery and growth. I have finally figured out where I am going with style and music. I would call it a classical contemporary album with stories people can relate to. I do hope it will be understood and appreciated by the audience.
If you want to get in touch with her, you should follow her on the socialnetworks channel.
