Lebanese-Canadian artist Raphaela unveils a new side of herself with “Muse,” a light, romantic indie-pop single that captures the giddy glow of a love so deep, it becomes your inspiration. It’s a sonic exhale – warm, cinematic, and effervescent – marking a bright step forward from the moody introspection of her earlier work. This is a song about ease after ache, about finally finding the kind of love that doesn’t ask you to shrink, change, or chase.

Written on a sunny summer afternoon, “Muse” is all soft light and open-hearted ease. It’s a celebration of the kind of love that feels natural and grounded – the kind that makes you feel seen, steady, and full of joy. Produced with a new pop-forward polish, “Muse” balances Raphaela‘s signature emotional honesty with a more playful tone: sunlight on your shoulders, dancing in the kitchen, a song you want to get lost in.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 

I wrote Muse after a string of heavier, more introspective songs. I was craving something lighter — something that felt like sunlight on your shoulders. Warm, giddy, effortless. This song is a celebration of love that doesn’t come with drama or confusion — love that’s simple, grounding, and quietly inspiring. The kind of love that becomes your muse.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

Muse feels like a summer daydream, so I teamed up with my friend and talented videographer Almyr Jules, who came up with the picnic concept. It was soft, playful, and intimate — like a love letter wrapped in golden hour light. Every detail had to reflect that energy, even down to the clothes I wore. I was so happy to find a brand — For Love & Lemons — whose aesthetic matched the song perfectly. They even use the word Muse in their branding, which felt like a beautiful coincidence that tied everything together. It wasn’t about grand gestures — just two people in their own little world. That’s what Muse captures, and what we tried to reflect in the video. The picnic felt like the perfect visual metaphor: peaceful, intimate, and unhurried. It’s the kind of moment where you forget the rest of the world exists — where everything slows down and all that matters is the connection in front of you. 

3. What was the process of making this video?

We shot the video at Fletcher Wildlife Garden in Ottawa on a beautiful spring day. The team brought the romantic picnic setup to life, and it honestly felt like stepping into one of my own daydreams — but made real. Everything from the lighting to the details in the setup felt soft, intentional, and full of heart. It was such a fun, easygoing shoot, and I’m so grateful to the team for capturing the exact feeling I had imagined when I wrote Muse.