WHAT CHILD IS THIS
"Christmas is here! Raquela releases WHAT CHILD IS THIS on ISV Entertainment. Her warm voice is really shown off in this classic anthem, originally written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix. This mix by Keith Kemper, was a successful track on last year's ISV compilation called, "Super Dance Christmas Party Vol. 3". This year it gets the special "Single" treatment. It's an excellent, inventive and uplifting package that will soar you into a dream of groovy synths and pounding drums. The perfect track for your next Xmas party!"
-Karine "KDJ" SANCHE
DANCE MAFIA, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
(GOTTA GIVE ME) FEAT. RAQUELA
"Dance Mafia" is Nivek Tek & Keith Kemper. This hi-octane house/garage stomper, inspired by Adeva's 90's classic, features dance diva Raquela. Hard-hitting drums, ferocious bass and again, Raquela's superb vocals brings the whole package together perfectly. 8 remixes with witty evocative titles like, "...An Offer You Can't Refuse MixMash, Show Some Respect Or Sleep With Da Fishes, Betta Give A Diva Some Respect AND Godfather In Da House Retro MONSTER Mix!"
RAQUELA® is an American, Theatrical Dance-pop, House, Hi-NRG, singer/songwriter, actress, live stage performer and a recognized Billboard charting artist. She was endorsed into 2 California Proclamations by Senator Diane Feinstein for her civil duties as the 1st Mexican American crowned, "Miss Orange County". She has been seen on Broadway and is proud to have worked with celebrities like Sara Ramirez, Cloris Leachman and Toni Collette. Raquela's 1999, award winning release of, "Confessions of the Disco Diva", recognized her as the 1st Lady of Theatrical Dance-Pop. She is now a voting member of the Grammys. Today, Raquela can be seen in the new Las Vegas dance/variety independent television series, "Mickey Oliver's, Intensi-T TV". Raquela's remake of TELL IT TO MY HEART on CAPP Records has made enough noise to get it maxi-singled by ISV Entertainment, NOW OUT on CD Baby and iTunes!
RAQUELA® is an American Theatrical Dance-pop, House music and Hi-NRG singer/songwriter. She has successfully released several dance tracks that have made her a recognized Billboard artist today. She often jokes around about how nerdy and unattractive she was while growing up a German/Mexican "hybrid", in Northern California. But deep down inside she realizes the seriousness of the bullying she endured daily just because she looked "different". So in the face of those adversities, Raquela began fascinating the audience since she was 7 years old. At 9, she began performing professionally on stage. She wrote and performed her 1st Folk/Pop song on guitar at the age of 11. After studying voice and drama in Los Angeles, she was endorsed into two California Proclamations by Senator Diane Feinstein for her civil duties as the 1st Mexican American crowned, "Miss Orange County". She later found herself playing leading roles on Broadway! She is humbled to have worked with so many Tony award winning masters.
In addition to Dance music, RAQUELA has proudly appeared on some of the worlds biggest stages like the St. James and the George Gershwin in New York City. She enjoyed working alongside celebrities like Sara Ramirez (Grey's Anatomy), Carol Burnet, Cloris Leachman, Bernadette Peters, Toni Collette, Don Rickels, Elaine Stritch, Chita Rivera, Angela Bassett, Joan Rivers, and Tom Bosely. (to name a few)
" Before there was Lady Gaga, there was RAQUELA! " Thanks to the successful release of Raquelas 1999 award winning album, "Confessions of the Disco Diva", she officially earned the title "1st Lady of Theatrical Dance-Pop"!
[" ...The story goes that while Raquela was finishing up her time in New York City, she performed several musical workshops. A few of which were done at NYU. A student approached Raquela after a show and pointed out Raquelas BIO in the playbill. She asked Raquela a few questions about her Theatrical Electronica idea and that it was something she always wanted to do. She introduced herself as Stefani and invited Raquela to some of her rock bands concerts. In turn, Raquela invited her to some of her dance shows. Whether the two had actually followed though or not goes without knowing. Years later at a 2007 WMC Dance conference in Miami, Florida, Raquela tagged along with friend, DJ and reporter, Jeremy Martorano. Jeremy escorted her to several clubs and had her listen to the newest artist everyone was calling, Lady Gaga. Raquela had no idea who she was but loved what she heard. It took Raquela over a year to realize that was the same Stefani she met at NYU. Raquela recalled Stefani as an incredibly talented lyricist/composer, a beautiful triple threat and a very aggressive or confident woman who knows how to laugh in the face of fear and adversity..." from 'How Genres Begin' -by Roger Hung]
RAQUELA's powerhouse vocals have gotten her seen opening for legendary dance artists like Judy Torres, George Lamond, Georgie Porgie and Grammy artist, Little Louie Vega.
