INDIE SPOT
Donna O. Raphael her craft, sense of style and much more
How did you come by your stage name?
My composer’s name is Donna O. Raphael which is my given birth name so it’s who I am.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
At a very early age, my mom realized that I had a love for music. She usually bought music toys for me to play with. She enrolled me in music school at around age five where I started with the recorder and I’ve never looked back since.
I learned to play the flute, steel drums, and keyboard over the years. I also sat various theory and practical exams, as well as put on performances for audiences with fellow musicians. I also attended Full Sail and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Recording Arts.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
My Caribbean roots play a big role in my style. I was born and raised on a beautiful island called the Commonwealth of Dominica. There, the culture is rich and I think a lot of my influences came from that Caribbean upbringing. Besides that, I listen to a lot of different styles of music from around the world and have pulled from elements I really liked to create my own unique sounds.
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
When I get a spark of creativity I don’t really know where I’m heading with it yet. But for Felicitous, it really started with the melody line which is usually something that comes last for me. From that, I was able to build the other sounds around it.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Some of my greatest challenges are probably procrastination as well as being my worst critic. Sometimes, because I know that I have a unique sound that is not widely accepted, I have these doubts and fears and it usually kills my creativity at times so I tend to hit slumps.
However, I would also say I balance it out because a positive attribute I have is that I am always striving to do better and be better and I am very dedicated to the things I love and believe in. I keep pushing forward despite whatever obstacles I may face.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
I don’t think that I am because there is always room for improvement.
What are your plans for the near future?
I am aiming to be more consistent with my music releases and promotions in order to enhance my reach and engagement in the musical space.
How can fans find you?
I have many profiles but these are the most active ones:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldInstrumentalMusic/
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/worldinstrumentals
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnz777
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/worldinstrumentals
Website: https://www.worldinstrumentals.com/
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
To keep pursuing your dreams and goals. If you believe in your talent and know that you have something special to share with others, don’t give up. You never know what might be waiting for you just around that corner or behind that door.
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