Meet Raffaella Piccirillo

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raffaella Piccirillo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Raffaella , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I believe my resilience comes from my deep connection with music. Over the years, I have faced many challenges as an independent artist. At the same time, I have always worked in post-production and media creation (audio, video, and photography), which encouraged me to study and master professional tools, always staying up to date in the fields of audio and sound engineering — and even IT, which go hand in hand. Every time, music itself gave me the strength to keep going. Writing songs and producing helped me transform frustration into creativity, and that process taught me to rise again and again with even more determination. My international collaborations completed the journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Raffaella Maria Piccirillo, known professionally as Raffaella Piccirillo, is an Italian professional singer-songwriter, vocalist, author, radio host, certified music producer, also active as a beat maker and photographer.

She took part in the Italian-British documentary film “Italy in a Day – Un giorno da italiani” (2014), directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Gabriele Salvatores and produced by Ridley Scott, which was presented Out of Competition at the 71st Venice International Film Festival.

Raffaella gained recognition in America and abroad through her original music productions and international collaborations, being featured in numerous international music magazines, webzines, and blogs.

Her music debut was the EP Fragments of my Dream (Believe Music, 2012). This was followed by the acoustic album Virtual Puzzle (July 21st, 2017), created with international artists and collaborators, mixed and mastered at GoPla SoundLab studios (US and Mexico). She later released the country music duet Nel Vento (October 14th, 2018), and the conceptual EDM project AIRAM R. – The Other Side of Me (2019), offering a unique listening experience influenced by multiple styles.

She also participated as a collaborator in the international project We Will Overcome during the Covid-19 lockdown, involving 48 artists from 40 countries. Fifteen months in the making, the single was released on July 1st, 2021 with worldwide distribution, delivering a message of unity and hope while raising funds for local communities in need.

In July 2025, Raffaella released together with British guitarist Kevin Rees the new acoustic reinterpretation of Untold Story, originally from the 2017 album Pale Blue Dot. Recorded live with an analog and minimalistic approach rooted in jazz, this independent version highlights the intimate interplay between voice and guitar, and is available worldwide on major digital platforms.

In addition to her international releases and collaborations, Raffaella has been recognized as a finalist at the ISSA Awards 2025 in four categories: Sound Engineer, Musician, Rising Star, and Representative of the Year for Italy, highlighting her impact as an independent artist on the global stage.

Alongside her recording career, Raffaella is the creator and host of the international radio show “Burns Envy, Only Hits!”, which in September 2025 launches its 14th edition. The program is dedicated to presenting the latest global music releases—carefully selected from official press releases and label submissions, usually within four to five months of their launch. Over the years, the show has established itself as a selective platform for independent and emerging artists, occasionally opening special editions to include amateur voices.

She continues to develop her career as an audio engineer and sound designer, combining her artistic vision with technical expertise in music production. With an established international following and a verified presence on social media, she actively connects with her audience worldwide.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and adaptability. Resilience allowed me to overcome challenges and keep going even when the path was uncertain. Creativity gave me the freedom to express myself authentically and connect deeply with listeners. Adaptability helped me grow, embrace new opportunities, and navigate changes in both technology and the music industry.

For those starting out, my advice is to develop these qualities while also building strong technical knowledge. Singing is not just about being at the microphone or having a beautiful voice — it’s about understanding the full process of creating music. Studying audio engineering, sound design, and music technology in parallel with mastering your instrument or voice will give you a powerful edge. Learn about professional tools, recording techniques, and digital workflows. This combination of artistic skills and technical expertise will set you apart and allow you to take full control of your creative journey.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes — I’m always open to remote collaborations with other artists, producers, songwriters, and creative minds who share a passion for music and innovation. I’m interested in working across genres, exploring new sounds, and blending artistic visions. If you’re inspired to collaborate, you can connect with me via my official social media or through my website. I love connecting with people who are curious, experimental, and driven by creativity.

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