A Voice Shaped by Truth, Travel, and Tenderness
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Avery Raquel continues to carve out a compelling space in Canada’s soul and R&B landscape with the release of her latest single, “The Letter.” Known for her rich vocals, emotionally honest songwriting, and genre-blending sound, Raquel has spent the past decade evolving as an artist growing from a prodigious performer in the Toronto jazz scene into a confident, self-assured storyteller. “The Letter” marks a deeply personal chapter in that journey, inspired by a real-life moment of connection, vulnerability, and unspoken emotion.
Written after returning home from Valencia, Spain, where she completed her master’s degree at Berklee College of Music, “The Letter” captures the fragile space where friendship and love quietly collide. Anchored by intimate piano and vocal performances, the track is elevated by subtle production textures that enhance its emotional weight without overshadowing the story at its core. The song has already resonated strongly with audiences, many of whom have shared how closely its narrative mirrors their own lived experiences.
In this exclusive interview with TorontoPages magazine, Avery Raquel reflects on the inspiration behind “The Letter,” her time studying abroad, and how those experiences have shaped her creative voice. She also discusses her evolving approach to songwriting, the realities of navigating the music industry as an independent female artist, and what listeners can expect from her upcoming performances and projects. Thoughtful, candid, and deeply reflective, this conversation offers a meaningful glimpse into the heart of an artist whose music continues to connect through authenticity and emotional truth.
Congratulations on your new single “The Letter”! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and the handwritten note that sparked it?
I wrote this song when I moved home from Spain in the summer of 2024. I was studying there in Valencia for a year, obtaining my master’s degree at Berklee College of Music. Being there was a wonderful time filled with new experiences and new connections. I made friends from all over the world. There was one friend that I was hanging out with quite a bit; we were spending a lot of time together. One day, he invited me to meet him at the beach, where he then admitted some feelings for me. I politely declined, as I didn’t want to jeopardize the friendship in any way. This was also the end of the school year, and we were all about to part ways. The night before I was supposed to leave for the airport, he handed me a handwritten letter. I had no time to respond, so when I moved home, I wrote this song as a response. This song means a lot to me, and many people who have heard it have really strongly connected with it.
How did your time in Valencia, Spain, studying at Berklee College of Music, shape your writing and creative process for this single?
I can definitely say that my time in Valencia helped me grow as a songwriter in general. Just the idea of being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are so incredibly talented really pushed me to hone in on my own creative processes. This song in particular was directly influenced by my time there as far as content goes. But when writing it back home, it almost fell out of me. It seemed too easy to write. The words, melody, and harmony just already existed in some corner of my mind.
The song explores when friendship begins to blur into love. Why was it important for you to capture that delicate moment in music?
I think that it is a super relatable topic for so many people. And after performing this song live for the past year, the sheer amount of people coming up to me afterward saying, “This exact thing happened to me,” or “I’ve been there from his perspective,” or even right down to, “He gave me a letter too,” just seemed important to me. It felt important to express my story and maybe give people a song to help process their emotions. Friendship blurring into love can be a wonderful thing, but sometimes it’s just not the right time, and neither of those feelings are incorrect.
“The Letter” blends intimate piano and vocals with subtle synth and bass textures. What was it like working with producer Matt McCormack to achieve this soundscape?
Matt and I have worked closely together for a while now, and he knows how to read my mind as a producer. He told me when he first heard “The Letter” that it was the best song I had written and that he wanted to produce it. He’s full of wonderful ideas that perfectly serve the songs I bring to him. We really wanted some beautiful ambience in this song, but only to spark the emotion and not to take away from the song itself. So, though it’s subtle, it has lots of depth, and it’s amazing that he was able to find that balance. He’s a very talented musician himself and is doing incredible work on this upcoming EP of mine!
Looking back, how has your songwriting evolved since your 2018 album My Heart Away to now?
My writing has taken a full 360° in my opinion. Back in 2018, I was still learning what songwriting was and what it entailed. I had a lot of help back then from the producer of that album, Greg Kavanaugh. But once COVID hit, I took it upon myself to work on my writing and discover what it is I really wanted to say. As I get older, my songwriting naturally evolves, and though I’m proud of all of my projects, the most recent songs have a very special place in my heart.
Your self-titled 2022 album debuted at #5 on the Canadian iTunes R&B/Soul chart. How did that success impact your confidence and next steps as an artist?
In all honesty, it was just a really cool thing to see! I don’t feel it changed too much for me, but perhaps it justified that I’m doing something right! I love that album a lot, as it was the defining project for my current sound, and that whole project and process was one to remember.
