Interview: Lebanese-Canadian Pop Artist Raphaela Channels Cinematic Joy and Soft Romance on New Single “Muse”

Lebanese-Canadian artist Raphaela unveils a new side of herself with “Muse,” a light, romantic indie-pop single that captures the giddy glow of a love so deep, it becomes your inspiration. It’s a sonic exhale – warm, cinematic, and effervescent – marking a bright step forward from the moody introspection of her earlier work. This is a song about ease after ache, about finally finding the kind of love that doesn’t ask you to shrink, change, or chase.

Written on a sunny summer afternoon, “Muse” is all soft light and open-hearted ease. It’s a celebration of the kind of love that feels natural and grounded – the kind that makes you feel seen, steady, and full of joy. Produced with a new pop-forward polish, “Muse” balances Raphaela’s signature emotional honesty with a more playful tone: sunlight on your shoulders, dancing in the kitchen, a song you want to get lost in.

1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
The recording process for Muse was smooth, quick, and just felt right — which is rare and special. It was the first song I recorded with my incredible co-writer and producer Josh Bogert, and from the start, it felt like the beginning of a new chapter. For the first time, I felt like I was finally making the music I truly want to be making — music that feels aligned with who I am as an artist.

2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
If I could share one piece of advice, it would be to be patient and keep practicing your craft every day. It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t happen quickly — especially in the music industry, where success rarely comes overnight. But every small step you take matters. Every song you write, every show you play, every moment you spend improving — it all adds up. Long-term success is built on consistency, resilience, and a deep belief in what you’re creating, even when the results aren’t immediate.

3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
My dream artist to co-headline with right now would probably be Gracie Abrams. I feel like we share a similar approach to songwriting — intimate, personal, and almost like reading straight from a journal. There’s a softness and emotional vulnerability in her music that I really connect with, and I think our styles would complement each other beautifully on stage.

4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
What sets my music apart is the emotional honesty and cinematic storytelling I try to bring into every song. I write pop music that’s deeply personal, but also poetic and reflective — like a letter you never sent. My sound blends dreamy, romantic vibes with introspective lyrics that explore love, self-discovery, and everything in between. I want my songs to feel like little worlds you can step into — soft, nostalgic, and full of feeling — whether you’re falling in love, healing from heartbreak, or figuring out who you are.

5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.
I’m having a bit of a throwback moment right now — I’ve been listening to Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac on repeat. I came across it while scrolling on Instagram, and it completely pulled me in. The raw emotion in Stevie Nicks’ voice is magnetic, and the lyrics cut so deep. It’s one of those songs that just stays with you — vulnerable, powerful, and timeless.

“Muse” is a celebration of simplicity after struggle – the kind of love that makes you realize you never had to fight so hard in the first place. – Raphaela

“Muse” follows the emotional complexity of Raphaela’s past singles – including “Leave Him First,” “Fifth Street,” and “South of France” – and offers a joyful preview of her debut EP, due later this year. The Muse EP promises a full spectrum of love and longing: from heartbreak to healing, and the quiet magic of falling in love again.