Raquel Aurilia

Arizona-based singer-songwriter Raquel Aurilia immediately catches you with her pure voice and emotional lyrics, and her most recent single “Pretty Roses” showcases just that. - AZ Foothills Magazone

After releasing her newest single, “2 Seconds”, last week, Aurilia has proven once again that she can find that perfect sweet spot between strength and vulnerability to arrive at a lyrical journey that is both heartfelt and relevant to modern audiences of all ages - Lula 1892

Watch the interview with Raquel Aurilia on RFDtv at the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPiJVmK1J7s - RFD-TV

Check out Raquel Aurilia on Her Next Album, ‘Therapeutic’ Songwriting Process & More now on billboard.com!

http://m.billboard.com/v/News/RaquelAuriliaOnHer - billboard.com

Check out my feature in Arizona Foothills Magazine! http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/people/celebrities/raquel-aurilia - Arizona Foothills Magazine

Check out the write up on Raquel Aurilia and her new album at PowerSourceMusic.com!
http://www.powersourcemusic.com/?p=8305 - PowerSourceMusic.com

Cowboy Lifestyle Network has posted a new article about the album release party! You can check it out at this link:

http://cowboylifestylenetwork.com/raquel-aurilia-hosts-cd-release-party-in-scottsdale/ - Cowboy Lifestyle Network

Raquel Aurilia’s “Dreams” hits the front page of IAC Music! Go to www.iacmusic.com to see and hear it! - IAC

Heading out to see live music in the Bay Area is always a sure bet. The Avalon paid off with a line up rich with Bay Area ties and talents. Ties to legends like John Waite who teamed with Jonathan Cain and Neil Schon to form Bad English; Raquel Aurilia and her ties with our San Francisco Giants, Rich Aurilia and our own Bay Area bred Luvplanet



John Waite's time with The Baby's is legendary. His time with Bad English was equally memorable. His solo career, the same. Number One hits across the board. John is not only gracious and accommodating, he's a man with a great sense of humor. He loves playing live and cares about what he presents to his audience. He likes it stripped down. He was backed by Kyle Cook (guitar), Time Hogan (bass), and Rodger Carter (drums). Three-piece rock & roll like it was meant to be played -- heavy on the guitar, but also the song. The set included new and old John Waite songs that were performed perfectly. But it's his voice, his phrasing. That's what sets him apart.

BAM: John, you've always seemed to work with aggressive guitar players...

John: My approach originates from the force of the guitar player. You don't really write rock songs on the keyboard. I mean, a lot of black music, the blues and stuff, is kind of generated on the piano. But I think melodic rock and all that, it gets very kind of cheesy [on the piano], so unless it comes out in the guitar, it's weird, it sounds like something your grandmother would play. So I've always liked to work with very good guitar players, and I have.

BAM: Vocally, it seems like you feed off it.

John: Yeah, I mean, it's like Mick Ronson and David Bowie, or Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. There's always this thing, there's always this unsaid tension between the guitar player and the singer, and they're always looking at each other like, for the missing piece, and it's always happening around the front of the stage. It's like a duel, it's like a bullfight, and it's pretty much what rock & roll is.

BAM: There's the unmistakable sound of your voice, but also your cadence. The way you deliver your lyrics into the song, it's the cadence of your lyrics. Do you approach the lyrics a certain way?

John: Well, the sound of a word is as important as the meaning of the word. Charles Baudelaire, the French poet, wrote his poems to be read in French so you hear the sound of the word and the pause, and then this beautiful-sounding French word for something or other. And you translate that, and all you've got is the meaning. [For me] the meaning of the word has to have a certain angular feel to it, or smoothness to it, or it will sound trite. It's all choices, you know, but I can do it off the top of my head sometimes, where it all rhymes and it makes sense.

BAM: Yeah, the phrasing is noticeable to me.

John: It's happening at the same time that I'm thinking of the lyric, and I'm making the melody up at the same time that I'm singing. "Missing You" was made up on the spot. "Missing You" came out in two takes. The whole first verse, the whole first chorus, and a lot of the second verse came out in one take, all made up over some chord changes. That only happens once in a blue moon, but you always shoot for that. The Babys wrote a lot of stuff "key of G 1, 2, 3, 4," and you all jump in, and you get the beginnings of a song. And you go back, and you look at where the vowels were and whatever you were singing about, and it would seem to be irreplaceable. You couldn't go back and write another lyric over it. So if that's what you mean by cadence and as a sound, it's very, very important.

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BAM: A friend of mine bought a Mercedes a few years ago and in the tape deck was a Baby&#39 - BAM Magazine

Gin Blossoms & Raquel Aurilia at BillingTree's RockBlock!
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Gin Blossoms,Raquel Aurilia, BillingTree's RockBlock, Sara Robinson and The Midnight Special

BillingTree's RockBlock 2013 is a can't-miss event this month! AZ local favorites the Gin Blossoms are headlining, and you need to be sure to get there early to catch another couple great local acts, Sara Robinson and The Midnight Special, and our own Travel Guru, Raquel Aurilia, who we had a chance to chat with for a little while…

Aaron Kuhl: Hello Raquel, nice you see you! What have you been up to lately?
Country Music Singer Raquel Aurilia opens for the Gin Blossoms at BillingTree's RockBlock

Adult Contemporary & Country Music Singer Raquel Aurilia opens for the Gin Blossoms at BillingTree's RockBlock

Raquel Aurilia: Thanks! Nice to see you also! Well, in 2012, and at the beginning of this year, I was fortunate to go out on another tour with John Waite. We were everywhere from California to the East Coast and lots of places in between. I have such a great time with my touring band and the response from the crowd is always great…we love it. As far as recording, I was just in the studio with Bill Trudel, Mark Hayes and Zach Thompson working on some new tunes….very exciting!

