Rebel Rae possesses one of the most beautiful voices in music today. Her ability to convey emotions through her songs sets her far apart from the soft talking whisper singers over-saturating today’s R&B.
Your vocal performances have been described as captivating and phenomenal. Tell us how your musical began professionally.
My professional career began when I met Elliot Osagie, he began by having me develop as an artist for a few years. During this time, I focused on honing my sound and performance style while writing my first tracks. I think that time was crucial in crafting who I am as an artist. I could take the time and understand how I wanted to sound and present before all the other voices joined the conversation.
How do you feel about the way women have become the cornerstone of R&B?
Excellent, I think it’s very exciting. The last few years we have seen a real resurgence of R&B as mainstream music. I feel we really have female R&B singers to thank for that.
Many feel the genre had lost its soul, especially due to the toxicity of music from your male peers. What are your thoughts on today’s R&B?
In order for any genre to have longevity, you have to let it transform into what it wants to be. I think every era of R&B has had its positives, negatives and toxicity. What was missing at some points is variety in perspective. I think these days we finally have that variety back.
Let’s talk about your latest single “Used to Know” that was released this past April. How did it come about?
“Used to Know” happened when I was reflecting and accepting a relationship coming to an end. I was at that point in my life, realizing I’m getting ready to end an eight-year long relationship. So I wanted a song that says, “You tried, I tried, we tried, but it didn’t work and it’s not going to.”
You have been very effective at using social media to promote your music. Share with us to key to building a loyal following.
I think it’s all about consistency. I may sing about new subjects, but it’s always derivative of my actual experience. My followers know I’m going to deliver and I’m going to speak on something they themselves are experiencing because I’ve faced it as well. I’m here to be a soundtrack for the experiences we all face.
What would you say has been the most troublesome part of pursuing music professionally?
You have to find a balance between emotions and business. The creation of music comes from an emotional place, it has to in order to work. Getting said music to people’s ears is a business. Understanding that and what that means for songs I may love was a learning experience.
So many artists depend on gimmicks instead of creating music with artistic merit. Do you ever feel pressured to follow trends?
No, I think it’s possible to make “trends” bend to your artistic will versus the opposite. You never want to be so stuck in your ways as an artist that you’re not willing to explore other aspects and possibilities of said art. So I see it all as fun new ways to stretch my artistry.
Of all the music in your discography, which song do you feel reflects your artistry the most?
My next single “Take All My Tears” definitely feels like a pillar in reflection for what I’m looking to contribute to the world as an artist. It’s powerful, fun, and really all encompassing of how and what I’ve grown into as an artist.
Where would you like to see your career in entertainment career five years from now?
As an analogy, if now my career is a blooming rose bush. May it be a flourishing garden in five years’ time.
Be’n Original