RAQUELA has worked alongside many world renowned producers, like Chris The Greek Panaghi. Then the legendary and one of the originators of House Music, Mr. MICKEY Mixin' OLIVER with the release of, "NOTHIN' MORE 2 GIVE" that received Billboard Magazine's "Break-Out" for Hot New Club Play. Becuase of Mickey, Raquela can be seen in the new independent, dance variety television series called, "Intensi-T TV" filmed out of Las Vegas.
Currently RAQUELA is in the studio, working alongside producer greats like Steely M., Cary August, Keith Kemper, Matt Sietz, DJP, LA Rush and Qubiq. Her worldwide release for the remake of Taylor Daynes, TELL IT TO MY HEART (on CAPP Records, Best Of 80's Dance, Volume 3 - #1 80's Dance Club Hits Remixed) has made enough noise to get it maxi-singled on ISV Entertainment's label, now out on CD Baby and iTunes!
RAQUELA has been a staple in launching Childrens Theater companies in New York City, HIV/AIDS charity/benefits all over the east coast and several USO show acts.
RAQUELA is currently a member of ASCAP, AEA and The Grammy's.
She also teaches voice privately.
"CONFESSIONS OF THE DISCO DIVA" (Album) 1999 - 2003
Winner of the MP3.com "Best Album of the Year"
Obie Nomination
I Knew It - Factor E
Disco Never Died - Oxygenial
Drive - Oxygenial
Work - Maurice Noah
I Will Never Party Like I Party'd Last Night - Lindi Heart
S-E-X - DJ Mangoo
My Circle of Friends - Oxygenial
Panic Time - Oxygenial
And Life Goes On - AURA-The source of Trance
Real - MUSIC -Oxygenial
Guilt and Fear - The Cynic Project
The Dreamer - The Cynic Project
I Found My Life - Hybrid Stasis & The Cynic Project
This Time - Elwood 79
- LATER WORKS -
Freaky - 2004 - Sietzsounds
Here We Go Again - 2004 - Sietzsounds
Mystify - 2004 - Digital Explosion
Heat of the Night - 2004 - Digital Explosion
Feel so Alive - 2004 - Digital Explosion
High On Emotion - 2004 - Digital Explosion
Solo TE - 2004 - Digital Explosion/ Savinobeat
Party Girl - 2004 - Digital Explosion/ Savinobeat
Still In Love - 2005 - Digital Explosion/ Savinobeat
Oh My God (I just Keep On Dancing) - 2005 - LA Rush
Nightlife - 2005 - Dominik Erbsland
From You - 2005 - Dominik Erbsland
Watch Out 2005 - Dominik Erbsland
With Love - 2005 - Dominik Erbsland
There's A Love - 2005 - Dominik Erbsland
The Fire - 2005 - Les Gutaless
["Top 10 Dance" on Broadjam.com - 6 weeks straight]
The Challenge - 2005 - Les Gutaless
Balearic Phonk - 2005 - SuperGroove
Goodbye 2 U - 2005 - Digital Beat
You're Gone - 2005 - D'Sential's (Damien Oakes-Francis)
Falling - 2005 - Chris Panaghi
This Fire Of Yours - 2005 - Chris Panaghi
Popstar - 2006 - DJP (Daniel Phillips)
Your Clothes - 2006 - Charalambous Themis/Chris Panaghi
Lost - 2006 - Freddy "The Edit" Rivera, Damien Oakes-Francis
Eternity - 2007 - Mickey Oliver
Nothing More To Give - 2007 - Mickey Oliver
You've Been Caught - 2007 - Christopher Bedrosian
Sunset Skies - 2007 - Darren Baines
Drums - 2008 - Chris Panaghi
I've Got To Believe - 2009 - Juan Valentine, Keith Kemper, Raquela
Why Can't You Believe In Me - 2010 - Chris Panaghi
Tell It To My Heart (Remake) - 2010 - Jason Matthew & Cary August
CLICK the SPEAKER
SUNDAY, January 28th - 10 pm
The House of Garza presents: "GET THE BALL ROLLING FOR MARDI GRAS"
CAFE FLORE, San Francisco (2298 Market St _ Noe) GUEST APPEARANCE
SATURDAY, February 11th - 8 pm
CULTURE FUCK! _ The Sonoma Coffee Cafe
2131 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
FRIDAY, February 17th - 10 pm
'Free Yourself To Love..AND FACEOFF!' - AN MXM Re;lease Party & Fundraiser
CAFE FLORE, San Francisco (2298 Market St _ Noe)
FRIDAY, February 24th
T he Imperial Council of San Francisco Coronation 47
San Francisco Galleria Design Center, 101 Henry Adams Street
SUNDAY, February 26 4PM
Oscar Night® Sacramento 2012
Hyatt Regency, Downtown Sacramento, CA
SUNDAY, April 22nd - 8:30pm
Sacramento Coronation 2012 "The Fashionista Ball"
West Sacramento Civic Center - GALLERIA, 1110 W Capitol Ave
June 22nd - 24th, 2012
NOLA-New Orleans PRIDE
Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana
SUNDAY, Sept 2nd - 10AM 6PM
Sacramento RAINBOW FESTIVAL
20th and K Streets, Sacramento CA
RAQUELA and the Confessions of a Disco Diva