Aaron Kuhl: How do you like being in the studio vs. being on tour?

Raquel Aurilia: Oh, both are just so great, and so different. In the studio you are being creative usually coming up with new ideas, bouncing the ideas off one another, doing a few different takes to see what works best. On stage, you are being creative in another way….you play the song like you know it, but it's live…anything can happen! We just play off what the others do sometimes and really great things happen. Also, some artists just kind of “phone it in” during their shows, but we try to make each show seem like it's the ONLY show, and keep things fresh each night. We really go out there and give it our “all”.

Zach Thompson and Raquel Aurilia before the gig at Sellersville.

Zach Thompson and Raquel Aurilia before the gig at Sellersville.

Raquel Aurilia with bandmates Bill Trudel, Mark Hayes, and Zach Thompson performing at the The Palace Theater in NH.
Zach Thompson and Raquel Aurilia before the gig at Sellersville.



Aaron Kuhl: Tell me about the show coming up with the Gin Blossoms.

seasonlogoRaquel Aurilia: Well, it's BillingTree's RockBlock 2013, at the Venue in Scottsdale. This is their second year raising funds for Season for Sharing, which is The Arizona Republic and 12 News annual holiday fundraising drive to help health and human service agencies in Arizona. Yes, I know the holidays have come and gone a couple of months ago, but there are always people in need, and it never hurts to get an early start for the holiday season for 2013! Donations are matched by the Gannett Foundation, and ALL proceeds stay local!! I can't wait to perform with the Gin Blossoms, and there's another opening act called Sara Robinson and the Midnight Special. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8….make sure you get there early, it'll be packed!

Aaron Kuhl: Will you be performing any of your new material?

Raquel Aurilia: Hmm….well I'm not going to give that away….you'll have to go and see for yourself! :) - Cowboylifestylenetwork.com

Gin Blossoms & Raquel Aurilia at BillingTree's RockBlock!
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Gin Blossoms,Raquel Aurilia, BillingTree's RockBlock, Sara Robinson and The Midnight Special

BillingTree's RockBlock 2013 is a can't-miss event this month! AZ local favorites the Gin Blossoms are headlining, and you need to be sure to get there early to catch another couple great local acts, Sara Robinson and The Midnight Special, and our own Travel Guru, Raquel Aurilia, who we had a chance to chat with for a little while…

Aaron Kuhl: Hello Raquel, nice you see you! What have you been up to lately?
Country Music Singer Raquel Aurilia opens for the Gin Blossoms at BillingTree's RockBlock

Adult Contemporary & Country Music Singer Raquel Aurilia opens for the Gin Blossoms at BillingTree's RockBlock

Raquel Aurilia: Thanks! Nice to see you also! Well, in 2012, and at the beginning of this year, I was fortunate to go out on another tour with John Waite. We were everywhere from California to the East Coast and lots of places in between. I have such a great time with my touring band and the response from the crowd is always great…we love it. As far as recording, I was just in the studio with Bill Trudel, Mark Hayes and Zach Thompson working on some new tunes….very exciting!

Aaron Kuhl: How do you like being in the studio vs. being on tour?

Raquel Aurilia: Oh, both are just so great, and so different. In the studio you are being creative usually coming up with new ideas, bouncing the ideas off one another, doing a few different takes to see what works best. On stage, you are being creative in another way….you play the song like you know it, but it's live…anything can happen! We just play off what the others do sometimes and really great things happen. Also, some artists just kind of “phone it in” during their shows, but we try to make each show seem like it's the ONLY show, and keep things fresh each night. We really go out there and give it our “all”.

Zach Thompson and Raquel Aurilia before the gig at Sellersville.

Zach Thompson and Raquel Aurilia before the gig at Sellersville.

Raquel Aurilia with bandmates Bill Trudel, Mark Hayes, and Zach Thompson performing at the The Palace Theater in NH.
Zach Thompson and Raquel Aurilia before the gig at Sellersville.



Aaron Kuhl: Tell me about the show coming up with the Gin Blossoms.

seasonlogoRaquel Aurilia: Well, it's BillingTree's RockBlock 2013, at the Venue in Scottsdale. This is their second year raising funds for Season for Sharing, which is The Arizona Republic and 12 News annual holiday fundraising drive to help health and human service agencies in Arizona. Yes, I know the holidays have come and gone a couple of months ago, but there are always people in need, and it never hurts to get an early start for the holiday season for 2013! Donations are matched by the Gannett Foundation, and ALL proceeds stay local!! I can't wait to perform with the Gin Blossoms, and there's another opening act called Sara Robinson and the Midnight Special. Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8….make sure you get there early, it'll be packed!

Aaron Kuhl: Will you be performing any of your new material?

Raquel Aurilia: Hmm….well I'm not going to give that away….you'll have to go and see for yourself! :) - Cowboylifestylenetwork.com

Raquel Aurilia isn't just the wife of Rich Aurilia of the San Francisco Giants. She's also an up-and-coming pop singer with one album to her credit and more music on the way.
But right now, there are more important things than baseball and music in the Aurilias' lives, which is why the name and affiliation of her family's latest benefit event in Arizona has changed.

Rich and Raquel Aurilia's Second Annual Spring Training Jam will be held Tuesday, March 18, at the Venue of Scottsdale from 7 p.m. to midnight. It's open to the public with $20 general admission available and $50 VIP room tickets.

