The Influences of Rae Radick & Her Influence On Music...
Can you tell us when was the moment you knew music needed to be your life's work?
This may sound corny, but I’ve known that I was destined to be a performer since I was a child. There’s many VHS tapes of me dancing and singing as a toddler around the house. My parents recognized my passion at a young age and enrolled me in dance classes when I was three years old. After years of training and competing in competitions, I enrolled in singing lessons. I used to sing in a local youth group at church on Sundays, and always wanted to learn how to play instruments like my band members. So when I was twelve years old my parents got me piano and guitar lessons. I always wrote songs in my spare time, so after I learned to play I was able to apply chords and sounds to the songs I wrote. At age sixteen I released my first EP, “Lovesick Teenager.” After graduating from DeSales University I moved to New York City to pursue performing in all aspects: singing, acting, songwriting, dancing, and modeling. Yes, I’m an actress as well :-) In 2021 I released my second EP, Rae Radick and have been receiving many positive reviews.
Where does the soul of your music come from?
I believe one’s soul is a combination of its influences. I am moved by so many artists, genres, and experiences so I believe it’s a blend of all of them. Some specific artists that move me to my core and come through in my writing whether I want them to or not are: Fleetwood Mac, Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Shania Twain, and James Taylor.
Being in touch with one’s soul, emotions, and perspective is critical in being an artist. So I try to nurture my relationship with myself as much as I can, in as many ways as I can.
We're excited for your musical journey! What is at the heart of your music?
Thank you! So far the journey has been incredible. In terms of what’s at the heart of my music– that depends on the song. Some recurring themes I notice that come through in many songs are family bonds, relationships of love and loss, and nostalgia. I find beauty in the bittersweet things in life such as first love that may not have lasted but changed you forever, the importance of family and the strength it gives you, and how our outlook on life changes from a child to adult.
How would you describe your sound to people who may have not heard your music yet!
My sound is different with each song I compose and is a blend of pop and country. Some songs are more rock such as “Blur the Lines” and “Circle Game”, but for the most part it’s pop country. I like to write about universal truths and personal experiences that everyone can relate to in some way. My recent EP, Rae Radick, is a combination of fun/upbeat with vulnerable storylines.
How much love do you put into putting a set together?
As many people tell me, my passion is my greatest strength and weakness. Everything I do is intensely passionate and approached from a loving, selfless place. Even when selling merchandise I try to encourage people to give to charities I’m affiliated with and/or supporting the designers who designed my merch. In curating a set, I try to read the audience and let them influence what I play. For example, if an audience is older I may lean towards classic artists such as Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, and/or Janis Joplin. However, if it’s a younger crowd I will perform Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, and/or Harry Styles. In terms of my own music, I’m proud to say it’s eclectic enough to appeal to both audiences young and old– so I always play my originals no matter what audience.
What do you most want to learn about as you create more music for the world to sing to?
What people want to hear more of. I feel like society is moving in a synth, bop, mid tempo dance vibe. Even country music has morphed into a different feel from five years ago. As I create more music I want to learn what the people want to hear and sing along with.
Is there music that you aren't prepared to release yet? Why?
Sometimes there’s songs that end up on the shelf not because they’re not good, but because it’s all about timing. I’ve written many songs that I feel are strong, but I know it’s not the right time to release them yet. It’s hard to describe but after you perform enough and see the pattern of what’s being released on the radio, it’s helpful to navigate what to release next. At this point in music I believe people want a specific vibe, and so I have to pick and choose what songs fit into that category.
Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rae.radick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raeradick
Website: www.raeradick.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OOH09nkytxfFVeTfBRlP8?si=5QVpyhfATE66RvF0hFsXCw
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/raeradick
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rae-radick/1509126173
Music Videos:
Keep ‘Em Guessing- https://youtu.be/Un22DfLyKPI
In A Memory- https://youtu.be/i_hCqaZ63os
Sorry’s Not Good Enough- https://youtu.be/DOqTyeEYpRc
The Soldier and the Bombshell- https://youtu.be/VhVXYMetExQ
Circle Game- https://youtu.be/HG4nEkItsLg
When It All Goes Down- https://youtu.be/q8Bju75pjIQ