What’s your story as an artist?
My story as an artist began at 14 years old. I recorded an EP with multi-Grammy award-winning writer/producer, Robert Cutarella. After graduating Pepperdine University with a degree in Philosophy and Vocal Performance, I decided to go to law school to become an entertainment attorney. While studying for the LSAT, one of my singing videos on Instagram flagged the attention of a producer in Nashville. This ultimately changed the course of my life. I decided to put law school on the back burner, move to Nashville and pursue music full-time. Since being here, I’ve had the great pleasure of working with two of the top producers, Ben Simonetti (producer/writer for Zach Brown Band) and Sal Oliveri (#1 hit with PINK & Chris Stapleton). I’ve created a very strategic and aggressive plan to drop a new single every 3 weeks that started with my release, “WHAT IF” on September 17th.
What do you want your music to communicate?
To my listeners, I want my music to communicate that they aren’t alone in their heartbreak, despair, hopes and dreams. My main goal is relatability. I want them to connect with my songs either personally, or empathetically. Lyrically, I aspire to tell vivid stories one can picture as they listen. My music typically has deeper meaning that I’m communicating with my audience. For example: In “WHAT IF”, I’ve rooted the meaning in the “butterfly effect” as I sing about the “what ifs” in a relationship. I’ve also taken that a step further to highlight mental health issues of anxiety, constantly questioning ourselves, self-esteem, perfectionism, and being our worst critics. “WHAT IF” also takes a turn toward the end as empowerment is introduced. I released the music video the same day the song came out, which is a great representation of my messaging.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
The sources of inspiration for my storytelling are mainly my own personal experiences, relationships I’ve been in, or just riding on life’s rollercoaster of ups and downs. I also love it when I hear a cool line, from a friend, in a movie, on a greeting card, etc… that ignites a fire inside of me to take that line and write a melodic story around it. From the time I was little, I loved stories and would ask my mom or grandma to tell me a story – just something completely made up out of thin air. I was a nanny for two years, so I got a lot of practice with that. I’ve always been drawn to the art of storytelling – to tell something so vividly that it’s easily imagined. Then melding that with the perfect melody, is the ultimate creation for me!
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
If I had to just choose one artist I look up to today, it would be Kasey Musgraves. I admire her creativity, and risks she takes as an artist. She’s truly a pioneer in country music and is pushing the traditional envelopes. Her evolution as an artist is fascinating and I believe she will one day be like a “Dolly” where she is able to continue to keep her audience engaged, recreating herself to stay relevant.
What’s the record or artist that made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
I sang the Chris Stapleton song, “Millionaire” on my Instagram and that was the song that caught the attention of a Nashville producer. So that was a powerful moment of realization for me, but more so, I love him as an artist. He really connects with his fans through his lyrics and the raw, emotional way he delivers them. I have said many times, “I want to be the female version of Chris Stapleton”!
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about?
The idea behind my latest release, “WHAT IF” is anchored in “the butterfly effect”. This is a popular hypothetical in which one small change in action can alter later results and amount to larger unforeseen outcomes. Notice the single cover has butterflies on my eyes, signifying that we cannot see how each minuscule event will alter the future. I filmed a very thought-provoking music video showcasing this concept in the storyline. I think this song also touches on the idea of mental health. I’m a perfectionist and with that often comes a lot of anxiety. When I wrote this song, I wanted to show people that having those thoughts of regret, wonder or being unsure of yourself are all normal feelings we have to deal with as humans. However, there’s also a danger in constantly questioning our actions. We can easily get caught up in this rabbit hole of asking ourselves “what if” about everything… ultimately leading to even more anxiety and a lack of confidence. Having a philosophy degree, I have definitely experienced how certain thoughts can actually drive you mad contemplating them too much. I enjoy thinking deeply about love, relationships, and the fundamental truths, which are soundly embedded in my lyrics and the hidden messages found throughout my music video. I even put in a teaser of the next song I’ll be releasing in the “WHAT IF” music video… Go check out the elevator scene! 😉
What inspires your sound?
My sound is inspired by a lifetime of singing different genres, and being classically trained. I even went to school in Lausanne, Switzerland to train with renowned opera singer, Karine Mkrtchyan. All of that gave me incredible performance opportunities and the direct experience to know which direction I wanted to take my music. Right after graduating Pepperdine University, I was asked by my vocal coach there to sing lead vocals at a blue grass concert with a Nashville based band. Their sound and energy sparked my loved for singing country music! It was so much fun singing with them!
One of my favorite songs was, “Rocky Top Tennessee”. No matter what genre I would sing growing up, everyone would tell me I had a natural country twang to my voice, which was interesting because I grew up in Colorado, not a southern state. So who knows… maybe I sang country music in a past life (if you believe in that – ha, ha!:)!
What’s your favorite tune of yours?
My favorite tune of mine is actually a song I haven’t released yet, called “Last Day on Earth”. I was commissioned to write this song for a foundation from a woman’s eulogy she wrote before dying of her 16-year battle of breast cancer. I loved taking her message, writing lyrics and putting it to music to share with the world. This message is basically – we never really know which day will be our last one on Earth, so live life; postpone nothing!
What are some things you really want to accomplish as an artist?
As an artist, I believe my biggest accomplishment would be to help people through my music. Personally, I want to be well rounded – a great lyricist, recording artist and performer, staying connected and relevant with my audience. My priority is to be a risk taker and do the unexpected. I’ve learned that there’s no “right way” of doing things, which opens up endless possibilities of creativity. If I stay true to who I am and create my own path, I believe that’s my key to accomplishing success.
Favorite lyric you ever wrote?
My favorite lyric I’ve ever written is from a song I will be releasing in January 2022, called “Last Day on Earth”. It’s the chorus of the song – “Don’t push back or carry over, don’t slow down, don’t hold up, stay on track and don’t brush over, don’t delay, don’t give up, ‘cuz you never really know, which day will be your last one on Earth.” That line has helped me push through my most difficult times! It’s universally powerful; being a mantra on how to live one’s life.
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
I have fleeting moments of being discouraged or overwhelmed, but I’m fortunate to have great friends and family who are constantly encouraging me and lifting me up. I know this music business is one of the hardest to make it in, but I also know those who persevere, are the ones who make it! I have a background in acting, (since I was 11 years old), and that has helped tremendously! That gave me the thick skin needed to make it as an artist. I also have dyslexia, which has made me have to work twice as hard to accomplish my academic accolades. So, to my very core – I’m a fighter and I don’t give up!
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
The best “music” advice I’ve ever gotten is from Lady Gaga in an interview, “It’s not about how many times you get rejected or you fall down or you’re beaten up. It’s about how many times you stand up and are brave and you keep on going.”
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
I think the next game changer in the music industry and entertainment scene will be in NFTs (non-fungible tokens). I’ve spent a considerable amount of time studying this new phenomenon and I think it’s going to be HUGE for artists. This has opened up doors for artists to make money by selling digital ledgers of their photos, cover artwork, lyrics, and even the ability to mint their voice and sell that. I have a very prominent executive in the crypto trading world who just purchased some of my artwork (yes, I’m also a painter and sell my artwork on my art Instagram site: @caitlinraeartwork – Rae is my middle name). We are now in discussion of minting my voice and creating NFTs. This avenue gives artists an enormous advantage to make money.