"We did it last year, we called it the Glam Jam, and it was a concert and big party to raise money for charity," Raquel Aurilia said. "But this year, instead of supporting an actual charity like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, we're doing it for a family member."

That family member is Michael George, the son of Raquel's cousin, who has been missing -- along with his friend, Kyle Kerschen, -- since the two went snowboarding near the Wolf Creek Ski Resort in Colorado on Jan. 5.

"Search and rescue teams were looking for them, with the states providing funding, but the funding is running out," Raquel said. "So his family has to hire their own search and rescue team. There has been 20 feet of snow since it happened, so it might be a case of them not being found until the snow melts a little bit.

"It's been really hard on my family. We just want to bring them home."

Raquel said the proceeds from the event will go toward the search-and-rescue funding and that people who come out to support the cause will be treated to a great night of music and the chance to spend an evening alongside plenty of Major League ballplayers, including Kerry Wood, Shawn Estes, Matt Cain and other players from the Giants, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals and other Cactus League teams.

Raquel, whose music and story were featured in an MLB.com/Entertainment article in November, will do an acoustic set in which she'll break out a couple of new songs that haven't been tested in a live setting.

Also on the bill is Steve Ansel & The Jackson Street Band, which Raquel describes as "'Chicago', Frank Sinatra-type music with a pretty big band behind him," and a DJ. There will be a drawing for a 2003 Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary VRSC V-Rod motorcycle and several silent auction items, too.

"It's a nice excuse to get two things taken care of," Raquel said.

"One, obviously, is a very important cause and the second reason is just to get people together."
- MLB.com

Raquel Aurilia is used to the beat of a major league baseball player's schedule. She should, as she's married to veteran player Rich Aurilia, an infielder for the San Francisco Giants. For her, and most professional baseball players' wives, this means spending summers away from their off-season home to be close to home games. And when 81 out of a 162-game schedule calls for away games, it means hopping on planes and making hotels across the country a part-time home.
"If we're not at the games, we're watching them on television," said Raquel Aurilia, a Santa Fe native who now makes Scottsdale, Ariz., her permanent home.
"Ninety percent of our time is spent at a baseball field during the season, and the boys (sons 4 and 6) are huge baseball fans, so we travel a lot," she said.
Just as she's been an avid supporter of her husband's 13-year career in the big leagues, whether it's relocating to Cincinnati for his stint with the Reds that ended in 2006, or moving back to San Francisco this April for the Giants season to begin, her husband has been just as thrilled to watch her blossoming musical career grow.
Her debut, released in July on her own label, Shea Records, which is distributed through Fontana/Universal, produced a standout track that placed the up-and-coming vocalist alongside mega-pop artists John Mayer, Avril Lavigne and Lifehouse.
Her single "Feels Like," the second radio release from her album "Finding My Way," cracked Radio & Records Top 30 Adult Contemporary chart and peaked at No. 28 on Billboard's Top 30 Hot AC chart.
Produced by two-time Grammy-winner Tony Papa (Survivor, James Brown), "Finding My Way" blends catchy pop/rock/folk songs interspersed with R&B-flecked singer/songwriter tunes and delicate lyrics.
The CD also features a couple of timeless remakes. "I like to bring songs back to life, that have been hits, but breathe life into them in a different way," Aurilia said.
The two songs, which have a contemporary yet familiar sound, include a slowed-down, dreamy cover of Gary Wright's 1976 smash "Dream Weaver" and a revisited version of "For What It's Worth," where Aurilia makes the Buffalo Springfield 1967 hit "a little faster, with a bit more rock, and it has an amazing spiritual-rapper, Kojo, who rhymes about peace on the track."
Raquel Aurilia
WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20
WHERE: Launchpad, 618 Central SW
HOW MUCH: Tickets are $5 and are available at the door. For more information, visit www.launchpadrocks.com. 21 and older show - Albuquerque Journal

Raquel is the wife of baseball player Rich Aurilia and Finding My Way is a nice intro to her as a recording artist. Working with a crack back-up band that includes players who've worked with the likes of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the Pretenders, Rod Stewart and Jewel, Aurilia spins a vocal showcase with songs that particularly fit her adult-contemporary style like "Where Was I" and "The Need." The demographic she's going for is probably best summed-up by her choice of covers; the old Gary Wright hit "Dreamweaver" and the Buffalo Springfield chestnut "For What It's Worth." The latter song is not an easy cover but Aurilia infuses the song with a funky vibe and shares the mic at song's end with Kojo Obeng who spits a quick rap that makes the 40-year-old song sound modern. The album ends with a remix of "Where Was I" as a bonus track. www.raquelaurilia.com - antimusic.com: Hot in the City V6

