Hey, pop lovers! Ready to dive into a vibrant, genre-blurring world of music? Raissa’s Cute Threat EP, dropped on November 22, 2024, via Neon Gold Records, is your ticket to a bold, multilingual adventure that’s as catchy as it is empowering. Let’s unpack this gem and get to know the superstar-in-waiting behind it!
A Global Pop Powerhouse Unleashes Cute Threat
If you haven’t yet vibed to Raissa’s Cute Threat EP, you’re missing out on one of 2024’s freshest releases. This 22-year-old indie pop/alt-pop sensation, born in Spain and raised across Beijing, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, and London, brings a kaleidoscope of influences to her music. Think early-2000s hip-hop meets ’80s art-pop, with a dash of tropicália and West African dance rhythms. Oh, and did I mention she’s fluent in Spanish, French, and English? Raissa’s Cute Threat is a six-track journey that’s equal parts playful swagger and raw emotion, wrapped in irresistible melodies.
The EP’s title track, “Cute Threat,” is a perfect encapsulation of Raissa’s vibe. She describes it as “a playful and braggadocious celebration of self,” embracing the contrast between being underestimated and fiercely capable. The song’s industrial beats and cheeky lyrics like “I’m not your big baby” blend Charli XCX-esque punk energy with sugary pop hooks. Its music video, directed by Daniel Holliday, is a vibrant, storyboard-style visual feast that trades Raissa’s earlier DIY animation for a bold, real-world edge. Watch it here and get ready to hit replay.
Standout track “No Genius,” featuring Rahim Redcar (aka Christine and the Queens), is another banger. With its infectious melody and gritty, Bushwick-inspired video, it’s a sharp anthem of frustration and resilience. Raissa channels her anger at societal division, singing, “It doesn’t take no genius to know that those who seek to divide us are up to no good.” It’s tough love for humanity, wrapped in a danceable beat that’s impossible to resist. Stream it here.
Other highlights include “Penita,” a Spanish-sung opener with a Rosalía-esque dance vibe, and “Todo Canta,” a soulful, stripped-back moment that showcases Raissa’s vocal depth. “A La Mode” is pure pop perfection, glittering with dance-floor energy, while “Knife” adds a darker, introspective edge. Each track feels like a new chapter in Raissa’s story, blending her global upbringing with her limitless imagination.
Who Is Raissa? A Creative Force Like No Other
Raissa’s journey to Cute Threat is as eclectic as her sound. Born in Spain to parents who instilled a love for Leonard Cohen and pop iconoclasts like Prince, she started writing songs at 12 after being inspired by a Cohen documentary. By 14, she was self-recording in GarageBand, amassing a secret stash of tracks while living in Malaysia. It wasn’t until she moved to London for art school at 19 that her music took off. A spontaneous SoundCloud upload went viral, racking up 20,000 streams overnight and catching the attention of producers like Mark Ronson and Mura Masa. Soon, she was in L.A., launching her career with the bold 2020 single “Bullying Boys,” which she wrote, produced, and paired with an iPhone-shot video.
Now based in Los Angeles, Raissa’s signed with Neon Gold Records, home to artists like Charli XCX and Christine and the Queens. Her Cute Threat EP, co-produced with longtime collaborator Evan Voytas, is her boldest statement yet. Drawing from Gothic literature, vintage anime, and her multilingual roots, Raissa crafts music that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable. She’s not afraid to defy categorization, embracing her “I belong to everything and nothing” identity as her superpower.
Raissa’s also a visual storyteller, with videos that amplify her music’s energy. The “Cute Threat” video, with its cheeky swagger, and the “No Genius” visual, featuring her and Rahim Redcar in matching Adidas tracksuits, are must-sees. Her artistry extends to her aesthetic, blending bold colors and retro-futuristic vibes that scream shareable content. Check out her Instagram for a peek into her world.
Why Cute Threat Matters in Today’s Pop Scene
In a music industry obsessed with fitting artists into boxes, Raissa’s genre-fluid approach is a breath of fresh air. Her ability to weave Spanish, French, and English into her lyrics, paired with influences spanning decades and continents, makes Cute Threat a standout in the indie pop, indie dance, and alt-pop scenes. It’s no surprise that 2024 has seen a surge in multilingual pop, with artists like Rosalía and Bad Bunny dominating charts. Raissa’s right at home in this trend, offering a unique perspective as a global citizen who’s lived everywhere from Beijing to L.A.
The EP’s themes of self-empowerment and resilience also resonate deeply in today’s world. Tracks like “No Genius” tackle division and alienation, while “Cute Threat” celebrates owning your power unapologetically. It’s music that makes you want to dance, reflect, and maybe even fight for what you believe in—a perfect blend for young listeners navigating a chaotic world.
Get Your Music Out There with DistroKid
Inspired by Raissa’s journey from SoundCloud to Neon Gold Records? If you’re an artist dreaming of sharing your music with the world, DistroKid is your go-to platform for getting your tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, and more. It’s user-friendly, affordable, and lets you keep more of your earnings. Plus, you can score a 7% discount on your membership with this link: DistroKid VIP. Start your music career today and channel your inner Raissa
Join the Raissa Hype!
Raissa’s Cute Threat EP is a must-listen for fans of indie pop, alt-pop, and anyone who loves music that defies boundaries. Stream it now, check out the “Cute Threat” and “No Genius” videos, and let Raissa’s vibrant world pull you in. What’s your favorite track from the EP? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this post with your music-loving crew!
