The Playground Meets: Rapta
Written & Interview By: Ryan Crowley
The Playground recently sat down with Rapta, a rising star out of Massachusetts to talk about his newest album, life in LA, and where his sights are set for 2021.
While the LA lifestyle might be new to Rapta, the music is certainly not. After dropping out of Bridgewater State University, Rapta wasted no time jumping into the booth. Coming out of Massachusetts, he has been adding fuel to the fire since 2016. He has been very consistent with releases and touring pre-pandemic, and with some help along the way from local power players Sammy Adams and E-Trou of Internet Money, he has built a solid fanbase across the country.
“Growing up the thing that inspired me most with music was the way it made you feel. I listened to all types of genres, from rock, r&b, pop to rap, but it was more so the way it made you feel, and the idea that I could get on the mic and make someone feel a certain way like that.”
Rapta enjoys the inclusiveness of music, and he looks to represent himself and others through his songs unapologetically. This transparency resonates with many listeners, and allows fans to feel and understand what he goes through as an artist and a person.
“It’s just a universal language bro. Music moves everybody, you don’t even have to understand what they’re saying lyrically, they just feel it. And it’s just something that always came to me naturally just like rhythm and feeling the music. I knew just finding a way to be authentic and express myself through it is what would make the difference in being successful.”
There is no column that Rapta’s music can be placed into, and a diverse resume like his does not come quickly or easily. Rapta has released a constant stream of singles throughout the years, and as his newest project is being released, he reflects back on Leo, his debut album. He pays homage to his old style of creating, while detailing a stronger focus and direction in his latest work.
“I think Leo, I was still naive as a person, in a different spirit. There was an ignorance to it, which was a blessing because I just went in there and whatever felt right would come out of me. And as I've evolved I’ve definitely become more conscious of what I want to say, so it’s just evolution. Everything you put out lives forever right? So you want to make sure that it’s something you can stand on and be proud of, and be like word that was this time of my life and it was true to me.”
His most recent project, Luv Leo has been well received on all streaming platforms, and along with it came some crazy visuals that have been doing numbers as well. With the help of long-time friend and rising star director Jake McKenna of Shooter Co, Rapta has created his strongest presence yet with Luv Leo both visually and sonically. The project is a very honest and thorough look into the feelings that come with relationships, improvement, failure, and all the rest that a global pandemic can bring. He is proud of the message that Luv Leo provides, and he is grateful for all of the production experience that the pandemic has brought him.
“Luv Leo was probably my most honest piece of work, most emotional. I’ve always had those records in the past but putting it into one project kind of stamped it for what it was. It was just a little love tape, in quarantine going through everything. I definitely got more involved in the production side, cause i was just in my crib with it really. Obviously I would go to the studio and clean shit up or link with people but it was mainly just at the crib, everybody locked in. Like I said I got so many styles in the vault, but I think Luv Leo was one really concise piece of me.”
Luv Leo showed us the ups and the downs that come with the industry, LA life, and the day-to-day quandaries of an artist in general. This project shows that you never know exactly what you’re going to get from Rapta, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, and challenging yourself everyday as an artist. This versatility is important in a saturated industry, and it is rewarded by new fans from every angle of music.
“I think i’m just always challenging myself bro. I’m kind of a jack of all trades in everything in life, and when it comes to music I feel a lot, I feel a lot of things so when it comes to music it’s like, If I feel like this it’s going to come out like that whether it be r&b, rap, sad shit anything then you’ll know from the music that I feel that way. There’s certain pockets that I hit that I know are like my bag but at the end of the day I feel everything, so it’s just that true reflection. I’m always challenging myself as an artist too. I feel like being well-rounded is important as an artist, not doing the same thing twice so it’s something that I pride myself on.”
With a standard as high as Rapta’s, not every session breeds the glimmering final product that the world sees. Rapta is very honest about the ups and downs of the creation process, and he says that self-awareness and change of pace are key elements to staying refreshed and productive as an artist.
“Writer’s block is common. What people don’t understand is that you can go to the studio and not have a perfect session, people think you're making a hit every time or the studio is all fun and games. It’s like anything else, like how you feel that day is going to be a reflection of what you make and produce. So, it comes and goes and you have to dig deep and find what’s inspiring you and work through it.”
Rapta cites collaboration as another important aspect of creativity. While emphasizing the importance of trusting your vision, he explains the benefits of having an open ear and mind. He says that new artists should always be in control of their development, but they should always be listening as well.
“Just be open minded to everybody that's in the booth. It’s important to be confident in your own vision and stick with it, it’s always on you for the executive decision. but at the same time, growing is a big piece to becoming majorly successful, so you gotta be open minded to anyone’s input. I’m such a student of the game bro I think that’s the key. Be a student of the game. I’m always tryna learn what this person did on this beat, how this person sang that riff that way, lyricism everything. At one point in my career I was focused on just catching the vibe of the melodies, a couple months later I'm really on the production kick, month later I'm like oh these lyrics are hitting. Once you start solving that puzzle it really opens up the door for you to become a full circle artist. Don’t give up, you’re going to be trash at first but if you really love it and put the time in you’ll get good.”
This strong perspective and work ethic has taken Rapta very far, but he remains as hungry as ever. He has a lot to show the world both through music and live performances, and he hopes that his bright future in the industry can position him to lift up others with similar dreams.
“I want people to feel me man. I want to do all the shows, sing my songs, connect with people and see that it’s moving people, making a difference. Obviously I want all the accolades and shit but it’s always bigger than that, and time changes feelings change of course but I take it one day at a time really. I want to do it all bro, eventually have my own label and help everyone. You know when people reach out it’s nothin, I’ll always try and help any way that I can.”
For 2021, Rapta plans to continue pushing out his latest project and maintain his strong visual presence. When the world allows, he has big plans for touring and bringing his new music all around the country. He is excited to explore the options of the industry, but will remain independent for the rollout of his latest works.
“I wanna definitely roll out this project a little more, do another visual or two. I got a bunch of ideas in the vault, so kinda just figuring out if I wanna do a deluxe or how I wanna give people that. Couple more singles, full length album depending on whether I want to do a major thing or stay independent. I’d love to get back on the road for sure, depending with everything going on but we’ll see with time.”
No matter what Rapta is working on this year, I'm sure we are going to hear about it. The moves he has made in 2020 are remarkable, and 2021 looks even bigger. Make sure to stay tuned with him on all platforms (@rapta) for updates!
Check out our interview below with Rapta from The Playground’s Ryan Crowley (@rcdigital_) below, and follow @pressplayground for the full video and more interviews with your favorite artists.
RAPTA Q&A
Q: Where are you from?
I’m from North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Boston area, but I live in LA now. Moved out there with my whole gang so it's been dope, just living our lives and working hard.
Q: Who is your favorite artist right now?
Drake.
Q: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?
Probably in the music industry doing something else whether it's on the business side, creative side, management something like that. But music would still be involved for sure.
Q: Weirdest experience with fans?
There was a show in Boston, they got on stage and just started doin handstands, twerking, all on the DJ stand and shit, i was like yooo, I ain’t have security at the time so the venue security wasn’t doin shit, i’ve had some other ones but that was pretty weird.
Q: What do you bump when no one else is in the car?
Probably like some Frank Ocean type shit, you know? Or like some Tame Impala, some trippy shit.
Check out Rapta’s latest drop, the visualizer for “runaway” off his latest project Luv Leo - available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming services.