RaiNao: The Puerto Rican Artist Championing Inclusivity & Authenticity in Music

Puerto Rican artist and queer ally, RaiNao, is redefining the music scene with her unapologetic authenticity. Her latest album, “CAPICÚ,” released in early 2024, is a testament to her versatility, blending electronica, reggaeton, afrobeat, and bolero to celebrate her identity and culture.
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Rooted deeply in her Puerto Rican heritage, RaiNao’s music is a vibrant reflection of the island’s rich cultural tapestry. She emphasizes that being Puerto Rican and embracing her Caribbean identity is an integral part of her artistry, stating, “Being Puerto Rican and my Caribbean identity is something that’s inevitably and happily a part of me and the most poetic expression of my mind: my music.”
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In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent reelection, RaiNao voices concern over the potential impacts on Latin American communities. She notes that his rise symbolizes unnecessary discrimination, racism, and classism, acknowledging the challenges faced by Puerto Ricans and other Latin Americans in the U.S. RaiNao remains committed to creating awareness and advocating for positive change through her art.
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“I did everything possible as a human, artist, and Puerto Rican to raise awareness and have a transparent electoral process that would lead to positive change for Puerto Rico, and I will continue doing so over the next four years. I’ll stay vigilant, and my voice will always be at my island’s service.”
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Self-expression is the heartbeat of RaiNao’s creative process. She values the freedom to create without limitations, whether by sharing personal experiences or narrating stories of her country and friends. “Creating without limitations is my favorite part of the process. Whether it’s being vulnerable and pouring my realities and emotions into a song, creating a track that comes from a dream, or telling the story of my country or a friend, I will always seek within myself to create.” This authenticity allows her to connect deeply with her audience, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
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As a queer ally, RaiNao ensures her music and persona create inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. She openly embraces her identity, stating, “My stories are queer because I am queer, and I will never hide it.” Her commitment to authenticity and inclusivity resonates with fans, making her music a safe and enriching space for all.
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RaiNao’s artistry is a testament to the power of cultural pride, self-expression, and advocacy. Through her music, she challenges societal norms, supports marginalized communities, and remains a beacon of authenticity in the contemporary music landscape.
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Beyond her musical endeavors, RaiNao actively engages with her community, participating in initiatives that promote social justice and equality. Her involvement in grassroots movements underscores her dedication to effecting positive change, both through her art and her actions.
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Looking ahead, RaiNao plans to continue exploring diverse musical landscapes, aiming to break barriers and inspire others to embrace their true selves. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that authenticity and cultural pride can have in shaping a more inclusive and understanding world.

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In what ways does your Puerto Rican heritage shape your music and artistic expression? Being Puerto Rican and my Caribbean identity is something that’s inevitably and happily a part of me and the most poetic expression of my mind: my music. It’s something I respect and treasure deeply.
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With Donald Trump’s recent reelection, how do you foresee this affecting Latin American communities? As an artist, do you feel a responsibility to address these political changes in your work? I don’t have enough insight to predict the specific policies of Donald Trump’s government that will affect Latin American communities in the U.S., but I know his rise represents unnecessary discrimination, racism, and classism worldwide. Puerto Ricans have seen and felt it, and I know many other Latinos in the U.S. have as well. In Puerto Rico, we also have a newly elected leader who doesn’t represent us. I did everything possible as a human, artist, and Puerto Rican to raise awareness and have a transparent electoral process that would lead to positive change for Puerto Rico, and I will continue doing so over the next four years. I’ll stay vigilant, and my voice will always be at my island’s service.
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Your music often challenges machismo energy in urban genres. Can you discuss your motivations behind this and the impact you hope to achieve? Being a woman is super powerful. Saying whatever I want is something I naturally pursue in life and in music. I don’t have an expectation of what that might provoke in others; I do it because I want to, because it’s what my mind thinks, what my heart feels, and also my way of making the world a little better.
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As a queer ally, how do you ensure your music and persona create inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community? I always say that my music is the most poetic and real expression of my mind—of what I live, want, and project. My stories are queer because I’m queer, and I’ll never hide that. I love that my music is a safe and vibrant space for the LGBTQ+ community.
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What role does self-expression play in your creative process? It’s super important. Creating without limitations is my favorite part of the process. Whether it’s making myself vulnerable and pouring my realities and emotions into a song, creating a track that comes from a dream, or telling the story of my country or a friend, I’ll always search within myself to create.
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You’ve collaborated with artists like Villano Antillano. What do you value most in these collaborations? The desire to see what happens when genuinely committed artists come together, especially those who understand the weight their art carries in the world.

.Can you share insights into your upcoming projects or themes you’re eager to explore in your music? I’m playing with a new process, and it’s so beautiful. I’m dying to see what high-flying ideas I’ll catch and bring to life for the world. Right now, I’m determined to open the door to that little world in my mind before the year ends. Let’s see what happens.
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How do you engage with your audience to foster a sense of community? My music is complete when people listen to it. Also, music is a language. I feel that creating from sincerity, freedom, and love for what I do helps me connect with others through my songs. That’s what I do, and that’s what I’ll keep doing to make the world a better place through art.
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What guidance would you offer to aspiring artists, especially those from marginalized communities, striving to find their voice in the music industry? Embrace your ideas. No one can bring them to life like you because no one is like you. I also know that we all want to see results, but really, the most important part is the process. You have to learn to grow. With a lot of effort and consistency, it can surprise you.
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The definition of “Contrast” is “to be strikingly different.” What makes RaiNao strikingly different? Haha, well, I think someone else could answer this question better than I could, but if there’s one thing I like about myself, it’s that I’m not afraid to create the current instead of following it.