Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Raquel.
Hi Hannah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’d say I’m actually currently taking some of the biggest steps in my journey so far as a singer-songwriter. In many ways, this path has always been who I am. I think I wrote my very first song when I was around six years old…I’d like to think I’ve improved a little since then!
When people used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer never changed: a singer. As I’ve gotten older, that dream has only started to become more clear. I fell in love with the arts at a young age. I spent ten years in choir, six years in band, seven years in theater, and about three years dancing. Those creative spaces always felt like home to me. They were where I felt the most joy.
My brother is also a musician, and he has been one of my biggest inspirations. As we’ve gotten older, being able to create music together has been such a gift. Having someone who understands both the creative process and the ups and downs of pursuing this career, has made the journey even more meaningful.
I really began stepping into the music scene while attending college in Idaho. I had the opportunity to perform my original songs live for the first time, appear in music videos, and sing the National Anthem at several Boise State events. Those experiences eventually led to one of my proudest moments – singing the National Anthem at a Seattle Mariners game.
After college, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where I worked in social work for a nonprofit organization. Helping people and building meaningful connections has always been incredibly important to me. In a lot of ways, that’s the same reason I love songwriting. I believe music has the ability to allow people to feel seen. There’s something powerful about being vulnerable enough to share your story and know that someone else might’ve needed to hear it too. Knowing a song can remind someone they’re not alone, is one of the things that inspires me to keep creating.
Now, I’ve made the move to Los Angeles to fully pursue my dream of making music. Every time I’ve been in California, I’ve felt at home. It feels like a place where I can continue learning, growing, and surrounding myself with other creative people who share the same passion.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about numbers or recognition for me. I truly believe the people who are meant to hear my music and message will find it when they’re supposed to. If even one person listens to one of my songs and connects in some way with it, then I’ve accomplished exactly what I’ve set out to do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up, while everyone always supported me and my dreams, I also heard a lot of people tell me that I needed to focus on getting a degree and finding a “real” job because pursuing music was too risky and very few people ever “make it.” While I understood where that advice was coming from, it also planted a seed of self-doubt. There have been plenty of moments where I’ve questioned whether I’m good enough or wondered if anyone would connect with the songs I write, or even care.
I’ll be honest, the hardest thing I’ve had to learn was to let go of being a “people pleaser.” I believe, as an artist, you can’t create something meaningful if you’re constantly trying to make everyone else happy. This has forced me to become more confident in my own voice and trust that the people who are meant to connect with my music will.
Another challenge has been bringing my ideas to life! I have so many of them! Writing songs is the part that comes naturally to me, but producing them is a completely different skill set. My brother, who has always been one of my biggest creative partners, lives in Seattle so we don’t get to work together unless I’m in town. Without a more frequent access to a professional recording setup or production equipment, there have been times when I’ve had to put songs or projects on hold simply because I didn’t have the resources to finish them.
Those challenges are actually a big part of why I decided to move to Los Angeles. I wanted to be surrounded by other creatives, collaborate with producers and musicians, and put myself in an environment where it’s easier to turn ideas into finished songs. Every obstacle has taught me something, and instead of letting them stop me, they’ve pushed me to keep finding new ways to grow as both an artist and as a person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in R&B, but I don’t like putting myself in a box. Every song has its own story, and I believe each story deserves the sound that best brings it to life. Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to R&B, deep house R&B and alternative R&B, but I also love experimenting. Some songs call for soulful piano ballads, others lean into bedroom pop, rock-inspired instrumentals, or something completely unexpected!
I’ve been told my voice naturally has a soulful, R&B feel, but I enjoy pairing it with different genres to create something that feels fresh while still staying true to who I am. Growing up, I was exposed to so many different styles of music, and I think that comes through in both my songwriting and the way I approach each track.
What I’m most proud of is my willingness to be vulnerable. My songs are deeply personal, and while that can be scary, I’ve learned that honesty is what allows people to truly connect with music. If someone hears one of my songs and thinks, “I’ve felt that too,” then I’ve done what I set out to do.
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t chase a specific formula or trend. I let my emotion lead my creative process. Rather than trying to fit into one genre, I focus on creating music that feels authentic, even if that means every song sounds a little different. At the end of the day, I’d rather create music that tells the truth, than make music that simply fits a category.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice would be to put yourself out there, even if you don’t feel completely ready!! I wish I had just trusted myself more and believed in the talent and creativity I already had, instead of waiting for some perfect moment where I suddenly felt confident… That never came BTW… LOL!
Performing has always been something I’ve loved which is funny because it was also something I struggled with. Even though I performed often growing up, I would get so caught up in the fear of making a mistake or being judged, that I wouldn’t allow myself to fully enjoy the moment. I have always been a very vibrant person with a big personality, but when I stepped on stage, I would sometimes make myself smaller because I was afraid of not being good enough.
Something I’ve learned is that confidence can be just as powerful as talent. I once heard something along the lines of, “Someone who may not have the same level of skill can still reach the things you want simply because they believe in themselves enough to go after it.” While I don’t believe in comparing myself to other artists, everyone has their own unique voice and journey, I do admire people who have the courage to show up, take risks, and put themselves out there.
I wish I had found that confidence sooner, but I also know that every experience has shaped me into the artist I am today. The insecurities, the doubts, and the moments where I had to find my voice are all part of what allows me to write songs that are honest and meaningful. Sometimes the things we struggle with the most become the very things that help us create something others can connect with.
I also truly believe in the idea of “fake it till you make it.” To me, that doesn’t mean pretending to be someone I’m not… It means showing up as the person I want to become, even on the days when I don’t fully feel like her yet. Confidence is something you build through action. The more you put yourself out there, the more you realize you are capable of doing the things you once thought were impossible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah._.raquel?utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-oldham-366369357?trk=contact-info
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hannah.raquel?si=TM5q0etiomL0At1M
