My Bio
Hi, I'm Raúl!
From the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the heart of Ottawa, Raul’s music has been a journey of rhythm, passion, and connection. It all started in church, pounding out beats in the worship band, and took off in high school—where he even had the epic moment of performing for Shania Twain in ’99!
In 2009, Raul teamed up with his best friend Lou to form The AK-47’s, a blues-rock duo that lit up Ottawa’s live music scene. They played legendary venues like Babylon, The Atomic Rooster, and Zaphod’s—not just bringing music but making an impact, supporting causes like tsunami relief and Keep A Child Alive.
Now, Raul is embarking on his most personal and ambitious project yet—his debut album, Soul Sketches, produced by Sergio Chammah of P&M Records in Argentina. This 12-track album is a celebration of his Latin roots, infused with rich horn arrangements, sultry vocals, and the unmistakable rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue—all blended with the depth of Blues, Rock, and Soul. Set for release in late 2025, Soul Sketches promises an electrifying mix of passion, tradition, and innovation.
Over the years, Raul has expanded his musical repertoire to include piano, bass, guitar, and music production, turning his passion into a full creative adventure. He now helps new singer-songwriters get started with GarageBand, sharing tips on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Whether performing, producing, or teaching, his mission is simple—spread the love and keep the music alive.
As the founder of the Ottawa Songwriters Collective, Raul brings together Ottawa’s best songwriters to collaborate, exchange ideas, share resources, and inspire one another. With vibrant meetups and an active presence on Instagram, he fosters a space where creativity thrives and music is truly a shared experience.