-Carolina Taylor 4/1/04
Being a musician, and having had the honor of working with some top-notch musicians both classically and in the local arena, I can say what is sometimes lacking in the music industry at large, is fresh, positive energy. There are always opinions, clichés, and ego, GOD, tons of ego. Of course thats mostly the label guys, not so much the local musicians in the New York area; who, though a varied lot, are by route a very humble group. But still, finding a new idea or a new scene is like stumbling into the NYC emerging artists scene itself. The group of close knit personalities, gather together, always ready to extend a hand to those newly establishing their niche, their style. The established offer a soft smile and a warm cup of coffee to the newbie's, from local coffee shops to open-mics, to open stage venues. And its into that snap of energy, that true talent seems to collect, and draw its power. But theres a buzz in the energy of one lady in particular, thats fresh, and exciting. She says shes somewhere between 20 and 40, but shes got an amazing smile that seems to transcend any age barrier. But its the pedal-to-the-metal energy of this self-proclaimed disco-junkie that comes flying off the pages of her bio, and walks right up to you and sits in your lap when you have the chance to talk to her.
Her name is RAQUELA, and she began "Confessions of the Disco Diva" back in June of 1995. At the time, she called it "Theatrical Electronica". As she puts it I believe that we all have a "diva" somewhere hidden, deep down inside, just dying to get out... wanting it to stay out! This diva is trying to retro-lutionize the world of techno-dance. Disco is Dead! she says. WHAT??! WAIT! Disco is dead? Damn, there go my retro shirts, Platinum and Abba downloads, and parties to rehash those funky nights spent in European hostels (dont ask). Well according to THIS Diva, its only dead if you havent been introduced to the latest craze. Although now she calls her style "Theatrical Dance", it doesnt totally have a name yet, at least not one it can stick to long enough to sweep the charts. But thats all about to change. The origin of hip-hop can be traced back through the years, to Disco, and she throws it back out into the funk of todays musical arena, with a light hearted hand, and a playful tug at our memory banks. And its starting to stick with more than just the local scene.
Like so many other musicians, who struggled to make sense of 9/11, and find a way to put hope into words, Raquela wanted most to give the people of New York something to smile about again. In a world filtered through grunge-rock-rap-pop sounds, that sometimes seem to drown out the purity of raw talent, this ladys pipes (think Kathleen Battle-her strongest musical influence, with a Ru-Paul edge), and her sassy and sexy attitude, give her major punch with a crowd. She even had her kisser electrocuted at the Blues Brothers Live show, but kept right on singing. Brings new meaning to the term, sizzle! Raquela brings her cabaret-stage sizzle to life in the form of dance music and prose. Her Diva persona has a lot of her tossed in with a One-Hit-Wonders dreamland gone awry. Shes wacky, and silly, full of juice. Oh, and so is her persona! Her lyrics are sardonic at times; yet reminiscent of the polyester, afro-lined world she boogies through at warp speed. From her beat selection, to her timbre as she lightly skips through her register, to her stylish character monologues, she is eternally: The Disco Diva.
She says she has made mistakes, but has no regrets. And that when you see her in action, on stage, thats the message she is trying to get you to go home with. The divine Diva springs from her imagination into a one-woman act that centers on the party that life should really be. She is testing out her groundbreaking beats and ideas from the center of Time Square, where she lives, sometimes by myself, sometimes not. You know how that goes. She says NYC is a unique vantage point for the wellspring of her writing. Its a place, she says, overflowing with performers and other people with special needs. Its a special place.
