RAINAO TURNS HER LIFE EXPERIENCES INTO SONGS
Puerto Rican musician Rainao like many artists pulls inspiration from special moments in her life and lays it all out in her music. Her latest album “CAPICÚ” perfectly displays the infusion of R & B, reggaeton, jazz & pop into a sound that can only come from her. We sat down with Rainao to talk about her album, her musical process and much more!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What inspired you to create CAPICÚ and what makes it different from your past projects?
I’ve been dreaming about my first album for a while, but CAPICÚ is more than just that—it’s moments from my life that turned into songs. Every track is born from different inspirations, from my friends and deepest desires, to my country. It has the same boldness as my EP Ahora aka Nao, but it’s a different Nao because time changes things.
Can you share the central themes and messages that you wanted to transmit through this album?
Experimenting and creating without limitations is a message that my music has carried since the beginning, but the process of making CAPICÚ made me very vulnerable while also helping me grow and connect deeply with myself, my crew, and my fans. Humanizing myself and understanding that my songs are reflection of how similar we are as humans is an important theme. Whether we’re suffering or dancing it out in the club.
What was the writing process like for CAPICÚ? Did you collaborate with other artists or composers?
It was a crazy but rewarding process. Some songs changed a lot, just like I did. Writing is one of my favorite parts, so sometimes I don’t even know how it happens, haha! I wrote the whole album, and I also had the pleasure of collaborating with artists I love, like La Goony Chonga, MJ Nebreda, La Secta All Star, Tainy, Loui Santana, and Wiso Rivera. Track #12 is a song by Gyanma, one of my favorite artists from PR.
Do you have a favorite song on the album? What makes it stand out for you?
I think my favorite songs are the ones where I dared to make something I hadn’t ever made before. “Gualero REF12.31” is a hybrid of many Caribbean genres, Guajira and Bolero, and I treasure that it’s a live session with incredible musicians from my country. I was also able to explore other corners of my voice. I also love “pero” because it’s an experiment that gives me goosebumps every time I hear it; it’s the best example of ideas materializing.
What lyrics in one of your songs means the most to you personally?
The lyrics, the instrumental, the idea, and the process of “(des)enfocá” is the most meaningful to me on the album. Finishing that song was one of the craziest and most difficult things of CAPICÚ. I think with that track, Wiso Rivera and I emptied ourselves and ended cycles.
How did the production of CAPICÚ influence the overall sound and feel of the album?
I always say that my songs are very much mine but my music is by all of the minds that create it (and then of those that listen to it). The producers’ influence was key. I am very happy to be able to say that my ideas danced happily with the ideas of the producers who collaborated on CAPICÚ, especially those of my crew, Giova De Las Águilas y Wiso Rivera. One of the ways that I can take my ideas to the world is by embracing the ideas of others.
Are there any songs that are particularly personal for you? Can you tell us the story behind one of them?
“track4” is a song that is very personal but also very collective at the same time. I had been wanting to write a song about my country, but I didn’t want to be redundant or use the choruses that come from the current situation in Puerto Rico. So I decided to define our status like it is: a costume, a toxic relationship. The song is uncomfortable like the colony but powerful like the Puerto Ricans.
Were there were notable collaborations on CAPICÚ? Like with Tainy, etc. How did those come about?
All of the collaborations happened how I love them to, from the humble acceptance that we love what we do and we admire the art the other creates. Nothing is forced, everything’s chillin’.
What do you hope listeners take away from CAPICÚ and how do you feel about their reception so far?
I hope CAPICÚ makes their life better one way or another. Whether it’s for thinking, realizing we’re not alone in the world, or for dancing the night away. My creations are free, and I try not to let expectations eat my projects alive, but it has been very beautiful to feel such a connection between the people and my art.
What do you think about the evolution of your music after CAPICÚ? Are there new directions or experiments that you’re excited to explore?
Experimenting is my first thought. CAPICÚ definitely opened my mind up to things that I want to keep exploring, but there’s a lot to play with, and I’m ready.
What word of advice would you give to 15 year old you?
I think I have enjoyed every moment of my life but always, always, always, I would remind myself that time is the best thing I have, that I should take advantage of it and not give it to just anyone.
What’s your beauty philosophy when you’re on tour?
COMFORT! A lot of sunglasses and little makeup. Beauty is also felt, so I watch my habits to always feel fresh.
Would you tour CAPICÚ? If so, what can fans expect from your live shows?
After its release, I’ve had plenty of beautiful opportunities to take CAPICÚ to different places, and I hope it continues to be that way.
TEAM CREDITS:
Interview By Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Savannah Ruedy (@savannarruedy)
Retouching: Bianca Mehnert (@biancamstudiosllc)
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Gabriella Mancha (@iamgabriellamancha)
