FEATURE
Raul Soto Cracks Top Ten Chart on iTunes
Raul Soto Cracks Top Ten Chart on iTunes
How did you come by your stage name?
I decided to use my real name, I felt my name was unique and identified my ethnic origin. I had already put a stamp on my work with my real name and didn’t want to reinvent myself. Come to find out many years later my mother named me after a famous actor who she idolized as a teen. I also thought it was ‘safe’ to use my real name because you don’t have to worry about trademark infringement. Overall If you make good music, people will listen to it, whether you use your real name or not.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
The first time I experienced the love and passion for music was in my hometown Newark, New Jersey (Brick City) at my friend’s Xavier’s (DJ-X) 1986. He introduced to me to his DJ equipment and his two babies the (Technics 1200’s). He decided to give me a little demonstration with his equipment, he reached down in a milk crate and scrolled through records and grabbed two vinyl records both by Mr.
Fingers titled “Can You Feel It”. While he began to mix them, I felt the bass pounding and sound running through my veins. It was an indescribable feeling; I knew right there and then I was a House Head. I was hooked immediately; that moment indeed changed my life, I had discovered my passion, MUSIC.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
I grew up listening to house music, Latin freestyle, and contemporary pop. Currently, as a producer, my influences come from artists such as Frankie Knuckles, Tony Humphries, Little Louie Vega, Kenny Dope Gonzalez, David Morales, Tony Moran, Albert Cabrera, Charlie Babie, MDW Michael Crespo, DJ Lucho. As a vocalist, my influences come from Jimmy Tunnel, Charlie Babie, Oscar Pabon, Tony Moran, Jon Secada, Robi Draco Rosa, Ricky Martin, John Legend, Jose Feliciano, Tito Nieves.
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
Many times, when there is a disconnect between the two people in a marriage, one of them will seek comfort and validation from another person. Interestingly enough, it often happens inadvertently. My best friend MDW went through a rough divorce and experienced like this, during this time I was heartbroken and felt the pain with him. I immediately called a very good friend of mine Willie May Baker who is an amazing writer and vocalist A.K.A. A’Lisa B formerly of the group Max-A-Million and she helped me write ‘I Don’t Know’. Once completed we both agreed to do a duet for this masterpiece.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
My greatest challenge is when someone puts me up for a challenge. I am a veteran of the United States Army and excellence is my standard, I don’t believe in failure. I live by my Army Core values, Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. I have a unique and powerful skill set that can greatly benefit any work environment.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
My upbringing from the heart of Newark, New Jersey enables my capability to broaden my exposure to different kinds of audiences and sets me apart from the rest utilizing skills to write and use vocal skills to produce different kinds of genres including Latin rhythms. My talent is recognized across the dance music industry and I am the first port of call for many artists wanting a “Latin Vibe Sound” on their releases.
What are your plans for the near future?
After corona madness dies down, I want to try and go on tour with some artists – It’s been a long time and I feel the world needs to know Raul Soto – Latin Freestyle has RISEN to a new level – the time has come.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
Extra thank you to these incredible DJ’s for doing our World Exclusive Premiere on social media Tim Spinnin’ Schommer, Deejay Lucho (Let’s get to work brother) Anthony Mangini (You already know what sunday’s should sound like), Frank Blazer, Christopher Rodriguez, Cliff Potts, Freestyle Diaries, Yasaid Igre, Michael January, Freestyle Spotlight, Angelo Micieli, DJ Lexx, DJ Racer, Kool Mike Ski, Peter Serrano, Jose Ortiz.
Thank you to all the 15 FM radio stations the added our song their rotations. These stations believed in our song right from the start Lallamaradio 104.5fm HD2 (Port St Lucie, FL) Mas Musica, Dan Mathews Rhythm 105.9 Fm (Yuba City, CA, Dave Starr KFM Radio (UK), Groov 99.3 DJ LOONEY TUNES (Bakersfield, CA), Ryan Young Party 105 (Long Island,
Freestylemusicradio (Miami), Xtreme Mixx Radio, Music Lovers Radio, Freestyle Summerfest Freestyle Music friends who vibe with MDW just to name a few, and 125 online radio stations that have supported this new release. Big shout to Latinos Unidos Record Pool William Otero for always having Flava Music Record back. Thank you Deej Teezer for
your dope edit. CPR’s Clubhouse Podcast Jose Ortiz thank you for your support and your vision for pushing new freestyle music every week.
To the Ladies of Flava, would have never done this without your support every day. You guys are amazing moderators, admins, and super dope friends Patricia Josephine Ciuzio, Cheryl Costello, Shirley Gentry, Xina Bivens, Faith Vogel, Vera Lucia Franco.
To my JuJu Crew family that rocked with us from day one Tom Kilkenny, Donna M Ferrante, Frank Blazer Soto, Anthony Mangini Dj Whtieboy KYS, Autera Huge. Thank you to the Godfather Sal Abbatiello Fever Records for playing our song on the ‘Break It or Make It’ segment on the Fever Drive By. C-Bank Joei Mae muchas gracias for always being a stand for great quality music and sharing our music links.
Thank you to the Flava social marketing team who played a huge role online breaking this record on radio. To our fans that we call FAMILY, without you we would never exist, and we are forever grateful for your continuous support for the past 20 years.
How can fans find you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raulsotoofficialusa/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raulsotomusic/
Itunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-dont-know-ep/1525216557
Traxsource: https://www.traxsource.com/artist/138987/raul-soto
Beatport: https://www.beatport.com/artist/raul-soto/110355
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