Hailing from Montreal, Raveen as a trio has flourished into a united entity since releasing their debut full-length Always in 2017. The record marks their foray into more subdued, lush songwriting and a grandiose approach to arrangement with orchestral strings, choir work and field recording. Live performances are evocative of Jeff Buckley’s dynamic peaks-and-valleys approach, while blending electronics and live instrumentation in new, innovative ways. Their releases are consistent markers of growth, with more on the way in the coming year.The group’s latest single and resurgent return after the pandemic era setbacks with “In The Middle,” a driving and emotive track. This song tries to provide a snapshot of the emotions we feel in those moments when love and growth fight for dominance in our lives.

What can you share with readers about your new project?

In The Middle is our first release in over 3 years. We’ve been through a lot as a band, especially with COVID keeping us separated by a border after Stokely was forced to return to the states. It’s a very satisfying feeling to be able to put music out again.

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

This song is more straightforward and direct – the vocals are the focus, the songwriting is up close and personal, and unlike our past music, the instrumentation is very bare, featuring only the three of us on any instruments.

What about this single makes you most proud?

I’m proud of the fact that the lyrics avoid obfuscation. In the past, I’ve found it hard to say what I want to say without burying the vulnerable inside the obscure. I like the simple vocabulary and the fact that it really is just one message that the song is meant to convey – a warning not to get too close while one is undergoing a massive internal change.

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

We wanted to shake the dust off a bit and reemerge after such a long period without releases or music. This won’t be the last you hear from this renaissance of ours, and we’re looking forward to bringing more and more people along for the ride as we continue to release new music in 2024 and beyond.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going? If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Joni Mitchell. But I would just sit and watch her work, maybe play some keys, a harmony at most.

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Lots of 2014-2017 era Future right now, BigXThaPlug, at least currently.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Follow us on Spotify for future releases! And on Instagram: @raveenofficial and TikTok: @raveentiktok.

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Just to stay tuned and follow us on socials and Spotify!