Several tracks from that album were recognized in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, with one winning a Grand Prize. What did that recognition mean for you?
That was also a sense of solidifying that I am, in fact, doing something right. It was an honour winning the Grand Prize in that contest. It’s all very lovely making music, and I will never stop, but knowing that one or two people have really connected with what I create makes all the difference. It also led to some interesting opportunities this past year at NAMM (a conference in LA), where the folks from the contest and the Lennon Bus were there and organized an incredible meeting for me and Jacob Collier. They’re all wonderful over there, and I appreciate their support immensely.
You’ve had a decade-long career as a professional entertainer by the age of 24. How has starting so young influenced the way you approach your artistry today?
I have been really lucky to have the support system that I have. My parents have always been there for me through everything, and without them, it would have been even more challenging. When I was a kid, however, I was really embraced into the Toronto jazz scene with open arms. Many people have come in and out of my career, each shaping a new part of my artistry.
How do you balance the demands of being both a songwriter and performer while staying authentic to your voice?
I think they go hand in hand. I’m so lucky to be able to write my own songs. I think songwriting is what defines an artist’s sound, and I get to carve that out for myself. So the fact that I get to sing the songs I write makes me feel every ounce of authenticity.
“Hard to Stay” and “Like the Rain” both came earlier this year. How do these singles connect with “The Letter” in terms of theme and sound?
They all kind of stand alone but can certainly be connected by listeners. I like making my music ambiguous enough for people to relate to it, while still staying true to my feelings. “Hard to Stay” was written, recorded, and produced in Spain with a friend of mine, Alex Schindler (co-produced by Christian Lohr), and “Like the Rain” was written when I moved home after entering a new relationship. All the songs I write are from various moments in my life, and they relate to each other in the way that I get to look back at them and see how things have changed for me. It’s really lovely to observe.
Soul and R&B are at the heart of your music. What drew you to these genres, and who have been your biggest influences?
I have so many influences, it’s hard to list them all. However, I’ve been drawn to this genre and style for the raw authenticity alone. It’s vulnerable and open, yet has the ability to be groovy and fun, while pouring your heart out! What an awesome balance of things. My biggest influences are artists like Carole King, Amy Winehouse, Olivia Dean, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and many, many, many more.
Your music often explores love, resilience, and personal growth. Do you see yourself as telling your own story, or are you also speaking for your listeners?
I like to make it a healthy balance of both. I mentioned above that I like to make the songs slightly ambiguous for the listener so they can relate, but still stay true to what I have to say and feel. I’m very much writing from experience all the time, and I think that alone also helps people connect. No one wants to feel alone, so knowing that a stranger with a piano has the same feelings can be really magical to discover sometimes.
You’re performing at Sofar Sounds in Toronto on November 29th. What can fans expect from that show compared to your recorded tracks?
I might do some unreleased new music, so I’m excited for that. But I love Sofar for the intimacy of the environment and getting to connect with a room of people and other artists.
I’m also working on a full-band concert in Toronto for sometime in late November.
What has been the most challenging part of your journey as an independent artist?
There have been a few battles. One being actually getting heard, as I am one of many small fish in a very big sea of musical talent. Another challenge has definitely been the fact that I am a woman in a very male-dominated industry. That also goes hand in hand with being heard. I feel I’ve done well combatting these challenges and am stronger for it. It never stops, but it certainly becomes more manageable.
How do you see the role of women in soul and R&B evolving in today’s music industry?
It’s so beautiful to see. There are now artists like Olivia Dean and Raye really bringing back that iconic sound, but also keeping it modern. It’s an interesting thing to observe and to see how fluently they are doing it. I feel soul music would be nothing without women. Soul music comes with a story and pain, and women seem to know how to bare their hearts better. I’m excited for the evolution, and I hope to be a part of it!
Looking ahead to your BC Island Tour in 2026, how are you preparing, and what excites you most about that run of shows?
Right now, just prepping dates and set lists and all the not-very-exciting details. My team and I are working with a concert promoter, and we are just starting to talk tour title, visuals, and all that fun stuff! It’s getting exciting. I’m thrilled about playing for a new market and meeting new music lovers. I’m also excited about exploring more of this beautiful country.
What do you hope listeners take away when they hear “The Letter” for the first time?
The most common response is a quick cry, lol. But I hope they feel every emotion and accept them as being valid. This song means a lot to me, and I love hearing people’s stories about their experiences too.
Finally, your message for us at TorontoPages magazine.
Thank you so much for having me! Feel free to check out my website and socials for more info about new music and show dates. Enjoy the new song and songs to come <3