Raquel Aurilia is used to the beat of a major league baseball player's schedule. She should, as she's married to veteran player Rich Aurilia, an infielder for the San Francisco Giants. For her, and most professional baseball players' wives, this means spending summers away from their off-season home to be close to home games. And when 81 out of a 162-game schedule calls for away games, it means hopping on planes and making hotels across the country a part-time home.
"If we're not at the games, we're watching them on television," said Raquel Aurilia, a Santa Fe native who now makes Scottsdale, Ariz., her permanent home.
"Ninety percent of our time is spent at a baseball field during the season, and the boys (sons 4 and 6) are huge baseball fans, so we travel a lot," she said.
Just as she's been an avid supporter of her husband's 13-year career in the big leagues, whether it's relocating to Cincinnati for his stint with the Reds that ended in 2006, or moving back to San Francisco this April for the Giants season to begin, her husband has been just as thrilled to watch her blossoming musical career grow.
Her debut, released in July on her own label, Shea Records, which is distributed through Fontana/Universal, produced a standout track that placed the up-and-coming vocalist alongside mega-pop artists John Mayer, Avril Lavigne and Lifehouse.
Her single "Feels Like," the second radio release from her album "Finding My Way," cracked Radio & Records Top 30 Adult Contemporary chart and peaked at No. 28 on Billboard's Top 30 Hot AC chart.
Produced by two-time Grammy-winner Tony Papa (Survivor, James Brown), "Finding My Way" blends catchy pop/rock/folk songs interspersed with R&B-flecked singer/songwriter tunes and delicate lyrics.
The CD also features a couple of timeless remakes. "I like to bring songs back to life, that have been hits, but breathe life into them in a different way," Aurilia said.
The two songs, which have a contemporary yet familiar sound, include a slowed-down, dreamy cover of Gary Wright's 1976 smash "Dream Weaver" and a revisited version of "For What It's Worth," where Aurilia makes the Buffalo Springfield 1967 hit "a little faster, with a bit more rock, and it has an amazing spiritual-rapper, Kojo, who rhymes about peace on the track."
Raquel Aurilia
WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20
WHERE: Launchpad, 618 Central SW
HOW MUCH: Tickets are $5 and are available at the door. For more information, visit www.launchpadrocks.com. 21 and older show - Albuquerque Journal

Raquel Aurilia’s second album, Holding on to Love, is a passionate testament to the search for love and finding a deeper meaning in life. The songs are all about the things that you love, and how you deal with the situations that come about because of the depth of your emotions. From the more upbeat “How Can I” to the emotional title track “Holding on to Love,” (which was inspired by the strength of her family through the loss of a loved one) Raquel, with her intoxicating voice, completely opens up her heart to her fans.

Lyrics such as “Letting go of all the fears I hid deep inside of me / Finally I’m free to live the life that was meant for me” and “Broken promises leave scars that never heal / Is it wrong to love you? Is it wrong to care? / Is it wrong to need you when you’re never there? / I can’t give what I’m not getting…” show Raquel’s ability to address emotions and questions everyone can relate to.

The most powerful thing about the CD is Raquel’s beautiful voice, which carries each song to its full potential. Listen to some of Holding on to Love on Raquel Aurilia’s MySpace page here: Raquel Aurilia

Click here to buy the album: Holding on to Love
- www.culturepopped.com

By Chuck Harrell

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Raquel Aurilia simply isn't the "typical" major league baseball player's wife. Sure, she's got some things in common with many of them -- she is pretty, supports her husband in his career, pitches in with charity work, and does a lot of travelling. All the things you would expect of a player's spouse.

But these days, Mr. Aurilia is having to learn to push aside some of his sports equipment to make room for Mrs. Aurilia's musical equipment. Hopefully, he's prepared to share the spotlight with his musically talented wife, Raquel, who has just released her second album of songs called 'Holding On To Love' through Shea Records. Raquel took some time to speak with KTVU.com about her move from the background into the spotlight.

KTVU.com: So for those readers who don't know your history, why don't you bring us up to speed on what got you started as a singer?

Raquel Aurilia: I've always wanted to sing, I just wasn't sure how to get started. If you are acting or doing print work [modeling], you go and audition. Singing is totally different and sometimes it's hard to know how to get started. Even if you are a good singer or writer or whatever, it's not that cut and dry how or where to start. So I met with a producer in Los Angeles [Tony Papa] who is a friend of a friend. He sent me some demos to go through and then come in the studio and we would see how it worked out.

So I went in the studio and everything worked out great. Luckily, he liked the music and liked my sound. [It] was nice for me that he wanted to work with me. So next thing you know, we went from doing one song to doing an entire album and that became my first album [the aptly titled 'Finding My Way']. That was the end of 2003 and the first album wasn't finished until 2005. But that's how I got into recording.

KTVU.com: But you didn't write on the first album, correct?

Raquel Aurilia: No, I didn't write anything for the first album because it all kind of happened so fast and it was my first time, so I wasn't sure exactly what to do. So we found some songs that I felt really moved me, and we did those demos and made the first album.

KTVU.com: This having been your first record and you being half of a partnership that had one person who was already famous in the world of sports, was it hard to step out of the shadow of being Rich Aurilia's wife?

Raquel Aurilia: Yes and no. Obviously it has its perks, too. We work together a lot as far as when I do shows or we do charity events. [Editor's Note: The Aurilias are very involved with and heavily support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.] Because of baseball, it's been a really nice aid to me as well. So in one respect you do want to step outside the box and say "I'm on my own, I'm not doing this because I'm Richie's wife." I truly believe in what I am doing, my heart's in the right place whether I am married to Richie or not.

At the end of the day, as far as is that why my music is getting played? Sure, it might open up opportunities that I might not have had, some people may say "Well, I'm curious, let me hear her." But then again it might turn around and be a detriment. It could actually be "not a good thing" because people might not take you seriously because you are the wife of a baseball player. People may think this is just some type of hobby I'm doing. So you have to be careful. The way I look at it is I'm doing something on my own, something I've wanted to do forever.

I'm Richie's wife, yes, but I'm also his biggest fan. I support him and he supports me. It's very mutual and he's very, very supportive to me and my music. And as I said we've done a ton of charity work that's involved baseball and my music so we've been able to combine a lot of shows to raise money for good causes and things like that. So it's been good to use that in a way, the fact that he does play ball and I've been offered a lot of opportunities because of that -- to play venues and do other things.

But at the end of the day, will people listen to my music because I'm Richie's wife? Probably not. So you really have to believe in yourself and I do feel like I'm standing on my own on this one. Especially with this new album because I wrote some of it; [producer] Gardner Cole and I co-wrote it. And it feels great that I'm able to get out there and express myself completely separate from what Richie's doing.

