Described as moody and rich, delicious dark Indie PopRock with a poetic base, Rae Chriss has busted out of your periphery. This nerdy software designer has just written her first album, “Liberated Density”. With two decades of silenced poetry she brings a robust and alluring vibe to what are otherwise troubling topics. From a young, bullied teen in West Virginia to an award winning young musician in Cary, North Carolina—she is now traveling the US to share her music.
The Mind of a Musician:
When did you make up your mind that you wanted to be a musician?
I don’t think there ever was a time that I remember “making up my mind” it always just felt like it was in the cards for me. I knew, even from a young age, that the biggest hurdle would be timing.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
I struggle to use the term “fans”. I prefer “supporters” or just plain ol’ friends. I’ve met so many people on my US tour for the album that it’s now one of my favorite things. A couple years ago, you’d be hard pressed to see me doing much else than reading a book as I waited at an open mic, but now I do take time to walk around and meet people. Hearing their stories puts life into mine and helps build perspective/wisdom for me. I think we can all learn something from each other and it’s not just a one way street.
When performing and the crowd is singing along, how does that energy make you feel?
Quite baffled honestly. I don’t think I’ve gotten over the shock of it just yet. People typically sing along to Robot’s Don’t Get High the most. It makes me feel heard, it makes me feel understood, and it makes what I’m doing worth it to know that they really do like my work enough to store it away in their hearts & minds. I’m thankful for that space <3
And I hope that little girl hears every word that they sing.
What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
Climbing that ladder! It’s the most brutal, but once you get in some strides and look back at where you were, it’s the best feeling. To see where I am today and know that my feet are what brought me here gives me a great sense of accomplishment and pride. I finally feel like I am living the life that I want and listening to what I desire from this world.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Oh yeah! A ton. I usually pack a lot of undercurrents, metaphors, and ambiguous subject matter into my poetry. I’m not sure why it comes out that way, but it does. My work is very dense, for better or for worse. I could probably write a page or more about each song on the album and what they mean to me. It’s fun to see what different people catch about different songs. I really enjoy hearing how something hits them.
Which famous musicians have you learned from?
Nora Jones, Bonnie Raitt, Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, Ingrid Michaelson, Florence + The Machine, Janis Joplin, Cat Stevens, Tom Petty, John Mayer, Brian Adams–all sprinkled with some heaaaavy influence from my momma. She’s famous in my book.
What makes a performance/song good? How do you judge a performance/song?
Gotta be connected to that emotion!
How often and for how long do you practice?
Aye! Not as much as I would like to on the road. Once I finish a day “at the office” then I get ready and head to an open mic. A lot of my practice this year has been on stage. BUT in my stints of down time I would say I practice guitar at least an hour a day if not more, and singing… well that just never stops. lol
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to sing as a career?
Learn to sing from your root chakra. I’ve just discovered this! It helps prepare my body for centering and creates the right tension for breath support.
Who helped you most in your journey?
The One Above. I could sit and ask anyone for advice all day, but it’s not going to be as clear as listening from within. All of the work I have done this year would have been impossible had I not had guidance and assuredness at every step of this journey. It’s not just BS either. Learning to listen to what’s going on internally is a very difficult thing to do, but when it happens, so much becomes clear and attainable.
What would you do differently if you were to start over again from day one?
I like where I’m at and what’s happening, so I don’t think I would change a thing.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Oooooohhh, well. I don’t think I have gotten to the center of the beast quite yet, so I’m not sure my answer is sufficient. I wish it was less of a numbers game and more of a love game.
How would your peers describe you in the music industry?
I think my peers are still shocked honestly. I tend to downplay things and mostly kept to myself about my music before this album. They might describe me as a talented writer with a beautiful voice.
How would the people closest to you describe you outside of the industry?
Ha, uhhh. Quiet, goofy, backwards, determined, responsible, loving? I feel some sort of way stating what I think others would say to describe me. lol
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
100% I’m always into something. I’m a 2nd degree reiki practitioner, foodie, I love yoga, meditation, Wim Hof, painting, camping, hiking, reading, and salsa dancing. And above all, quality time with friends and family! <3
LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/rae.chriss
URL: https://www.raechriss.com/
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/53qZ1w1ZHCZEiVzC5pR9G5?si=wK_LjlItSF2mQEjgzB7mqQ
End of Interview
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