Courtney Rau – Looks 2 Good 2 Be Bad

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I have a very different sound. I’m very country, pop. I have a mixture of both genres and I think that is because my dad listened to country artists. Garth Brooks was his favorite and my mom listened to 80’s pop singers like Madonna and Michael Jackson. I think that has definitely influenced my sound.

Q) You have a new song out now “Looks 2 Good 2 Be Bad.” What was the inspiration for the song?

A) I can’t really tell you that, but it was definitely involving a boyfriend I had a little while ago. I wrote that song in Nashville with my wonderful producer Joe Vulpis and Kirsti Mana. We sat in a room for about five hours. I had some great ideas and we just sat and wrote our hearts out. It definitely helped me to voice my ideas and steer it in the right direction.

Q) What is your song writing process like? Do you need to have the music before the lyrics?

A) No. First, if I go through something or something happens in my life where I think it would be beneficial to write a song I talk to my producer Joe or even my mom. I talk to her about song ideas. I usually like to start with a title because I think that a title can be super powerful and defines what the song is going to be about. Once I get a good title, I start writing the lyrics and sometimes the music just automatically comes with the words. Sometimes I have to help with the music part of it.

Q) How much hand did you have in the production of your album?

A) I am there the whole time, but Joe produces everything and does all the behind scenes work.

Q) You have had three songs on the Billboard Top 40. How does that make you feel?

A) “Looks 2 Good 2 Be Bad” just went to number thirty-six on the “Hot 100 Chart.” It is so amazing and mind-blowing. It is like a dream come true. I’m so thankful for everything and for everyone who has helped me get where I am and motivate me. It’s the most amazing feeling!

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) There are so many people I would love to collaborate with, even crossing genres. If I had to pick one it would be Miley Cyrus. I’m not saying I condone the way she is criticized by the media and what she has done, but as an artist she writes her songs in a way that really gets to your heart. I feel like I have loved her since she was “Hannah Montana” and I love her sound. I just think no one is like her in any way. Yes, she is crazy and has a reputation, but I think that in order for you to be successful people are always going to try to bring you down. I think that has motivated her to be the great artist that she is.

Q) This week you’ll be performing at The Bitter End. What can fans expect from a live Courtney Rau performance?

A) I am so excited to be performing at The Bitter End! Joe got me this gig and a couple years back when he was working with the great Lady Gaga she actually performed there with him as well. So, it’s a really, really big honor to be able to play on that stage. I really, really thank him for that. We have a couple covers and a lot of original stuff off my new album. My sister, Kylie, is part of my band so she will be there. She sings with me, plays guitar and banjo and she plays piano. She is just all over the map and I am so lucky to have her in my band with me. There is also my Christmas single that we will be playing, “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” which is now available on iTunes. It’sgong to be a very fun show. I’m super excited!

Q) How do you select the songs you are going to cover?

A) It’s kind of songs that I get a good first impression of when I hear them on the radio. I guess they are songs that once I hear I can’t get them out of my head. I talk them over with Joe, my sister and the guys in the band. We kind of all give suggestions as to which songs would be good covers. We try them out. Some we say suck and some we think are doable. It’s a team effort, definitely.

Q) What are some of your pre-show rituals?

A) Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! I am going to New York early so that the band and I can rehearse for a couple hours the night before. Right before the show, I kind of get really quiet and Joe and I always have a powwow before every show. He gives me good advice and gets my head in the game. I just take a couple deep breaths and then I am ready to go. I get nervous an hour before the show, but leading up to it as time goes by I get less and less nervous. I just take deep breaths and do what I love to do.

Q) What can fans do to help promote.

A) My website is http://www.courtneyrau.com and my Facebook is on there. All of my other sites are on there as links. Definitely check that out and there is all kinds of photos, songs and dates of shows. If you ever have any questions, check my website!

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Today I think social media is definitely the most important thing. Even my Grandma is on Instagram now! It’s kind of like all ages are on it. It’s something you have to keep up with to keep the fans happy and have everyone stay connected. I just love the interaction. I’ve definitely been introduced through social media to people that I have ended up working with and ended up becoming friends with and writing with. The aspect that you can meet people that have such similar interests and meet up with them and work with them makes it a powerful tool that is very important.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) I just want to say thank you so much for everything. I am so grateful for everyone that has been with me on this journey so far. For supporting me and loving me, I love each and every single one of you. I’m so thankful and so happy. I can’t wait to see you all out there at my next show and future shows. Just thank you so, so much!