KTVU.com: Well, you touched on something I was going to ask about which is people having you categorized in one box but now you are breaking out of that and becoming an entity all your own. How do you deal with that side of it?

Raquel Aurilia: Well, you have to be careful of is I do think there is going to be some curiosity, if people are fans of Richie will say "Well, let's see how serious this is." They may not take it as serious until they hear the music. I'm really confident that my music will speak for itself. I've never really been one to ride Ritchie's co - KTVU.COM

Raquel Aurilia’s second album, Holding on to Love, is a passionate testament to the search for love and finding a deeper meaning in life. The songs are all about the things that you love, and how you deal with the situations that come about because of the depth of your emotions. From the more upbeat “How Can I” to the emotional title track “Holding on to Love,” (which was inspired by the strength of her family through the loss of a loved one) Raquel, with her intoxicating voice, completely opens up her heart to her fans.

Lyrics such as “Letting go of all the fears I hid deep inside of me / Finally I’m free to live the life that was meant for me” and “Broken promises leave scars that never heal / Is it wrong to love you? Is it wrong to care? / Is it wrong to need you when you’re never there? / I can’t give what I’m not getting…” show Raquel’s ability to address emotions and questions everyone can relate to.

The most powerful thing about the CD is Raquel’s beautiful voice, which carries each song to its full potential. Listen to some of Holding on to Love on Raquel Aurilia’s MySpace page here: Raquel Aurilia

Click here to buy the album: Holding on to Love
- www.culturepopped.com

Who is Raquel Aurilia?

Well, literally speaking, I am a singer from Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the United States, who grew up loving music. My CD, Finding My Way debuted in June 2005 and has a variety of music audiences of all ages can relate to. I just opened for B.B. King in the United States and am in the process of promoting my CD now in the US and in the Philippines. On a different note, I feel like I am more than just a performer, I am a mother, an athlete, a wife, and someone who loves to laugh and have fun (just to name a few things). All of these things help keep me grounded!

How important is music to you?

Music is extremely important to me and is my main focus right now. I have been working very hard these last two years to create my music, and music that several audiences can relate to. It is truly my passion. I am a fan of music myself.

Most of the tracks on your album were written or co-written with someone else, did you have a hard time interpreting the songs?

No, not at all. When I selected the songs for the album I tried to choose music that had lyrics I could relate to and would want to hear over and over again. The songs on the album had a certain “feel” to them and I chose the songs by the “feel” of the music and not necessarily the style, therefore, I did not have any problem interpreting them at all.

Has it been hard for you to acquire “credibility” with such a beautiful face?

Wow! Thank you for the compliment. To be honest, I’ve never even thought of my looks coming into play regarding credibility. I try to do as many live shows as possible so that people can experience my music beyond just looking at a CD cover. I am very comfortable singing “live” and enjoy sharing my personality on stage with my fans.

Filipinos have had a surfeit of pop divas; what do you think you can offer to the Filipinos that they haven’t experienced before?

I think that the album crosses so many genres and this is one of the reasons it may appeal to a wide variety of people. It offers, Light Rock, Pop (with an edge), R&B etc. In fact, the best compliment I have received was from a fan telling me she liked several songs on the album because there was a variety of genres and she found herself not just liking one song which she said often happens when she buys a CD.

What’s in store for Raquel Aurilia fans in the future?

So far, I have recently co-written and recorded another song which was my first experience in writing and I plan on writing more songs soon. I have a few shows planned in the United States and hope to have the opportunity to perform in the Philippines sometime in the near future. I am hoping my music will be well received in the Philippines and I am excited for the opportunity to showcase it.

[Check out www.raquelaurilia.com! Finding My Way is available at Tower Records and Music One]
- Manilla Standard

Rich Aurilia is a veteran player for the San Francisco Giants with quite a few good years left in his accomplished career. His wife, Raquel, is an up-and-coming singer who just released her first album.
The Aurilias have been traveling all over the country for years on Rich's baseball schedule, bunking in team hotels, sitting on endless charter flights and living within the confines of a 162-game summer.

And according to the two of them, that might not change when Rich's playing days come to an end.

"We've got it pretty much all figured out already," Raquel says with a laugh. "Richie says that when he retires, he'll drive my tour bus."

All kidding aside, it might not be such a bad gig for her husband.

Raquel's debut album, Finding My Way, attracted veteran producer Tony Papa (Survivor, Weird Al Yankovic, Sylvie Vartan, James Brown) and was released on Shea Records, which has national distribution through Fontana/Universal.

The first single "Feels Like," rocketed to the top of the Adult Contemporary radio charts, cracking the Radio and Records (R&R) Top 30 and Billboard's Hot Adult Contemporary Top 30 chart. With this accomplishment, Raquel has joined superstars Avril Lavigne, John Mayer, Lifehouse, Santana and LeAnn Rimes.

Also, Raquel appeared on the bill for the Phoenix stop of B.B. King's 80th birthday tour, when the legendary bluesman brought down the sold-out Dodge Theatre.

"I'm very thankful for what's happening, especially since I'm really in the beginning stages of my career," Raquel says. "Right now, my goal is to get more and more shows and just make more music and see where it takes me."

The 10 songs on Finding My Way take the listener through a soundscape of well-crafted, ethereal pop with an occasional hard edge and a more-than-occasional unique spin on something tried and true.

Raquel, who says she's started working on writing her own songs and says she's going after more of an "R&B feel" for her next project, selected the tracks on her debut album carefully with Papa at her side.

