Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Raquel.
Hi Maria, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I come from a rich family lineage in music, with my great-grandmother Shirley Cartman and my grandmother Nita Riley paving the way for me. From a young age, I was surrounded by music, which fueled my passion and shaped my dreams. Songs like “Bull’s-Eye” and “I’m Better” reflect my journey and empowerment. As I continued to develop my craft, I gained recognition for my unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. Now, I’m not only a pop artist but also heading to Arizona State University to study Aerospace Engineering in Fall 2024, blending my love for music with my academic pursuits.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve faced numerous challenges, both personally and professionally. Growing up in a family with a strong musical heritage set high expectations for me, which sometimes felt overwhelming. Additionally, navigating the music industry as a young artist presented its own set of obstacles, from finding my unique voice to dealing with rejection and criticism. However, these struggles have only made me stronger and more determined.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a pop artist and musical prodigy, and I come from a family with a rich musical lineage, which deeply influences my work. I specialize in creating music that reflects my personal struggles and empowerment, with songs like “Bull’s-Eye” and “I’m Better” being prime examples. What sets me apart is my ability to channel my experiences into my music, creating relatable and heartfelt songs that resonate with my audience.
I’m most proud of how my music has allowed me to connect with others who have faced similar challenges. Importantly, my music is not explicit because I want everyone around the world to be able to listen to and enjoy it. This connection and the impact my songs have on listeners is what drives me and sets me apart from others in the industry.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’d like to share that my journey in music is just beginning, and I’m excited about what’s to come. My goal is to continue creating music that inspires and uplifts people from all walks of life. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my fans and my family, who have been with me every step of the way. My music is streaming around the world now! I see people from all over the world listening to different songs from my music catalog. It’s very humbling and so exciting at the same time. Stay tuned for more music and projects in the near future – there’s so much more I want to share with the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mariaraquelthomas.com
- Instagram: MariaRaquel _official
- Twitter: Aoagwllc
- Other: https://songwhip.com/mariaraquel/im-better?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZBtIw_WFPtWoEx5jpcc4eMWFpWmXX0lo2-2o_PcSwlRSKHGY_y7mNXnFQ_aem_AQyt1ZaCT-5Y51ZZhnE_yT_OJa8Clw0td530gtLA3xyfBCHPYHH5T0gjv55lNg3pd0Ku4kZqZscKyqhGU7tHd5gh
Image Credits
Raquel Riley Thomas
L Devlin Photography
