Diversity Rules Magazine

4 Diversity Rules Magazine June 2018 Diversity Rules Magazine welcomes Raph Solo as its June feature. Raph's story is an empowering one, and about a journey of self-worth and self- love. He has released a new album with the first release being the title track, "Word of Love." In "Word of Love," the title track from Raph Solo's new album, the singer-songwriter promises to break his pattern of falling for Mr. Wrong. "e song is about self-love and knowing your value and not letting yourself be put in situations where you are taken for granted," he explains, ad- mitting: "I've found myself in situations where I felt I was not being appreciated, and I wrote a song about it so I never make that mistake again." Many of Raph's songs reflect on his per- sonal journey of finding love and overcom- ing trauma. While he is a proud gay man today, he wasn't always so. Just a few years ago, Raph underwent reparative therapy in an attempt to cure himself of his homosexual- ity. It was a harrowing experience that damaged his self-esteem. "It made me feel like a failure because no matter how hard I tried, I could not change my feelings." "Word of Love" is the title track of his new album that features seven songs including some dance-inspired grooves, a few mid-tempo songs, and an acoustic ballad. Self-worth is a major theme throughout the album. JRK: Before we get into the interview can you tell readers about your background, where you are from, and all that good introductory stuff? RS: Hey, my name is Raph Solo, I was born & bred in Nigeria, to parents who were originally Lebanese/ Chilean by descent. I've been living in London for most of my life, hence I am a Londoner. I moved here for my secondary schooling. I wrote my first song when I was seven. I am inspired by real life experiences and I like to tell a story in the name of Love, wisdom & knowledge shared. JRK: You just released the title track off your new album entitled, "Word of Love." Can you tell us about the song, and motivated you to write it? RS: e song is a celebration of self- love and self -worth. It's an anthem for those who greet love with gratitude. It's a song about realizing the value of love & what we are able to bring to a relationship. It's about ap- preciating the love you feel within yourself and it's about seeing the love in others too. I found myself in places on nu- merous occasions where I felt like I was taken for granted and I vowed to break that cycle and I quit the habit of staying longer than I should in places where I didn't feel welcome like I should have felt. JRK: You describe the sound of "Word of Love" as a "Poptecsol." Can you explain what that means? RS: Popstecsol – pop / tech / RNB soul. I made a re- cord which stimulated my current musical taste buds. I am into soulful melodies, killer pop hooks, grand pianos, and electronica. Musically, the album has an electronic vibe which works well with the modern love themes I am addressing. It's a contemporary sounding record which echoes the issues I tackle. JRK: What are the other songs on the new album focused on? RS: Broken Hearts, is a song which is particularly close to my heart. It relates to fear of intimacy and the sabotage of relationships. It's a reaffirmation song however in that We have the power to overcome fear in the name of Love and no matter how fragile we become as a result of being broken we can always stand strong again. I've Had Enough is another song I enjoyed making. It explores the topic of behavior- Raph Solo Celebrating Self-Love And Self-Worth An Interview By Jim Koury, Editor/Publisher Photo Credit: Michele Martinoli

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