Two are cover songs. One is a faithful yet modern and more tranquil reading of one of Raquel's favorite 1970s radio hits, "Dream Weaver," and the other is a very contemporary take on the ubiquitous 1960s protest song popularized by Buffalo Springfield, "For What It's Worth," that includes a guest rap by rising star Kojo.

"That song is all about what's going on in the world, and it makes a lot of sense in the current climate," Raquel said of "For What It's Worth." "It's basically about peace."

And then there are the originals, including the single "Where Was I," a pop-rock gem that builds and reaches a powerful crescendo, and "The Need," a piano-driven ballad.

"The Need" had such a spritual affect on Raquel that last year the tune was pressed as a limited-edition CD single to help benefit Hurricane Katrina victims via a fundraiser at The Great American Ballpark, home to the Cincinnati Reds, which was Rich's team at the time.

It was in that arena that Raquel says she really saw the magic that can happen when the far-reaching powers of music and baseball come together.

"A lot of the events we've done have been charity-related, through the Reds and the Giants," Raquel says. "It's amazing to be in a situation where you can do charity work through baseball and also do the concerts and have people hear your music."

Rich Aurilia couldn't agree more. He says he loves being around the studio when Raquel is recording and can't wait to see where this new career takes her.

"It's great because my dream was always to play professional baseball in the big leagues, and I did it," he says. "And this has been a dream of hers for a long time, and it's not an easy business to get into, but she's doing it.

"For her to pursue this and get to a point where she's at and hopefully go much further, it's fantastic, and I'm really happy to be that support for her the way she's always supported me."

So, Rich, does that "support" include that future tour bus driving job?

"I think she volunteered me for that," Rich says with a laugh.

"I said I would be a roadie and go golfing."
- MLB.COM

Who is Raquel Aurilia?

Well, literally speaking, I am a singer from Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the United States, who grew up loving music. My CD, Finding My Way debuted in June 2005 and has a variety of music audiences of all ages can relate to. I just opened for B.B. King in the United States and am in the process of promoting my CD now in the US and in the Philippines. On a different note, I feel like I am more than just a performer, I am a mother, an athlete, a wife, and someone who loves to laugh and have fun (just to name a few things). All of these things help keep me grounded!

How important is music to you?

Music is extremely important to me and is my main focus right now. I have been working very hard these last two years to create my music, and music that several audiences can relate to. It is truly my passion. I am a fan of music myself.

Most of the tracks on your album were written or co-written with someone else, did you have a hard time interpreting the songs?

No, not at all. When I selected the songs for the album I tried to choose music that had lyrics I could relate to and would want to hear over and over again. The songs on the album had a certain “feel” to them and I chose the songs by the “feel” of the music and not necessarily the style, therefore, I did not have any problem interpreting them at all.

Has it been hard for you to acquire “credibility” with such a beautiful face?

Wow! Thank you for the compliment. To be honest, I’ve never even thought of my looks coming into play regarding credibility. I try to do as many live shows as possible so that people can experience my music beyond just looking at a CD cover. I am very comfortable singing “live” and enjoy sharing my personality on stage with my fans.

Filipinos have had a surfeit of pop divas; what do you think you can offer to the Filipinos that they haven’t experienced before?

I think that the album crosses so many genres and this is one of the reasons it may appeal to a wide variety of people. It offers, Light Rock, Pop (with an edge), R&B etc. In fact, the best compliment I have received was from a fan telling me she liked several songs on the album because there was a variety of genres and she found herself not just liking one song which she said often happens when she buys a CD.

What’s in store for Raquel Aurilia fans in the future?

So far, I have recently co-written and recorded another song which was my first experience in writing and I plan on writing more songs soon. I have a few shows planned in the United States and hope to have the opportunity to perform in the Philippines sometime in the near future. I am hoping my music will be well received in the Philippines and I am excited for the opportunity to showcase it.

[Check out www.raquelaurilia.com! Finding My Way is available at Tower Records and Music One]
- Manilla Standard

MUSIC CAREER HISTORY

Tiffany: When did you become interested in a career as a singer?

Raquel: I have always known that I wanted to be a singer, I just did not know how to get started. I met a producer named Tony Papa from L.A. and we went into the studio to record a demo and ended up doing my entire CD!

Tiffany: Was there anyone who inspired or influenced you to pursue a career as a musician/performer?

Raquel: My mother used to play piano and we would all sing with her for hours! I think singing with her, being in choir and just having that passion for music in general at a young age, all contributed to pursuing this career. When I was young, I used to sit and listen to my parent's albums over and over. Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Elton John were among my favorites and inspired me to want to be a singer.

Tiffany: What project/CD are you most proud of?

Raquel: Since this is my first album, I am the most proud of this! As far as projects are concerned, we do a lot of charity events and the one we did in Cincinnati raised $35,000 so that was awesome! We are doing another similar event on May 24th for charity here in San Francisco and hope we do even better!

Tiffany: What performances have you enjoyed the most?

Raquel: Opening for B.B. King has been the highlight of my career so far. It was a great atmosphere and venue and the crowd response was amazing! I wasn't sure what to expect because B.B. King sings rhythm and blues, but it went very well! Just sharing the stage with such an inspirational musician was overwhelming.

Tiffany: From your experience what qualities do you think an aspiring artist should have today to succeed in this industry?



Raquel: I think you have to be assertive and truly believe in what you are doing in order to be successful. You have to have "thick skin" so to speak in this industry and not be afraid to put yourself out there. The more you can perform live, the better you will be.


ON BEING A ROCKIN' MOM...

Tiffany: How many children do you have and what are their ages?

Raquel: We have 2 children named Chaz and Gavin. They are ages 5 and 3.

