THE TAKE 5 SERIES
Breaking in is never easy, but you wouldn’t know that from looking at the career of Ed Raissi. In the last few years, he’s risen through the ranks to build up a supportive fanbase who are eager to get their hands on his every release. With over 68’000 monthly listeners on Spotify and a handful of well-received singles, he’s already come a long way in carving out a name for himself as an incredible EDM artist.
But his greatest strength, as any listener could tell you, is in the profound versatility of his sound. From the roaring energy of a track like “I’m Sorry” to the absolute phenomenon that is “Forever,” his songs draw from every end of the EDM genre to create a sound that is distinctly his own. And yet, despite these many influences, the final result has a sense of unity, an original and recognizable style.
For fans of Raissi, there’s a real feeling that the journey is only just beginning, and it’s hard not to wonder just how far his incredible musical skills could take him. In today’s Nexus Radio Take 5 interview, we’ll seek to understand who Raissi is, what makes his music so different, and what we expect to see coming down the pipeline. So keep reading to learn about the inspiration, innovation, and emotional impact of an up-and-coming artist making heads turn and record labels take note.
Q: Before we dig in, what’s next for you? (Please talk about current projects here+)
I’m thrilled to share that I have a lot of exciting new releases and radio mixes planned for this summer. I’m currently working on the mixing and mastering of my latest single “Burnin”. Our plan is to release it at the end of March, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone! I’m really looking forward to it.
Q: What does music mean to you?
For as long as I can remember, music has been my go-to source of inspiration. It’s the one thing that has always been there for me when I needed it the most. It’s more than just a passion, it’s a way of life, a means of self-expression that allows me to convey my deepest thoughts and emotions. And, it’s not just me, music is a universal language that connects people from all around the world, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. It has the power to evoke emotions, transport us to different times and places, and unite us. For thousands of years, music has been an essential part of human culture, serving as a means to express joy, sorrow, and every emotion in between.
To me, music is the heartbeat of life, inspiring me to dream bigger, pursue my deepest passions, and live life to the fullest.
Q: Is there a song that makes you emotional?
There are simply too many to count. As someone who lives and breathes music, I’m always on the lookout for the next great record. You can find my public playlist on Spotify called ‘House Essentials.’ It’s a carefully curated selection of my all-time favorite tracks, the ones that I listen to every day and never tire of. Be sure to check it out and see what I’ve been listening to lately!
Q: What makes a track a hit?
Have you ever found yourself humming a melody hours after listening to a song, even if you didn’t particularly like it? That’s a sign of a hit. It’s no secret that many hit songs have become popular because of their unforgettable melodies that people just can’t stop humming or singing. Of course, many other factors that contribute to a song’s success, such as a strong hook, relatable lyrics, production quality, sound design, and effective marketing & promotion.
For me, the most important aspect of a hit song is its emotional impact on listeners. Throughout history, certain chord progressions have been used in hit songs because they are known to evoke specific emotions in people. These progressions, known as “common chord progressions,” have become the foundation for many popular songs across different genres. The I-IV-V progression, for example, involves playing the first (I), fourth (IV), and fifth (V) chords of a particular key in sequence, and can be found in countless hit songs in rock, pop, country, and different genres. This progression creates a sense of familiarity and resolution that appeals to many listeners.
Many other common chord progressions have been used in hit songs throughout history, and each has its unique emotional impact on listeners. Songwriters and composers often use these progressions as a starting point and manipulate and tweak them to create new and exciting musical ideas. The goal is to create a song that not only sounds great but also resonates with listeners on an emotional level.
Q: Which musical era would you visit if you could travel back in time?
Definitely to the golden era of music, the 70s, and 80s. I grew up listening to the classic hits of that time and learned to play various instruments to the sounds of that era. The music from those decades had a unique energy and vibe that continues to be felt even today.
Unfortunately, with the rise of digital music and streaming services, we lost touch with the raw experience of live music and the power of real, in-person performances. That’s why going back to the 70s and 80s would be an absolute blast. It was a time when live music was the norm, and the energy and excitement of the audience and performers were insane. The music was not just a sound, but a movement that brought people together and created unforgettable memories. To this day, I still hear about those memories from people who lived it. I long for the opportunity to experience that time, even for just a night.
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Q: Who was your role model while growing up?
Growing up, I had a couple of musical role models who influenced me in different ways. One of my biggest inspirations was Ryan Leslie, he inspired me to start producing R&B. Another producer who had a profound effect on me was David Guetta. He played a crucial role in shaping my musical tastes and inspiring me to pursue my passion for House music. After hearing his hit song ‘The World Is Mine’ I found myself was drawn to the world of electronic dance music and started exploring the many different sub-genres and styles within it and I kept doing it until this day.
Q: What makes you feel unstoppable?
Music! It has always been very important to me as a source of inspiration, motivation, and empowerment. Certain songs have helped me stay focused and driven toward achieving my goals. To me, music is not just for entertainment, it’s a powerful tool that can evoke a wide range of emotions and help me express myself authentically. Music is also a great motivator that has helped me develop important qualities for success like self-confidence, boldness, and resilience. No matter what difficulties I’ve faced in life, there has always been a song that has helped me keep going. Music has always been a support, whether it’s a song with a powerful beat and inspiring lyrics that make me feel invincible or a more reflective track that helps me find clarity and understanding during tough times. I always use music as a tool to help me feel unstoppable, and to keep pushing forward even when the going gets tough. With the right song in my heart, anything is possible, and nothing can stop me from pursuing my dreams and goals. Music is more than just a collection of notes and melodies, it’s a powerful force that can help anyone become the best version of themselves.
Q: What would be on the gag reel of your life?
If I were to give singing a shot, it would surely become a memorable gag reel of my life. Despite my love for music, my vocal cords have their independent agenda and I do not trust them. My singing voice is best reserved for the privacy of my shower.
Q: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop?
Just one strong bite 🙂
Q: Would you travel to space? (If yes, which planet if no, then why not)?
The idea of space travel has always fascinated me, and I’ve always been curious about what it would be like to experience it first-hand. I would be thrilled to travel to space and explore beyond our planet.
