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exploring personal mental health challenges and the rewards of creative life
Out Now, including lead track ‘Patience (every step feels right in time)’
Felix Raphael, Berlin’s live artist/producer/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist, drops his personally revealing themed album ‘DO YOU’, out now on [PIAS] Électronique, including lead track ‘Patience (every step feels right in time)’ among the 16 thoughtful, engaging pieces.
LP ‘DO YOU’: the mental health theme, using Raphael’s own challenges and social work experience, and the example of his colour-blind artist father, to help others inside or outside the music industry, is ultimately positive, celebrating the joy of creativity & sharing the results. In four ‘stanzas’, he highlights issues like comparison with others; professional ups and downs; music industry expectations; and the need to accept ourselves, to care for our mental health through openness, therapy, and seeking happiness in simple things.
‘Mental health should be discussed openly, not as a taboo. There are support systems; therapy, networks, industry initiatives… but saying you’re struggling is still difficult, especially for entertainers. With ‘DO YOU,’ I want listeners and artists to feel empowered to share experiences and start conversations about caring for each other, on and especially off the stage. Let’s make spaces to be real, online and in person – that’s where progress and creativity begin. Stop comparing, protect your joy, and do what makes you happy. Progress takes time; don’t blame yourself if you struggle. Do what makes you happy – DO YOU!’ Felix Raphael.
Raphael’s multiple talents serve his project well, with his engaging, heart-stirring blend of melodic & organic house with indie folk elements, purpose-designed for live performances where he plays guitar, piano, synth, and deploys his rich, warm vocal gifts. He even learned to play flugelhorn for the LP, as a ribbon of sound subtly tying the tracks together, its soft ‘brass band’ vibe both warm and soulful. The LP so far has won support from DJ Mag Italia, Native Instruments, Magnetic Mag Amazing Radio, Beat Magazin, RTE 2FM, Parkett Channel (IT), Flux FM (DE)…
Lead track ‘Patience (every step feels right in time)’: opens with a melodic, heart-stirring alliance between gentle finger-picked acoustic guitar, the melancholic beauty of the flugelhorn, Raphael’s soulful voice, and the poetic lyrics – ‘with you my dear, every step feels right in time’ – showcasing his contemporary folk influence, kept up after the sprightly, organic yet housey beat and simple, emotional piano-esque synth tune begin.
The main message of ‘DO YOU’ the album is: compare ourselves with others less, embrace our weaknesses, and actively care for our mental health – through therapy, open communication, and self-acceptance. There is currently a great need for such themes in art, and in the case of Felix Raphael, they are also deeply pleasurable to hear.
‘DO YOU’ Album Tracklist:
1. Where I Begin
2. Doubts (when you’re all around)
3. Medication (pull me out the rain)
4. Therapy (leave me on my own)
5. Compass (how to stay aligned)
6. North
7. South
8. Centered
9. Sincerity (a piece right of your soul)
10. Creation (no matter how far I go)
11. Exploration (step out your comfort zone)
12. Resilience (just for a while)
13. 911’s (to feel safe in place)
14. Patience (every step feels right in time)
15. Zuhause
16. DO YOU
Felix Raphael ‘DO YOU’ album is out now, featuring focus track ‘Patience (every step feels right in time)’. Get it HERE.
