Interviewing the singer Rafaela Villella

1. How was your childhood?

I’m an only child, raised in a deeply musical and loving household. My father is a pastor and my mother is a music minister — they met in a well-known gospel vocal group in Brazil during the 1980s, and in many ways, I was born into that musical environment.

From a very early age, I was surrounded by rehearsals, studios, harmonies, and spiritual music. My childhood was filled with love, but also with strong musical education, especially from my mother. She taught me music theory and introduced me to artists like Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Nina Simone, Sandi Patty, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, James Brown, Luther Vandross, and Michael Jackson.

Music was never separate from my life — it was the atmosphere I grew up breathing.

2. Do you remember the exact moment you decided you wanted to dedicate your life to music?

Yes. I was about seven years old when I was invited to join a well-known choir in Rio de Janeiro. Soon after, I was chosen to sing the solo in “Oh Happy Day.”

For about two years, I performed that song, including the high note made famous by the film Sister Act. That experience was transformative. Being on stage and feeling the audience’s reaction made it clear that music wasn’t just something I enjoyed it was a gift and a calling.

From that point on, I was constantly involved in recordings, choirs, and musical projects.

3. Who have been your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your style?

My greatest influence is undoubtedly Mariah Carey. I’ve listened to her since I was six or seven years old, and much of my vocal technique was shaped by studying her artistry.

At the same time, I draw deep inspiration from gospel and soul. Artists like Karen Clark Sheard, The Clark Sisters, Kirk Franklin, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Lauryn Hill, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin have all influenced my musical identity.

Mariah is my foundation, but my style is a fusion of gospel intensity, soul depth, and vocal precision.

4. What personal story lies behind your latest single or album?

I’ve released two singles so far. The first, “Eu Só Sei Brilhar,” had a stronger pop influence and connected closely with the LGBTQ+ audience.

My second single, “Meus Sentidos,” moved closer to R&B, which reflects my true artistic core. That transition marked an important shift from a more commercial sound to something more aligned with my authentic musical identity.

Currently, I’m working on an album deeply rooted in classic R&B — less focused on mainstream appeal and more centered on structure, depth, and artistic maturity.

5. When you’re in the studio, what do you enjoy most about the creative process?

I love creating melodies and especially building backing vocals. Because of my gospel roots, harmony is my passion.

Sometimes I enjoy crafting background vocals even more than singing the lead. I love designing harmonies and layering textures — creating the emotional architecture behind the main voice.

6. Do you prefer the energy of live performance or the intimate magic of studio recording?

Both are powerful in different ways.

Live performance offers energy, connection, and improvisation. I love not having to sing a song exactly as it was recorded. Improvisation brings it to life.

In the studio, however, you can pursue sonic perfection. You can refine details, re-record, and shape the sound carefully. On stage, improvisation leads. In the studio, precision leads.

7. How do you manage the pressure and expectations within the music industry?

The music industry can still be unfair. Although the internet has created opportunities, numbers and image often carry more weight than talent.

I manage expectations by focusing on my craft. I don’t obsess over numbers, because if I do, I lose my creativity. I give my best and remain committed to authenticity.

8. Is there a song in your repertoire that you’re particularly excited to perform live? Why?

I love performing “Back to Black” because of its emotional depth. I also love performing gospel music because it creates a spiritual connection with the audience.

I don’t see my shows as vocal exhibitions. I want people to experience something transformative — not just technical skill, but emotion and atmosphere.

9. What role do your personal experiences play in your songwriting?

Melody comes very naturally to me — it’s my strongest instinct. Lyrics are something I’m still developing, especially in Portuguese. I feel more comfortable writing in English.

I enjoy collaborating with other writers to strengthen the storytelling aspect of my songs. For me, emotion begins with melody.

10. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far?

Being a trans woman in Brazil has been my greatest challenge. Despite progress and important artists breaking barriers, prejudice and closed doors still exist.

Financial struggle is also part of this reality. Talent alone is not always enough when identity becomes a barrier. But continuing to create despite that has made me stronger and more determined.

11. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

In Brazil, I would love to collaborate with Liniker, who represents strength and artistry.

Internationally, Mariah Carey would be a dream. Lauryn Hill would also be extraordinary because of her depth and authenticity. Yebba smith as well . 

If we are dreaming, we might as well dream big.

12. How have your voice and artistic identity evolved over time?

Your voice carries your history.

I left home very young and experienced rejection, emotional hardship, and survival in difficult circumstances. I’ve known religious exclusion and loss.

Pain deepens interpretation. I believe my voice has matured emotionally over time. Music should transmit lived experience — otherwise, it feels empty.

13. What message would you like the audience to take away after listening to you?

I want to inspire people — especially trans individuals — to believe they can dream.

Music saved me many times. I hope my voice can bring comfort, shift someone’s sadness, or reconnect someone with hope. If my music can leave a positive mark on someone’s life, that would be my greatest achievement.

14. What dreams do you still have to fulfill, both on and off stage?

I dream of building a better life for my parents, for myself, and for my spiritual family.

I want to create an institution that supports trans people in vulnerable situations, offering education and music training. Many leave school early because of bullying and rejection. I want to create a safe space where talent can grow.

Artistically, I dream of taking my music around the world especially to Europe, sharing a message of resilience, faith, and transformation.