Rachel Grae – How Dare You

By starrymag | April 12, 2023

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would explain my music as straight from my diary. I write all of my music based on true experiences, conversations I’ve had, etc. I try my best to be as authentic and real as possible by writing about topics that I would normally shy away from speaking about. Some people say my sound is a mix between Kelly Clarkson, Adele and Tate McRae.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I have so many musical influences. All of the people that I look up to share raw authenticity in their music. I’ve always been drawn to people to speak on topics that can impact the listener. There are too many to name, but Adele/Demi Lovato for their powerful/emotional ballads, I love Lizzy McAlpine’s lyricism and Ingrid Andres is amazing. So many.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “How Dare You.”

 

A) “How Dare You” is about someone who left my life and tried coming back when it was convenient for them, leaving me feeling like my patience and loyalty was taken for granted. I wrote this song to say everything I never said to that person. The songwriting process helped bring peace and honestly helped give me closure.

 

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

 

A) I try to be as genuine as possible in my music. I think a lot of people connect to this song because, even though it’s about a specific situation in my life, it can easily be interpreted differently based on what the listener is going through. The coolest part is that there are millions of stories you can take from one piece of art. This song is based on someone leaving my life, which has happened at least once in everyone’s life before.

 

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

 

A) My songwriting process is different depending on what song I’m writing. Sometimes I go into a session with a lyric or melody idea and run with that. Other times, my songwriting process starts with a mini therapy session to find inspiration for the song. I don’t necessarily need music before creating lyrics, but the music definitely influences what I write about so the two go hand in hand.

 

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

 

A) To me, production is just as important as the lyrics. When I go into sessions, I always have an idea of the type of vibe I’m going for based on what I’m writing about. Some stories have more of a stripped-down feel while others have the complete opposite. I try to be as involved as possible in the production process because it helps tell the story; the listener should feel something with or without lyrics involved.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) There is always something in the works. Guess you will just have to wait and see…[smiles]

 

Q) You are out on tour right now with lots of Spring dates to come. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) The most important places to me will always be New York and New Jersey because that’s my home base. Whenever I come back here, it just has a completely different aura for me. Everywhere I’ve been performing this tour so far has been so special because I’ve never been to most of these places. I can’t wait to travel to so many more cities and come back and perform in these cities again!

 

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

 

A) Of course, I’m always shooting for the stars and would love to collaborate with people like Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, etc. But I also have some songwriting trips coming up with some incredible writers and producers that I’ve always hoped to work with!! As long as an artist is real in their music, I’m open to collaborating with them. [smiles]

 

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

 

A) Recently, I’ve had Ingrid Andres, Lizzy McAlpine and Kelsea Ballerini on repeat. I just love the vulnerability and storytelling in their music so much. It’s incredibly inspiring to watch other artists share their own life experiences in such detail, but still see how much they relate to listeners on a personal level.

 

Q) You are a part of social media and have quite a large following! Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is so important because it’s the somewhat unfiltered medium (if you treat it that way) that allows me to be more “me” with my fans. It allows me to reach a fanbase outside of a single city or territory. The reach of social media is so incredible. I can connect with people in every corner of the world with the push of a button and interact with so many people I would never get the opportunity to meet otherwise.

I started writing music as therapy for myself, hoping someone else would also relate to what I was feeling. But, ultimately, it has allowed me to build this community I call my “friend” base, where everyone is able to interpret my music as they see fit and use it for their own personal healing.

 

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

A) You are human. Emotions are normal and being able to express them is a superpower. People are going to judge you no matter what, so make sure you don’t live your life just to impress others. You’re incredibly special and so loved in this world. Lastly, thank you for supporting me. I can only hope that my music can impact your life the way that your support has impacted mine.