London-based pop singer-songwriter Raph Solo has released his brand-new single, “I Believe”, marking his first musical release in eight years and celebrating a deeply personal milestone in his life. Arriving yesterday, on October 11, 2026, to coincide with National Coming Out Day, the track explores faith, identity, self-acceptance, and the importance of believing in yourself, accompanied by an official music video that brings its message to life through a romantic storyline. It was April 2018 when he last released music, a seven-track album titled “Word of Love”.
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The release also marks 15 years since Raph Solo made the decision to embrace his sexuality after years of struggling to reconcile being gay with his religious beliefs. Written and produced by Solo, with additional production from David Brant, “I Believe” represents a significant new chapter for the artist, both personally and professionally, while introducing listeners to a collection of new music that he intends to release over the coming months.
In This Article:
Raph Solo Reflects On His Journey Towards Self-Acceptance
At the heart of “I Believe” is Raph Solo’s relationship with his identity and spirituality, two aspects of his life that he previously struggled to bring together. Having spent much of his early adulthood questioning whether his sexuality could coexist with his faith, the singer-songwriter has transformed those experiences into a song that celebrates the freedom of accepting yourself.
During his twenties, Raph Solo spent almost six years attempting to remain celibate before recognising that the approach was not sustainable for him. In 2011, he underwent reparative therapy (which is also known as conversion therapy), a practice intended to change a person’s sexual orientation, which he has since described as damaging. The experience had a considerable impact on his personal life and subsequently influenced his earlier musical releases.
Fifteen years later, his perspective has changed considerably, with “I Believe” reflecting the understanding and acceptance he has developed throughout that time.
“I’m gay, and I pray. It took a while for me to accept that it was okay for me to be that way. It was a personal dream for me to feel okay with who I am,” Raph Solo said. “I’ve been gay all my life, and God has always been there for me. ‘I Believe’ is a song about believing in my dreams, and my biggest dream was to feel okay with who I am.”
Rather than allowing his sexuality to determine how he sees himself, Raph Solo now places greater importance on the decisions people make and the way they treat those around them. This outlook forms an essential part of the single’s message, encouraging listeners to recognise that their character is shaped by their actions rather than their sexual orientation.
“We are who we are. It’s not about whether I am gay or straight that defines me. It’s my character, how I treat other people and how I am as a human being that distinguishes me from the person next to me,” he said. “I didn’t get to choose to be gay, but I do get to choose my character. We can choose to be kind, honest and uplifting. Those choices paint a picture of who we are.”
“I Believe” Combines Emotional Instrumentation With Contemporary R&B Influences
Musically, “I Believe” has been constructed around a developing arrangement that moves through several different styles as the song progresses. Beginning with acoustic instrumentation, the production incorporates grand piano, violins, and horns, allowing Raph Solo’s vocals to take centre stage before the track gradually introduces a more rhythmic direction.
The second verse brings a noticeable change in energy, with a prominent bassline and contemporary R&B-inspired drums adding greater momentum to the production. These contrasting musical elements contribute to the track’s evolving structure, eventually building towards a dramatic finale that places renewed emphasis on the singer’s vocal performance.
“I went for a timeless production sound and arrangement with this song,” Raph Solo explained.
Discussing the creative decisions behind the arrangement, he added, “I followed my heart on this track and made the music I would want to listen to.”
The musical progression complements the personal nature of the lyrics, with the changing instrumentation reflecting the different emotions associated with Raph Solo’s journey. By combining orchestral elements with modern rhythmic production, the singer-songwriter has created a release that brings together different aspects of his musical identity.
Interestingly, the inspiration to begin recording new music came during a particularly memorable moment in Thailand, where Raph Solo was celebrating his 50th birthday. While visiting a bar, he watched a transgender woman perform on stage, an experience that reminded him of the impact music and personal authenticity can have on others.
