An Interview With The Promising Singer, ALEXANDRA RAE!

After moving from her hometown at 21, Alexandra Raé had a lot to say about adulthood. Her latest collection “Power to Me,” is a salute to all of the frustrating, confusing and draining obstacles involved in growing up and how they make you who you are.

She learns to stop and smell the roses with “Take a Beat” and its lively mo-town sound. “Power to Me” follows with a bass/guitar heavy, pop-rock beat where she asserts her independence in the dating world; Nelson Bragg’s added percussion brings a unique sound to the production. She learns to accept her past heart breaks with “The Life That You Gave Away.” Alexander Hahn’s powerful saxophone solo screams jazz. In “Crazy” she understands the feeling of holding on to someone special through ups and downs. Finally, her rendition of “Don’t Worry Baby” is a soulful tribute to The Beach Boys.

With her extremely talented producers Scott Bennett, former Brian Wilson band member and Tom Wardle, UK recording artist, the three collaborated to make this EP an exciting journey for listeners that brings back classic 60s Motown, modernized to make you feel nostalgic whether you were around for it or not.

Learn more about Alexandra Raé in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you?

Hey, I’m on the way to the studio with my bf and producer

Now that we are into the 6th month of the new year, how has 2019 been treating you so far? What are some goals that you have for yourself this year? How are those New Years Resolutions going?

2019 has been lit. I’m going to make some music videos happen this year for Power To Me. I’m also in film school right now so it’s been busy.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?

I was told that at 2 years old I was singing at my own birthday parties, on a stage. I’m sure I was divine. I’ve always loved music. I used to dress up like Britney Spears and sing for my parents (with her in the background on tv [obviously we were in very different outfits, her and I]) It was an easy choice. I love to create and I always will.

Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?

There was a time where I thought I’d branch out to make others happy. I wanted to be an archaeologist at one point and a pediatrician at another. I went to a medical camp that I was invited to and as soon as we watched the first real surgery I almost passed  out. Side note: Mad respect for doctors.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

Not everyone writes their own music.

Let’s talk about your newest 6-song EP, “Power To Me.” What was it like putting this collection together? Did anything surprise you about the overall process of making it?

So many studio hours. I loved it. Writing and recording a single is one thing but trying to get an EP down and keep the theme takes major time.

Why did you decide to cover The Beach Boys’ “Don’t Worry Baby” on this EP?

I knew I wanted a classic cover on the album. I just didn’t know what song. One night, I was driving home from a wedding with my bf and it was a silent ride the good kind—When there’s just a good song playing on the radio at the perfect volume. “Don’t Worry Baby” was playing and as soon as the song was over I told Kurt that was the song I wanted to finish “Power To Me.”

What was it like working with producers Scott Bennett, former Brian Wilson band member and Tom Wardle? How did that collaboration come to be?

I met Tom through a mutual friend and we talked about music and that he’d been working with Scott on his album. I asked them to help me with a few singles and we just clicked. I wanted to do the album with them. They’re hard workers and I’m thankful to be able to work with them and the expansive, yet very different, minds.

Where can people see you perform live next? What has been an ideal show of yours in the past?

I would love to perform at some kind of dark chill bar with an intimate audience where I can do some more soulful stuff.

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started singing and writing songs?

I actually listen to people’s ideas about my music. I don’t always take it but I’ve accepted that I don’t know everything.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

I’m pretty into Instagram and Snapchat. I also like this newer platform called Dayflash. It’s like an artsy photo site. Good stuff. It’s a little harder to keep everyone up to date sometimes when I get busy but I’m slowly trying to mKe it a part of my day in a calming way. I love editing photos and thinking of random tweets. It can be like a therapy for me.  

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Amy Winehouse’s singing, writing and phrasing. Frank Sinatra because, come on. Miley Cyrus and Childish Gambino as artists. They know how to put on a show. Miley does what she does and lets people feel however they want to about it. Gambino always has that sweet confidence that makes his performance an actual adventure. It would be enlightening and refreshing to work with either Miley or Childish.

If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?

It would be the story of At Worlds End meets Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.

What has been a favorite place that you have heard your music played? Can you remember the first time you ever heard a song of yours on the radio, on TV or elsewhere?

Definitely parties. It’s even better when they don’t know it’s me!

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

To dance. Also, music for insecurity while growing and being okay with learning and change.

Would you like to share anything else with our readers about your music?

Not everybody likes the music I make but I do.