Raven Numan FAULT Magazine Photoshoot and Interview

Photographer: Joseph Cultice

Stylist: Lauren Lusardi

Makeup: Bex Marie

Hair: Johnny Stuntz

ASST: Keegan Kruse

ASST: Lucian Rodrigue

Raven Numan has quickly emerged as a promising crossover talent from the gothic scene, gaining attention with her recent single “Here For Me.” This track built upon the success of her debut, “My Reflection,” drawing new listeners into her dark, creative universe and earning her first Radio 1 play from Daniel P. Carter. We caught up with Raven to discuss her inspirations, process and of course, her FAULTs.

Can you tell us about the inspiration and personal experiences that led you to write ‘Going Down’?

I wrote “Going Down” sometime in 2022, during an extremely dark period of my life. I was incredibly suicidal, constantly anxious for what seemed to be no reason, and it was very difficult for me to control my emotions. I ended up hurting most of the people close to me; it was awful. I felt an immense amount of guilt for feeling the way I did and for hurting the people around me. Writing was the only way I could express my frustrations and sadness since it was hard for me to actually talk about it. So, I pulled out my notebook, sat down, and wrote everything I was feeling. It was a very intense process; I’d never felt that much anger and sadness before, but I felt so much relief after I wrote the song, like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Thank God those feelings have passed.

Your music blends elements of dark pop and industrial sounds. How do you balance these influences to create your unique style?

I’ve never labeled my music as a specific genre because, honestly, I’m not sure what genre it fits under; each song is different. I prefer to let it evolve naturally and let the people listening to my music decide how they want to classify it. Since dark pop and industrial sounds are definitely prominent in my music, I’d say it’s about finding a harmony between catchy, evocative melodies and gritty, powerful production, allowing both elements to complement and enhance each other.

Are you regimented with your songwriting, or do you prefer to write whenever inspiration hits?

Only when inspiration hits. I’m definitely not regimented—haha. Most of my songs are inspired by the dark experiences I’ve gone through, whether it was two minutes before I sit down to write or three years before. When I face challenges or intense emotions, whatever they may be, they ignite a raw and unfiltered flow of ideas, allowing me to channel my frustrations into lyrics.

What’s one message you want listeners to take away from your music?

Everyone is going through something, and although it might not be the same struggle, we’re all human, and we all need to be kinder to each other. You’re not alone, and these feelings and thoughts are just temporary. Life’s such a beautiful gift; don’t take it for granted.

Your lyrics often tackle serious themes like body image, addiction, and anxiety. How do you approach writing about such personal and sensitive topics?

Writing about personal and sensitive topics is very important to me since it helps control my emotions instead of taking them out on the people around me. I try to approach the topics I write about with honesty and vulnerability. By sharing my own stories, I hope I’m able to create a safe space within my music where people who are also struggling with the same or similar experiences can feel understood and less alone.

Is it ever daunting to be so open in your songwriting?

God, yes—extremely daunting but also incredibly relieving. Sharing my personal experiences and emotions with others can feel extremely vulnerable and very scary at times. But I genuinely believe that’s where the true power of music lies—in its ability to connect us through these shared experiences and emotions. Although it’s pretty terrifying, I believe the benefits of sharing these stories outweigh the risks.

What can fans expect from your upcoming live shows?

It’s still being discussed, but stay tuned, be excited, and be patient. It’s all coming in the near future…

What is your FAULT?

Procrastination! I often find myself putting off every task until the last minute, which can lead to unnecessary stress. It’s something I’ve constantly struggled with ever since I was little; it feels like it’s just in my DNA at this point—haha. It affects my productivity and sometimes prevents me from reaching my full potential, which is incredibly frustrating. I get distracted so easily, but I’m actively working on better time management to overcome this stupid habit with my mum’s help. She’s my rock. :)