Raffaella’s ‘Rowan’ Is a Sigh of Relief as She Unburdens Herself from Abuse

Suara Wanita, Los Angeles Raffaella gets more vulnerable than ever before with her synth-led “Rowan,” leaving her voice and the rawness of the lyrics to shine through. Rowan is the latest release from her forthcoming LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act II), out January 26, 2024.

In Rowan, Raffaella’s crystal clear voice shakes with intention and strength as she unburdens herself from the traumas of an abuser. A synthesized organ delicately pads the experience with a muffled, wandering, cleansing drone.

Of the song and video, Raffaella says: “Rowan was a small person who made a big dent in my adolescence. As with most horrible people, he cared mainly about his reputation, so I named the song after him. But this song isn’t for him, it’s not really about him… it’s not an admission of spite or an attempt to ruin his life or anything like that — I don’t care enough about that person to want those things. I was 14 when he was in my life; the shame I felt for what he did to me was overwhelming enough to shut me up and leave me feeling confused helpless and alone… We find ways to normalize the experiences that traumatize us — 13 years later I am choosing to speak up, not for him but for anyone who might need to see someone else do it first.”

Her breakthrough single “Sororicide” was a #1 hit on Spotify’s Viral 50 US; Paper, Nylon, Consequence, and more are fans of her attention to detail, nostalgia-inducing sound, and authenticity.

You may also know Raffaella from her collaborative effort with Samia, Ryann, Sara L’abriola as Peach Fuzz, with praise from Stereogum, Consequence, i-D, Brooklyn Vegan, and more.

Having just wrapped a tour with Misterwives and Bishop Briggs and previously sharing stages with Samia, Liz Phair, and more, Raffaella brings her story to the forefront on her first-ever headline tour titled Live, Raff, LIVE! next spring.

Raffaella’s debut project LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act I) (co-written and produced by Jake Luppen of Hippo Campus), narrates with a specificity so intense you immediately absorb the cotton candy and cigarette smoke, drunken kisses, and stoned malaise.

Following the shape of a play, LIVE, RAFF, LOVE’s (Act II) is the heavier foil, establishing Raffaella as one of pop’s sharpest observers of human behavior.