The word Raghoul comes from the Amazigh language and translates to the English word for bass. Tamazight is the collective name for the languages spoken by the indigenous peoples of North Africa, the Imazighen. In music, the word raghoul is also used to describe the first string of the guembri or sintir – a three-stringed instrument traditionally used in Gnawa music that produces both melodies, bass tones and rhythms when played correctly. As a digital label and collaborative platform, Raghoul focuses on bass music and art as well as bass-rooted cultures.
Raghoul is created in response to the gap between the creative process artists go through and the more business-oriented way of working that record labels uphold. This discrepancy in understanding of both worlds is exactly where Raghoul fits in. Applying existing knowledge as artists, organizers and promotors, we offer artists a personalized and non-hierarchal experience working on and releasing their work in which the preservation of authenticity is essential.
One of the ways in which this happens is by bringing together young makers from different disciplinary backgrounds in order to stimulate collaborative work and build a strong network of future professionals that can be consulted at any time. With a process-oriented mindset, Raghoul is there to support artists in their creative careers, connect them with other makers and find ways for them to not only reach their audience but their highest potential alike.
Key elements of this work method are experimentation, innovation, and collaboration. By selecting independent artists based on their creative mindsets rather than their (existing) outputs, we can offer the opportunity to create freely and autonomously with personal guidance throughout the entire process.
Raghoul is created in line with the shift that is already happening, away from the hyper fixation on Europe as the gatekeepers of music worldwide and instead celebrates the next generation of artists within their proper context. Our approach makes Raghoul fit for anyone who desires to explore the limits of audiovisual experiences and experiment with their artistic practices. As a digital label, Raghoul is based in Morocco and the Netherlands while operating globally and stimulating collaborations worldwide.
Raghoul stands firmly against racism, queerphobia, misogyny, fatphobia, ableism, or any other type of discrimination and oppressive behaviour. We make a conscious effort to create a stimulating environment regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical ability and explicitly welcome anyone who ascribes to an oppressed community. At Raghoul, we care for the mental well-being of our artists and work based on a full transparency policy. Although we take full responsibility for the thorough research of those we work with, we encourage artists and listeners to hold us accountable at any given time so that we can continue to learn and grow together.
