The raw potential of upcoming artist Rajiv Santos has gained serious notoriety among the ranks of esteemed musicians decades in the field. He’s got it; marvelous skill mixed with divine fury. It’s a progressive metal gem; his first EP release this year, Borealis.
Although short, this four song collection showcases focused, tight songwriting with tricky timing changes pulled off beautifully. He collaborated with drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork, Megadeth) and bassist Luis Mariutti, an original member of Angra and Shaman.
Mariutti’s bass riffs pull you down into the very roots of the earth, while Raj strikes the atmosphere with precise, juicy solo guitar work throughout. We all listen to music differently. As a woman ruled by her senses, I tend not to be the biggest fan of prog metal with its brainy and unusual rhythm patterns. But let it be known today—I truly love this album. It’s a pleasurable listening experience, even for the casual metal fan. Borealis is an example of amazing progressive metal.
Talking with Raj was a pleasurable experience as well; he’s an interesting and down to earth man, excited to be involved in the process for the first time. He comes from a high tech (coding) background, and loves what he does.
CG: You’ve been a part of Kiko Loureiro’s mentorship program now for a while; how has that affected your music?
Raj: Oh, it’s been tremendous! Before the mentorship, I looked at being a musician like it was outside of my reality. I just didn’t believe I could do something like that and do what I love doing in tech every day. Kiko put me in touch with people who could really help me make this happen. It had been people I know who had ideas… people who would bring up concepts, and maybe even design artwork for album covers, but this took it further. I was meeting working music professionals who were moving and making it happen.
CG: You’re working on playing your first show in L.A. Tell me about that.
Raj: Yeah, through the mentorship, I was introduced to another band releasing their first album as well, and we’ve decided to team up. I went to meet them, check out the space… we’re all working on the logistics of playing a joint show. It’s in the works.
CG: Do you do any of your own music production at home? How does recording your solo album work exactly?
Raj: I started by recording my own riffs at home; I structured the songs myself, then I reached out to Adair Daufembach, who I met through the program (music producer; Angra, Loureiro, Cadaver, McAlpine). We took it from there into full production, and brought in Dirk Verbeuren and Luis Mariutti.
Take a listen to Borealis. It’s sweet, condensed gravity, and worth every minute.
You can find him here:
