Racella De Guia has always known that she would be a singer. At the tender age of 9, Racella wrote her first song. At 11, she began competing in music competitions and at 14, she began entertaining professionally. Growing up with a musically-inclined family, Racella was versatile from a young age in all genres from reggae, contemporary, jazz, r&b, soul and even hip-hop. After graduating from California State University, Bakersfield, she decided to pursue a professional career in music. Racella, a professional vocalist, has performed at various social events such as weddings, parties, concerts and corporate events.
Now, this 25-year-old songstress is a shooting star to keep your eyes on. Covering Rihanna’s smash hit single, We Found Love, Beyonce’s popular song Countdown, and Britney Spears’ Till the World Ends Remix on YouTube, the entire world is exposed to her beautiful voice and can witness her amazing talent. With a unique style and vocals resembling Jessie J and Melanie Fiona, Racella will put her hometown Delano, California on the map! I got a chance to chat with Racella about her musical upbringing, her performace at LA’s Key Club and her definition of success.
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Lawanda Johnson: Describe your musical upbringing?
Racella De Guia: Growing up my parents inspired me to sing. As a child I remember watching them sing everywhere, whether it was at church, an event, or karaoke. I wanted to sing just like them. My parents were former “Filipino Weekend Singing Contest” champions in my hometown, which is where they met. My siblings Jeff and Francis also know how to sing. My youngest brother Matthew taught himself how to play the guitar and piano at the age of 9. He also knows how to sing, but he still needs to break out of his shell.
I attained my B.A. degree at the California State University, Bakersfield in communication with an emphasis in public relations and journalism and a minor in marketing. I chose to complete my education first rather then to drop everything for music because I felt it was my responsibility to be a role model for my siblings. [As for musicial influences], Beyonce has had a big impact in my life musically and personally. I love her voice, the energy she puts when she performs her songs, and her passion. She’s also a really great role model and I love the fact that she empowers women! Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Regine Velasquez, and Lea Salonga (Philippine Songstress) also inspired me to sing as a child. As of right now Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, VV Brown, and Jessie J inspire me vocally.
LJ: Do you play any instruments?
RDG:Yes! I play the piano and the guitar.
LJ: Describe your style.
RDG: Fashion wise? I love vintage clothes that are 80’s derived. I love the color red, obviously (laughs). My style of genre is pop, r&b, and neo-soul with a bit of an island feel.
LJ: Let’s talk about your performance at the Key Club. Was that a contest? Talk more about your experience.
RDG: My experience performing at the key club was fantastic! The contest to perform at the Key Club was conducted by TopBlip.com. Funny story is I met the creators who launched TopBlip after I got rejected from American Idol. They asked me to sing for their new website, which I did then a year later they hit me up saying “hey, did you know your in the Key Club tournament?” I honestly thought it was spam but, I checked it out and people were voting for me, which was amazing! Although I didn’t make it to the finals they still asked me to sing, which was an offer I could not refuse. The performers and the people who organized the event were amazing. Everyone was so kind, talented, and happy.
LJ: What are some of your career goals you would like to accomplish within the next two years?
RDG: Now that I’m completely done with school, I’m going to take the risk in moving to Los Angeles. Whether or not I make it big I would feel content knowing that I tried. I plan on developing my fan base and improving my voice and performance as much as I can till somebody finally signs me!
LJ: Great! Good luck! You are a professional vocalist and perform at weddings, parties, etc. What was one of your best performances at one of these social events?
RDG: One of my best performances was at FPAC (Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture). My band, Love Revolution, and I drew in a crowd and the little kids who were watching us were having the time of their lives. It was definitely a great feeling especially because people kept coming up to me to tell me how much they liked my original song called One Day.
LJ: YouTube has been kind of your way to shine and let the whole world hear your voice. Tell me more about how that started. Whose idea was it?
RDG: In the past I would upload random videos. However, I just recently started taking YouTube more seriously because I was almost done with school and I always told myself that I once I finished school I wouldn’t let anything or any thought stop me. So, I took a risk and decided to do a cover of Super Bass with my brother. It was definitely out of my comfort level being that I have never rapped.
LJ:What’s your definition of success.
RDG: Personally, being successful is being right within. It is being able to put God first, stay grounded, promote love, inspire, motivate, and change lives for the better through my voice and through my music.
LJ: I have a request. I loved your Rihanna cover for We Found Love and I have a song that would fit your voice. For your next video, if you have time of course, I would love for you to sing one of my favorite songs, Melanie Fiona’s 4am.
RDG: Thanks! I will try my best to get that done for you.
LJ: Anything else you would like to share with Limerence’s audience? Album? Shows?
RDG: I’m going to perform live via Internet at Zedalza : Entertainment for a New Generation www.zedalza.net on Dec 27th 9PM EST. Please tune in!!
For more information on Racella:
Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/Racelladeguiamusic
Twitter-http://twitter.com/racella
YouTube-http://www.youtube.com/racelladeguia
Reverbnation-http://www.reverbnation.com/racella