Raquelas personal history is as varied as her Divas Persona. She grew up a California girl, but has sung all over the world. Some of her fondest moments trace back to years spent traveling and singing in Japan. Although trained at BIOLA University and UCI, She performed with such memorable artists as Tom Bosely (Happy Days) and Michael Proctor (The Fifth Dimensions) along with Jeff Tratca (The Bold and the Beautiful) and Loretta Chandler of Fame (TV Series). Shes seen a lot in her 20-40 years, but little seems to bring the Diva down. Whether shes singing, acting, juggling or riding unicycles, shes constantly learning. She regrets very little of her life. Mistakes, as well as amazing accomplishments (In 1995 she was nominated for the Perot Award, in recognition of Outstanding Female Performance for her role as Diana in A Chorus Line), get thrown into her mix.
She comes from a crazy family, but manages to stay centered on whats truly important. Sh's not sure about having a family, but with the climb she is scrambling towards in her career, she knew it would be premature to bring a child into her current lifestyle. I knew the road I was on was selfish. Besides, the right one hasnt come along. So for now, she settles for more than one! (Wink, Wink). Raquela wants whatever woman wants, but with ten times more ambition to taste along the way. She spends her down time enjoying the mundane trials of her day; from making dinner, to taking walks in the park and people watching. But what she wants most, is the music. And she wants to bring the music scene with her, spliced through her decades of moments, and snapshots of an American mesh. She gives people something to dance and laugh about, in the world and ambiance she creates; free of war, and politic, and dissent, free of color, and separation of spirit.
Raquela and her "Confessions of a Disco Diva" create a new zone; and its a hipper more vibrant zone. She teams up with a variety of electronic artists from Europe to the U.S. But shes the front woman; shes the lyricist, arranger and vocalist, oh, and dont forget, the performer as well. Her high-energy story bounds across the stage, and your stereo with erotic innuendo, tragedy and humor. Shes got the pipes of a cabaret babe, but the soul of an Aretha protégé.
She has an eclectic career background as well; My Secret Lives played with her in full force at the Duplex in 1998, which was musically directed by Kim Douglas Steiner, she more recently starred in a successful workshop for the new Off-Broadway Musical Bat Boy, directed by Scott Schwartz where she originated the role of Ruthie/Ned, and her latest noteworthy stage moment came in NYCs Premier of Nice Town a play by Alex Ladd. The girl loves the limelight, and the limelight loves the Diva.
What makes Raquela different?
Her fearlessness. I would never sign CREATIVE CONTROL over to anyone. Depending on what their ideas were, I would be open to hearing them first and if it were great, Id do it. I really do enjoy collaborating. I dont think theres such a thing as bad ideas, just misplaced ones.
Her humility. In her own words, she is a Gregarious, Eccentric Slob, who loves her family, singing and her lovers. Did she say lovers? I have trouble finding just ONE! Oh, to be a Diva.
Her creative motivation. Raquela says, The music inspires me. When I hear sounds like two stones hitting each other, the guy next to me might hear an annoying noise. I hear a note, a timbre. I have a need to create and a drive to express it.
Her Experience. What you hear within the measured pump of her songs is the spice and dash of real life. You hear the words of someone who has walked through her life, and can look back on it, with an air of reflection, and wit. What is wholly refreshing about this pure German/Mexican all around American woman is that she has not let her creativity distance her from the awareness of pivotal transitions that make or break you as a person, as a musician with sincerity. She says its a day-to-day battle to even remember her lyrics on stage, because she feels such a connection with the pulse of the crowd and the music. She can break into a monologued character shtick in the blink of an eye, and serenade the audience accapella, but then go home, and call a friend, make love, make song. And you hear that in her music.
She feels connected to the vibe and musical voice of New York especially, and feels a call to start a new phase in the Metropolis. Each of us needs to have downtime, and to laugh, she says. And I dare you to listen to any of her samples; Drive, Work, I Knew It, Disco Never Died, as well as many others, and not want to fishizzle your sizzle right along with her. You have to laugh. Thats what this songstress brings to the table. Nostalgic, light hearted fun, and techno-driven talent. Everybody takes their own path, she says, everything happens for a reason. As long as your goal is backed up with an inspiring dream, then wonderful things are sure to happen.