Tiffany: Did you perform/write music before you were a mom?

Raquel: I actually started recording my album when I was pregnant with our second child, Gavin. I would fly back and forth to Los Angeles to record and did so until I was not able to fly anymore (doctors orders)! The opportunity was there and I took it!

Tiffany: How has motherhood enriched your music and affected your career?

Raquel: I am just now starting to write my own music for my second album so they help give me ideas and inspire me. I want to involve them in what I do and expose them to music of all kinds. They both love to sing and love to listen to music all the time!

Tiffany: What are the challenges that motherhood brings to you having a music career, if any?

Raquel: Well obviously you can't just pick up and go when you have children, you need to plan ahead as much as possible. They are my priority and I try schedule as much as possible around my family first. If I have a show or have to record, I try and bring them to the shows or in the studio if possible. I am so lucky because I have an amazing family around me that helps whenever possible.

Tiffany: Does your family come and see you perform?

Raquel: My children come to my shows once in awhile depending on the venue. My oldest son Chaz gets embarrassed when I look at him while I am singing. It is pretty funny! They like my music but are more into hip-hop and pop! My husband has been awesome and is so supportive, he comes to all my shows (schedule permitting) and even in the studio. He loves it!

Tiffany: Do you have to travel a lot with your husband because of his career with major league baseball?

Raquel: We do travel a lot with my husband when we can, especially if the trip is close to San Francisco. We just got back from a road trip last night. In the off season they go to school in AZ. where we live and during the season we go where my husband is playing. I home school my older child and work with my 3 yr old. a lot too. They love baseball so it is great for them to experience everything while they can!

Tiffany: How have you made time to balance both careers?

Raquel: My husband and I are very supportive of each other. When I am not working on my music we are at games. I try and do as much of both as possible. Let's just say our schedule is pretty busy to say the least! I try and schedule everything around the baseball schedule during the season if possible so that it is a little easier on us all. The off season is a lot more flexible with my career and scheduling gigs etc.

Tiffany: Any advice/suggestions/tips for other Rockin� Moms?

Raquel: I would tell other Rockin' Moms that anything is possible if you are assertive and truly believe in what you are doing. Having children and still having a career can work if you really want to make it - Rockinmoms.com

Finding My Way is a very clean, well-produced album that offers a lot to like in almost its every aspect. Raquel's voice is interesting and unusual, but in a good way, as is her sense of rhythm and phrasing. Her vocal versatility is even more impressive than the photos from her CD launch party, and that's saying something, since Paula Benard of General Hopsital fame appears in one of them.

Raquel describes Finding My Way as having “different styles of music with each song,” including R&B, rock, pop, and A/C. Indeed, this album does contain a striking amount of variety. Each time you listen to it, you're likely to notice some different surprising harmony or understand some new interpretation of the lyrics. It's a professional, sophisticated piece of work.

The tracks on Finding My Way include two remakes that you'll certainly recognize: the activist rally hymn “For What It's Worth” made famous by Buffalo Springfield, and the family classic “Dream Weaver” made famous by, as I recall, Wayne's World. While the remakes are probably my least favorite tracks, Raquel was intelligent to select such likeable songs to cover. Party on.

The other tracks on the album are originals selected for their “feel” and “great lyrics.” Though Raquel did not write the tracks on Finding My Way, she worked together with her producer, Tony Papa (you may recognize his name in association with Survivor, James Brown, and, most importantly, “Weird Al” Yankovic) to select songs that she admired and related to.

Personally, I thought the song selection was excellent. My favorite track, “Where Was I,” tells the story of lost love. But instead of indulging in self-pity, this story's narrator regrets that her own neglect was the cause of the break-up. That's pretty unusual to begin with, but to have that story told by a woman well, I just can't think of another time that I've heard a woman sing that tune. Though, admittedly, that was not part of my in-depth research.

Raquel says that her future albums may contain songs she writes herself. I think they could be pretty good, assuming that a woman as beautiful and talented as Raquel has had enough suffering in her lifetime from which to draw her art. She did tell me that she had a failed high school romance once, so we have that to look forward to.

The songs on Finding My Way touch on a variety of topics, some of them kinda dark. Treacherous friends, cheating lovers, and addictive personalities all make an appearance, but the bummer themes are set off with an over-arching message that things will get better. Certainly a message of relevance to Reds fans everywhere.

So, if you could use a ray of hope in your dreary existence, Finding My Way might just be what you're looking for. Check it out on Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and Target.com. Or, if you're going to be in Arizona anyway, why not check out the real deal in person? Raquel will be performing in the coming months at a bar called “The Mint” on October 14, and opening for B.B. King at the Dodge Theatre on December 29.

- www.red-hot-mama.com

MUSIC CAREER HISTORY

Tiffany: When did you become interested in a career as a singer?

Raquel: I have always known that I wanted to be a singer, I just did not know how to get started. I met a producer named Tony Papa from L.A. and we went into the studio to record a demo and ended up doing my entire CD!

Tiffany: Was there anyone who inspired or influenced you to pursue a career as a musician/performer?

Raquel: My mother used to play piano and we would all sing with her for hours! I think singing with her, being in choir and just having that passion for music in general at a young age, all contributed to pursuing this career. When I was young, I used to sit and listen to my parent's albums over and over. Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Elton John were among my favorites and inspired me to want to be a singer.

Tiffany: What project/CD are you most proud of?

Raquel: Since this is my first album, I am the most proud of this! As far as projects are concerned, we do a lot of charity events and the one we did in Cincinnati raised $35,000 so that was awesome! We are doing another similar event on May 24th for charity here in San Francisco and hope we do even better!

