“Once I’m performing, I wish to be an open channel,” says Raveena moments after her Exterior Lands present on Friday afternoon in San Francisco. “And there’s a lot work that goes into that. It’s a must to clear emotional blockages, keep a balanced system, and be sort to your self. That’s so arduous, but additionally such a wonderful journey to be on.”
For her first-ever look on the music competition, Raveena started by lighting incense to set the temper. The stage design regarded like a replica of her personal bed room—work, crops, and a moss-covered cushion have been on full show. She primarily carried out songs from her 2019 debut album Lucid and her sophomore album Asha’s Awakening, which got here out final yr. Hits like “If Solely” and “Secret” made their approach onto the setlist, in addition to some deep cuts from her 2020 EP Moonstone.
Although she hasn’t put out any of her personal music this yr, she’s on a powerful characteristic run. In June, she was featured on King Krule’s new album House Heavy on the moody track “Seagirl.” And he or she additionally seems on the Indian singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad’s album The Means That Lovers Do on the track “Bloom.”
Right here, we caught up with Raveena to debate her Exterior Lands efficiency, pre-festival rituals, and the way her collaboration with King Krule got here to be.
I don’t suppose I’ve ever seen somebody mild incense throughout a present.
It simply felt proper for this competition. Exterior Lands seems like one thing out of the sixties or seventies and I needed the intention for the set to be lots slower this time and actually invite individuals into this intimate area. That’s additionally why we did the bed room stage design.
How did you prep for the competition?
The religious intention behind each present is basically vital to me, particularly in a reside setting since you’re blasting out your power to 1000’s and 1000’s of individuals and so they can really feel it if it’s off. So I like getting my area and head proper earlier than a present. This morning, I did an hour-long channeling meditation and a bit of bit of sunshine rehearsal for an hour. After which proper earlier than the present I attempted to meditate for like 20 minutes.
Your sophomore album Asha’s Awakening was launched final yr. Because it got here out, what’s the response been like?
It’s been stunning, particularly amongst different South Asian individuals. There’s been a lot appreciation for the incorporation of my heritage and I believe individuals wanted to see that. And off that album, I really like performing “Thriller” and “Kismet” essentially the most.
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When can we anticipate your third album?
I’ve been engaged on a lot music very quietly, like writing lots of of songs. I’m simply actually taking my time now to let it simmer and bloom into the mission that it must be. However the album is within the works.
Talking of latest music, you have been simply featured on King Krule’s new album House Heavy on a track known as “Seagirl.” How did that collab come to be?
We met pre-pandemic at a karaoke bar and our friendship was supernatural. Then firstly of the pandemic, we made the track and collaborated digitally. He despatched me a very easy guitar line and I wrote my half.
Is there anybody that you simply wish to collaborate with in your subsequent mission?
I’ve so many individuals that I may point out, however I actually love Noname. She simply launched her new album a number of days in the past and I can’t wait to listen to it. And I’d like to work with Khruangbin, too.
What do you might have deliberate for the remainder of your summer time?
I’ve been on relaxation mode and actually nourishing my group. Earlier in my profession, I had this overworking mentality and would push myself actually arduous. And I had at all times valued group, however I didn’t perceive the sacrifices and the labor it takes to actually maintain it sturdy in your life. So now as I become old and extra settled in my profession, I simply wanna be surrounded by love and have stunning experiences in nature with individuals I really like. That’s crucial factor.
I’ve seen a few of your TikTok movies and also you’re at all times within the river.
[Laughs] At all times! I used to be speaking about this with my pal the opposite day and I really feel prefer it’s so humorous watching the pipeline of individuals going from their twenties in New York to their thirties. I grew up there and I really feel like in our twenties we’re far more out, far more chaotic, and doing far more medication. And as soon as individuals begin their late twenties and early thirties, they get a canine, they get a shared home upstate, they’re going to Hudson Valley to hike, and so they’re throwing dinner events. That’s the place I’m proper now.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Juliana Ukiomogbe is the Assistant Editor at ELLE. Her work has beforehand appeared in Interview, i-D, Teen Vogue, Nylon, and extra.