What is Raquela's translation of "Theatrical Dance", you ask? She described in two ways; The songs had to tell a story or take you through a journey that would require the singer to act in voice where Spoken Word is allowed. This would also mean that the composition would require elements of many different changes, like two or three chord progressions that simply build into the climax of the songs tale. This is not like your usual standard songs that consist of verses, chorus and a bridge. Raquela also defined Theatrical Electronica in performance; Her ridiculous costumes and wigs, along with her outrageous themes, lyrics, addictive melodies and over-the-top performances, would create talk amongst audiences. Remember when you're in a club, everyone is drinking. So if you dont use "shock", then you dont create drama. Therefore no one will care to remember. Only one of her Theatrical Electronica performances was recorded on Sept. 1st, 2001. It took place before a massive outdoor Festival in Sacramento. At first, nobody was sure what to make of her, but before Raquela could finish, the applause was instantaneous. In 2003, Raquela completed a full, two act, Electronic Dance Musical called, Confessions of the Disco Diva. (In collaboration with Author/Writer, M. Saylor Billings) Unfortunately, it was never picked up.
The Confessions of THIS Disco Diva are not dirty, and they arent trite. Her music, her message, her talent, is creative, artistic, colorful and full of fresh rambunctious flair. And in the world of todays Nipple Gate, thats a big switch; one thats impressive and empowering. Much like the lady herself.
-Carolina Taylor
Inked Magazine content writer and print magazine Editor
"We got the beat" as ISV Entertainment continues to roll out new tributes to the classics with the debut of pop dance recording sensation Raquela. The Broadway world knew her as the voice that wouldn't quit, but we were lucky enough to snatch this true DIVA up for ourselves and harness her amazing vocal prowess on her ultra fabulous cover of Taylor Dayne's mega hit "Tell It To My Heart". Raquela doesn't miss a beat as she tackles this 80's classic and makes it her own. Once again, ISV teams up with CAPP Records to bring you another tour de force of epic proportions!
Roger Hung - Real Dance
"INTENSI-T TV signs with ABC in Las Vegas, NV premiering April 2009. For all intents, this means dance music will finally have proper representation on American network television! It stars legendary House Producer, Mickey Oliver and Billboard dance recording artist, Raquela.”
Steve Ratz - Dais Dance Music Magazine
"LAS VEGAS,NV–“This is a very exciting time in my life. Mickey Oliver has done it again! I’m confident Intensi-T TV has all the fine ingredients required to make it a huge success. It’s just what the Dance community has been anticipating for a long, long time.”–Raquela(Cast/Writer/Artist)"
See Kristin Brzoznowski - worldscreen.com
On Raquela, TELL IT TO MY HEART...
"... This cover of the classic really lives up to the original. Raquela's vocals are just perfect for this..."
-Mike Macharello, LETS DANCE IRS RECORD POOL
..."... Now this is one up and coming artist, her vocals just take you away on a journey and she never stops! This is one were going to chart..."
-Gary Canavo, MASSPOOL
"... Wow! This is a hard song to remake considering how the incredible Taylor Dayne sang the original. That being said, this cover should do well with today's crossover audience and should bring a smile to the faces of the older crowds..."
-Bill Keart & Alan Chasan, OUR MID ATLANTIC POOL (OMAP)
"... FULL , HUSKY VOCALS Similar To Taylor Dayne In This REMAKE, Likely To Be An Upcoming "PICK HIT" For Our Charts..."
-Fred Kolet, PHILLY SPINNERS ASSOC
"... Hot remake, with a flavor for everyone... The vocals are solid..."
-Fred Dowdy, CENTRAL OHIO RECORD POOL
"... a slammin cover version of this hit song!..."
-Steve Tseplis, PACIFIC COAST DJS
"... I really like Raquela's voice! ..."
-Sam Labelle, SOUNDWORKS
"... Raquela presented the song in full force... Love the Raquela..."
-Bob Kechter - Steve Cunningham, NEXT MUSIC POOL
You can find "Raquela, TELL IT TO MY HEART" on ISV Entertainment's "Super Dance Christmas Party, Vol. 3" (In cooperation with CAPP Records)
BY POPULAR DEMAND
As if the downloads weren't enough, well, you asked for it and its finally here...
The TELL IT TO MY HEART CD Album !
$15 ($10 plus shipping and handling / via USPS Priority Mail)
Please allow 7 business days for delivery.
If you wish it to be AUTOGRAPHED, please add another $5.
Include within the Paypal "notes" the special message you want.
(or if you simply want her name-signature alone)
Also indicate whether you want it signed on the CD surface OR the cover OR both.
COMING SOON - Raquela Gear!
T-Shirts, Caps, Mugs, etc.
Available as soon!
Stay Tuned!
info_raquela.com
FAX: 928.244.4526
FOR BOOKINGS
(OR PROMOTIONS / LABEL / MANAGEMENT)
isventertainment_yahoo.com
ISV Entertainment
www.isvent.com
310.657.0993
