RAMAN. (BE) releases new single "When loneliness succeeds"

RAMAN.(BE) RELEASES NEW SINGLE
"WHEN LONELINESS SUCCEEDS"

 (FOR FANS OF THOM YORKE, BLAKE MILLS, JEFF BUCKLEY & BECK)
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​"When loneliness succeeds" marks the first single from the highly anticipated debut album of RAMAN., the brainchild of Ghent-based singer, guitarist, and songwriter Simon Raman. This intimate and powerful track signals the beginning of a new musical chapter where personal themes, raw emotions and a grand sound converge. Written during the grim days of the pandemic, the song captures a painfully relatable experience of loneliness while simultaneously seeking the hidden strength and sense of hope that can emerge in challenging times.
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With "When loneliness succeeds", RAMAN. explores a timeless struggle: the longing for a place in an overcrowded, overwhelming world. While themes of failure and isolation take center stage, the song resonates with listeners through its universal message and comforting undertone. Rather than feeling like a somber tale, the single comes across as a warm embrace.
This sentiment is further highlighted in the accompanying music video, in which Simon, dressed as a clown, visits marketplaces in search of connection. With a healthy dose of self-irony and vulnerability, RAMAN. holds a mirror up to our postmodern society. For this video, Simon collaborated with theater maker Geert Belpaeme, whose work since 2020 has focused on clowning (as discussed in his book De Speelse Mens).
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THE SINGLE MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A LARGER STORY: RAMAN.'S FIRST FULL-LENGTH ALBUM
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The journey toward this record began years ago. After his debut EP "Birth of Joy" (2019), which was enthusiastically received by media outlets such as Knack Focus, Dansende Beren, and Musiczine, RAMAN. steadily developed as an artist. His live performances —both intimate and energetic — earned him a solid reputation, with shows in iconic venues such as Paradiso Amsterdam, 013 Tilburg, Ancienne Belgique and appearances at festivals like Gent Jazz and Boomtown. Sharing the stage with renowned acts such as Arno, Trixie Whitley and Kaiser Chiefs, RAMAN. cultivated a broad and loyal audience.

The pandemic enforced a temporary pause, but also sparked an intensive search for his unique style and sound. RAMAN. collaborated with some of the best musicians and producers, including Staf Verbeeck, Pascal Deweze and Koen Gisen. Under their guidance, the songs gained the depth and intensity that now define RAMAN.'s music. Joined by bassist Kris Auman (Endlingr, Strand of Oaks) and drummer Sylvester Vanborm (Wallace Vanborn, Endlingr), RAMAN. has created a dynamic and versatile album that blends intimate acoustic tracks with grand, energetic band performances.

A UNIQUE MUSICAL IDENTITYRAMAN.'s music is rooted in blues and traditional genres, yet seamlessly incorporates modern influences. The sounds of artists like Chris Whitley, Jeff Buckley and Jimmy Page resonate in his work, while the experimental approaches of Beck, Talk Talk and Blake Mills also leave their mark. The result is a unique fusion of raw emotion, melancholic instrumental interludes and a no-nonsense guitar sound that shines in both studio recordings and live performances.

A TRIBUTE TO MENTOR TINY LEGS TIMThis album represents a major milestone in Simon Raman's artistic journey and serves as a tribute to his mentor, Tiny Legs Tim (RIP), who inspired and guided him throughout his musical path. The album reflects Simon's quest for authenticity and connection.
"When loneliness succeeds" offers a taste of what’s to come: a magical record that effortlessly bridges tradition and innovation. This single is not only an announcement of a promising debut album, but also an invitation to immerse yourself in RAMAN.'s world—a world where vulnerability becomes strength, and music serves as a means of connection.

​CREDITS
Music, words, guitar & vocals: Simon Raman
Keys: David Poltrock, Simon Raman
Bass: Kris Auman
Drums: Sylvester Vanborm
Produced & mixed by: Koen Gisen
Mastered by: Uwe Teichert
Artwork: Aya Braem