Women in Production: RONAVELLA
We had the pleasure of interviewing Ronavella, a multi-talented artist, engineer, and producer who's taking the music industry by storm! From her unique artist name to her impressive range of skills, Ronavella's music has been making waves in the alt R&B scene. But don't let her dark and moody beats fool you, Ronavella has a light-hearted side too, as we'll learn from some of her studio stories. So, let's dive in and get to know the woman behind the music!
Be nice to people on your way up, because they won't be there to catch you on your way down’
What is your Producer name & how did you come up with it?
Ronavella, it's actually my artist name as well. It comes from my middle name, which is Rona and my Nanna's maiden name, which is Vella-Orlando. She was one of the biggest influences in my life, so it made sense!
Where did you grow up and where are you based now?
I grew up between Malta and just north of London, now I live in Central London and go back to Malta for holidays when I can, it will always be home though.
What inspired you to start producing music?
I am an artist & on this crazy journey of trying to translate what's in my head to other producers and engineers, I decided to learn how to do it myself so I could create the music I really wanted. Somewhere along the way people started wanting me to produce and engineer for them, I realised there was a huge gap in the market for female engineers and I enjoy doing it!
What was the first track you ever produced?
One of my own songs, WAVE ft. JNR Choi.
What genre do you prefer to make most & which track of yours best represents your sound?
My go to has always been dark/alt R&B, especially when working with artists or for myself. But I'm starting a production alias which will be much more technical and cinematic.
Name a track you wish you produced.
Burial - Archangel
What is your most interesting studio story?
So, I went out for my birthday in London with a couple of friends and somehow woke up in a studio in Sweden... wrote my most successful song so far that day though, so clearly that method works...
Please tell us the name of your favourite producer and your fave artist.
Favourite producers will always be Pharrell or Timbaland, forever the best. Honestly, I really don't have a favourite artist, I try not to just listen to one artist or genre and switch it up constantly. One minute I'll be listening to Chase Atlantic, the next I'll be listening to Col3trane, most of the time I'm really just listening to my own and the artists I work with unreleased music
What is your worst musical habit?
Not releasing it lol I am this year though, just got stuck for a minute
What artist do you most want to work with?
Doja Cat, she's just such a vibe and I know that session would be hilarious.
Who is the most famous person in your phone book? And can you tell us how you met?
I'd have to kill you :)
What other roles in the creative industry do you have - artist, videographer etc.?
Artist, engineer, songwriter, sound designer, model, music video director... for now...
What do you prefer - the process of creating music in the studio or hearing your music played once released?
The creating part, once you finish something & hear your vision come to life. I love the visual part of the process as well. If I make a song that I really love, the whole visual will just appear scene by scene in my head when I'm listening back to it.
What are your plans for 2023…can you share any exclusive news with us?
I will finally be releasing music again, after almost 2 years. Literally could not be more excited!
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Be nice to people on your way up, because they won't be there to catch you on your way down, and it will be inevitable at some point if you aren't treating people right!
