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ROCKY COLLIN
Solo Pop · Acoustic Soul · Asheville, NC
ArtsAVL Grant Recipient (2025) · “Best Vocalist” — Phoenix New Times (2018) · 10+ years performing across the Southwest + WNC
BIOGRAPHY
Rocky Collin is the indie pop project of Raquel Willand, an Asheville-based artist crafting cinematic, emotionally charged indie pop songs rooted in modern soul and R&B. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, she was named Best Vocalist by Phoenix New Times before relocating to the Blue Ridge Mountains in 2020.
Her work lives in the tension between vulnerability and self-awareness—intimate, confessional songwriting delivered with a warm, commanding vocal presence. A seasoned live performer with over a decade of experience, Collin translates that emotional depth into sets that draw listeners in and hold them there.
In 2025, she was selected as an ArtsAVL funded artist to support the completion of her debut album Shameover, an eight-track concept record exploring insecurity, social anxiety, and relationships throughout her twenties. Singles from the project include “Self Obsessed,” “My Way,” “Big Game,” “Crazy,” “Hollies,” and “Past Mistakes". The album is set for release on June 26th, 2026.
She performs regularly throughout Western North Carolina, with appearances at Highland Brewing, Cellarest Beer Project, Turgua Brewing, Dry Falls Brewing Co., Frog Level Brewing, Sparky's Bardega, Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar and more.
PRESS
"Raquel Willand was born to sing. If her participation at this year’s Phoenix Rock Lottery wasn’t proof enough of her talents, do a Google search, and chances are you’ll come across her old SoundCloud page. Even on those old tracks, she showed tremendous promise as a vocalist.” - Phoenix New Times
“Rocky Collin's retro R&B cut ‘Running Into You.’ The full orchestral sounds that burst through the speakers and Collin's impassioned vocal performance help create a pop anthemic tone that's equally catchy as it is powerful.” - David Sikorski, EARMILK
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