Q and A with Toronto Hip Hop Artist Raeshaun
Meet Raeshaun. He is a quickly rising Toronto-based hip-hop artist and producer who has a talent for making catchy, melodic music. He has a unique sound that combines elements of hip-hop, rap, trap and pop to create vibrant beats and tracks that resonate with his fans.
Raeshaun has branded himself as a fun, energetic and approachable artist. His performances are high energy with quality audience interactions. Fans love the music and show their support by rocking their RAE branded merchandise bought online and at venues.
Considered a "legend" within the financial community, Raeshaun is also a UofT grad / CPA who left a Big Four accounting firm to pursue his passion for music. Now, he's transitioning into music and paving his own lane for what that means to him.
His latest effort, "Dubai" featuring Karl Wolf, is a summer anthem that's upbeat and inspiring. It serves as a great introduction to Raeshaun's sound and serves as a testament to what he's capable of as an artist.
Keep reading to learn more about Raeshaun and his journey in music, and follow him on IG at @raeshaun_music.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
I love creating and business. Marry those two and you have the music business. I get a sort of high when I get into that zone of creating a beat and mumbling the melody for a reference. Then when I am recording and hearing it come together it’s like early Christmas. Some people like spending $500 on some kicks, I like spending that on a new track or promo and watching it take off you know? I am inspired by artists that turn their music into a brand and have loyal followings. Able to bring people out to shows in many cities. The whole aspect of creating a song from scratch, then marketing it and having fans react positively and want more is such a rewarding experience.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I write, record, produce my music, collabing with others as well. My style is a blend of Melodic Hip Hop, Rap, Pop, R&B, Trap, Dancehall/Afrobeats. The music can be chill and energetic and the same time. Perfect cruising music for your drives, chill music for your beach, or hype music for your workout session.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
My parents are from Guyana in the Caribbean. The only carribean country to be in South America. The culture is very social and the Guyanese love to party be it Caribana Parades in Toronto or Soca/Dancehall fetes. That environment and love for entertainment was exposed to me early and most likely played a role in guiding me towards music. Fun Fact: I was born on Caribana weekend in Toronto. You could see the parade from the hospital window. Caribana is the biggest North America-Carribean festival held in Toronto every summer, around OVO weekend.
Tell us about your most recent project?
I am always on the lookout for new ways to sonically incorporate my Canadian and Guyanese background into my work. My new single, "Dubai" featuring Karl Wolf, is no exception. "Dubai" is inspired by my Guyanese roots and Karl Wolf’s Lebanese ancestry. The track marries a vibrant, international melody with luxurious images of summer love in "Dubai." When Karl heard the track, I think he knew it would be something special to heat the summer up - you know, as he says in the song: "We fly out in July."
What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
The overarching theme is have fun, enjoy yourself, push for goals and dreams. I want fans to catch a vibe when listening and feel the music and the beat, uplift them and help them get into that zone that I was in when making the music.
Check out Raeshaun's latest song "Dubai" with Karl Wolf below.