Najeé Rayne – Press ME

By starrymag | March 14, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as a millennial RNB/HIPSound with the demeanor and poise of a 90s track! I enjoy making music that keeps people listening throughout the entire song, a strong chorus with even stronger verses

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I feel like there are so many people who have helped shape me into the artist I am today. Growing up I didn’t start listening to rap music until I heard acts like Drake and Nicki Minaj. They are huge influences on my sound; to see Nicki Minaj flourish when I was in high school was a dream for real! It showed me that I could be sexy and lyrical the same way Drake taught me I could be an emotional savage while making timeless music all at once. I have so much respect and admiration for both of them.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Press ME.”

A) My new single “Press Me” was deliberately made for people who feel they have a hard time saying “no.” The story behind the song is basically me — a single woman with “many options” that she just doesn’t want! So often I’ve felt like I had to deal with a person, or I’d be the b*tch! I taught myself that being completely upfront with what you want from a situation is the best possible way to avoid conflict! “Press Me” embodies your right to detach from any situation you no longer want to be near. “Don’t you kill my vibe and don’t you ever get too stressed, and don’t you ever…” are the leading words into the hook and this just describes the necessary freedom that is required in order to maintain one’s singular energy. I want people to feel safer being free and to not feel “pressed” for doing what they want to do!

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think songs’ commercial flow and upbeat tempo is a big part of the connection to the fans! It’s a bop and I’m really spitting a dope verse. I switch up my flows and try my best to keep it fresh and entertaining! I hope they get it stuck in their head and play it back all day!

 

Q) Why is self-love so important, especially during our current times?

A) Self-love is literally the only thing we have as individuals; everything else is just materialistic fluff! Without that real understanding and love for thyself it’s hard to achieve anything more than complacency. Self-love is the key to success and for me that is the key to financial freedom and these times (this pandemic) has taught me why financial freedom is so important to have.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The video for this track is definitely completely tied into its lyrical theme of “don’t press me, you gotta fall back leave me lone”🎵

In the video I’ll be with my love interest whom I clearly don’t love laying out the boundaries I set forward. I think it’ll be a fun watch for my fans who tune in!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I can create lyrics with or without music, but I prefer to have a beat playing. Because I’m an independent artist I take my music writing very seriously because it’s only me working on each song. So, I start with searching for a beat, I go through maybe 20-45 beats and I’ll pick 5-9 of them. Then, I’ll put them on a playlist and let them play while I attempt to freestyle over them. It’s fun. Sometimes I do it with a friend. Eventually, I get a chorus or a verse and once I do I leave the beat alone. I come back the next day with a clear fresh mind and tackle the beat again and then on and so forth.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I am a huge part of the production. For me to consider myself an independent artist that means I write, produce and market my music! When I’m in the studio with my engineer, we talk about the breaks and the doubles that go on the track. I like to learn new things as well while I make music. I hope to one day be able to make my own beats and sell them as well.

 

Q) Your last album was The Total Package. Is there another coming in the near future?

A) Definitely another project coming soon! I’m learning that albums take more time. I plan to drop a few EPS this year and maybe a mixtape.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

A) I love to perform in NYC! My hometown! I grew up performing here at places like Long Island University, NUYOrican Poets Cafe, SOBs and the SilverCafe!

 

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

A) There’s so many artists I’d like to collaborate with but I’m excited to work with Trippie Redd or even Summer Walker one day!

 

Q) You have a dual degree in Political Science and Theatre. Why was it important for you to get an education before pursuing music?

A) I had no choice. I lived with my parents who saw to it that I valued my education from a young age. I appreciate those values because I had no business making music or trying to work in an industry without first getting my education and maturing. I learned so much while waitressing and paying for my tuition through college and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) I haven’t been listening to music lately, if I’m being honest. But an album that never gets old for me is Ariana Grande’s most recent. I think she did a great job with its production and as usual her vocals are flawless

 

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

A) It’s the only way to connect with them currently due to COVID. Having a social media influence is my livelihood.

 

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

A) If you’re tuned in, thank you so much. I couldn’t do this without you all