“I was at a bar and a trans woman was singing on stage. I so admired her for getting up there and showing up for her life. She really uplifted me,” he recalled. “I hadn’t released a record in eight years, and I thought: like her, I can use my gift to show up and make a difference. Maybe someone needs someone like me to uplift them, like I needed to be uplifted years ago.”
That encounter ultimately encouraged Raph Solo to reconsider his absence from releasing music and recognise the possibility of using his own experiences to support and inspire others. The resulting single brings that motivation together with the personal growth he has experienced over the past 15 years.
Official “I Believe” Music Video Explores Identity Through An Astronaut And A Gay Love Story
Accompanying the single is an official music video that expands upon the song’s themes of self-discovery, individuality, and acceptance. Created in collaboration with longtime creative partner Vybrant Images, the visual has been directed by Raph Solo himself, drawing inspiration from what he describes as his personal visual diary.
Central to the concept is an astronaut, whose appearance serves as a representation of humanity beyond the labels and assumptions that are often attached to individuals. Through this character, the video examines the importance of looking beyond external appearances and recognising the qualities that define a person.
“I wanted to use the astronaut as a metaphor, because he’s a human being,” Raph Solo said. “Behind the white suit and the white mask, the astronaut can be anybody: man, woman, gay, straight, poor, rich. What the astronaut does with his life is what communicates his character. The video is a journey of self-discovery wrapped in a romantic gay love story, and learning to love yourself for who you are is ultimately the greatest journey I could want to embark on.”
The romantic storyline also incorporates elements of Raph Solo’s personal relationship with his partner, Simon, with whom he celebrated ten years together in June 2026. Their relationship provided inspiration for the narrative, adding another meaningful connection between the artist’s life and the accompanying visual.
Appearing in the music video is Valentino, who previously collaborated with Raph Solo on the visual for “Glass of Wine”. His involvement creates a connection with the singer’s earlier work while helping to introduce this latest chapter of his artistic journey.
By combining science-fiction-inspired imagery with a same-sex love story, the video approaches self-acceptance from both a symbolic and romantic perspective. The astronaut’s anonymity reinforces the idea that an individual’s identity cannot be reduced to outward appearances, while the relationship at the centre of the narrative highlights the importance of love, connection, and understanding.
A New Musical Chapter For Raph Solo After Eight Years Away
Although “I Believe” marks Raph Solo’s first new single in eight years, the release is intended to be the beginning of a wider musical project rather than a standalone comeback. The singer-songwriter has confirmed that he is preparing further releases, with the forthcoming songs set to form part of a larger narrative unfolding over the coming months.
For Raph Solo, this new period of creativity represents an opportunity to approach music with a different outlook, drawing upon the experiences that have shaped him without allowing the difficulties of his past to define his future.
“This is a completely new chapter for me musically, personally, artistically, spiritually, on every level,” Raph Solo said. “I embrace my previous experiences and cherish all of my previous struggles. There is hope. If it’s not pretty at the moment, give it a minute, things do lift.”
Releasing “I Believe” on National Coming Out Day gives the song an additional layer of significance, particularly as the date also marks the anniversary of his decision to accept his sexuality. What began as a deeply personal journey has now become an opportunity to share a message of encouragement with listeners who may be experiencing similar challenges.
Beyond romantic relationships, the single also addresses the importance of developing a positive relationship with oneself, recognising personal worth, and maintaining hope even when circumstances are difficult.
“I hope listeners believe love is real and not just the romantic stuff, but self-love, self-dignity and self-pride,” Raph Solo said. “I hope listeners don’t lose hope in life and still believe that dreams do come true, and that if dreams don’t materialize, it’s important to keep believing something better is on the way.”
With “I Believe”, Raph Solo brings together 15 years of personal growth and a renewed passion for making music, transforming his experiences into a release centred on hope, compassion, and individuality. The single’s arrival represents more than the end of an eight-year absence, offering the singer-songwriter an opportunity to celebrate the person he has become while encouraging others to embrace their own identities.
“I Believe”, by Raph Solo, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, alongside a bonus remix from 7th Heaven.
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