Tiffany: What performances have you enjoyed the most?

Raquel: Opening for B.B. King has been the highlight of my career so far. It was a great atmosphere and venue and the crowd response was amazing! I wasn't sure what to expect because B.B. King sings rhythm and blues, but it went very well! Just sharing the stage with such an inspirational musician was overwhelming.

Tiffany: From your experience what qualities do you think an aspiring artist should have today to succeed in this industry?



Raquel: I think you have to be assertive and truly believe in what you are doing in order to be successful. You have to have "thick skin" so to speak in this industry and not be afraid to put yourself out there. The more you can perform live, the better you will be.


ON BEING A ROCKIN' MOM...

Tiffany: How many children do you have and what are their ages?

Raquel: We have 2 children named Chaz and Gavin. They are ages 5 and 3.

Tiffany: Did you perform/write music before you were a mom?

Raquel: I actually started recording my album when I was pregnant with our second child, Gavin. I would fly back and forth to Los Angeles to record and did so until I was not able to fly anymore (doctors orders)! The opportunity was there and I took it!

Tiffany: How has motherhood enriched your music and affected your career?

Raquel: I am just now starting to write my own music for my second album so they help give me ideas and inspire me. I want to involve them in what I do and expose them to music of all kinds. They both love to sing and love to listen to music all the time!

Tiffany: What are the challenges that motherhood brings to you having a music career, if any?

Raquel: Well obviously you can't just pick up and go when you have children, you need to plan ahead as much as possible. They are my priority and I try schedule as much as possible around my family first. If I have a show or have to record, I try and bring them to the shows or in the studio if possible. I am so lucky because I have an amazing family around me that helps whenever possible.

Tiffany: Does your family come and see you perform?

Raquel: My children come to my shows once in awhile depending on the venue. My oldest son Chaz gets embarrassed when I look at him while I am singing. It is pretty funny! They like my music but are more into hip-hop and pop! My husband has been awesome and is so supportive, he comes to all my shows (schedule permitting) and even in the studio. He loves it!

Tiffany: Do you have to travel a lot with your husband because of his career with major league baseball?

Raquel: We do travel a lot with my husband when we can, especially if the trip is close to San Francisco. We just got back from a road trip last night. In the off season they go to school in AZ. where we live and during the season we go where my husband is playing. I home school my older child and work with my 3 yr old. a lot too. They love baseball so it is great for them to experience everything while they can!

Tiffany: How have you made time to balance both careers?

Raquel: My husband and I are very supportive of each other. When I am not working on my music we are at games. I try and do as much of both as possible. Let's just say our schedule is pretty busy to say the least! I try and schedule everything around the baseball schedule during the season if possible so that it is a little easier on us all. The off season is a lot more flexible with my career and scheduling gigs etc.

Tiffany: Any advice/suggestions/tips for other Rockin� Moms?

Raquel: I would tell other Rockin' Moms that anything is possible if you are assertive and truly believe in what you are doing. Having children and still having a career can work if you really want to make it - Rockinmoms.com

You've probably never heard of Raquel Aurilia, but you'll be shocked when you do. That Aurilia is a new artist is hard to believe. She doesn't sound like one. First of all, her voice brims with self-confidence and palpable emotion. If this is truly her debut, then she has quickly mastered her craft. Her vocals are in control, filling in the lyrics with the right amount of drama. She doesn't go overboard, stretching her lungs to painful highs, like so many pop artists do. She is disciplined, remaining within the borders of her considerable talent. On "Feels Like," Aurilia balances sorrow and elation with equal power; it is a breathtakingly uplifting tune that cuts through the mindless sludge that characterizes most modern music. There is a slight resemblance to Natalie Imbruglia, but Aurilia's voice is more captivating, more alive.

Everything about the CD screams "major label," but Aurilia actually released it herself on her own Shea Records. The production by Tony Papa is stainless; it's slick enough for commercial radio without reducing the warmth in Aurilia's vocals. However, the covers of "For What It's Worth" and "Dreamweaver" seem to be concessions to a fickle, conservative market. Their inclusion is understandable, but Aurilia is at her best on the original material, especially "The Need." Written by Billy Trudel and Stephen Epstien, "The Need" is a classic in the making, a knockout punch of a song with a powerhouse performance from Aurilia and a spellbinding arrangement.
- INK19.com

You've probably never heard of Raquel Aurilia, but you'll be shocked when you do. That Aurilia is a new artist is hard to believe. She doesn't sound like one. First of all, her voice brims with self-confidence and palpable emotion. If this is truly her debut, then she has quickly mastered her craft. Her vocals are in control, filling in the lyrics with the right amount of drama. She doesn't go overboard, stretching her lungs to painful highs, like so many pop artists do. She is disciplined, remaining within the borders of her considerable talent. On "Feels Like," Aurilia balances sorrow and elation with equal power; it is a breathtakingly uplifting tune that cuts through the mindless sludge that characterizes most modern music. There is a slight resemblance to Natalie Imbruglia, but Aurilia's voice is more captivating, more alive.

Everything about the CD screams "major label," but Aurilia actually released it herself on her own Shea Records. The production by Tony Papa is stainless; it's slick enough for commercial radio without reducing the warmth in Aurilia's vocals. However, the covers of "For What It's Worth" and "Dreamweaver" seem to be concessions to a fickle, conservative market. Their inclusion is understandable, but Aurilia is at her best on the original material, especially "The Need." Written by Billy Trudel and Stephen Epstien, "The Need" is a classic in the making, a knockout punch of a song with a powerhouse performance from Aurilia and a spellbinding arrangement.
- INK19.com