Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Coralie Jae. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Coralie, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My first music teacher was my grandmother. She has been encouraging me to sing since I was very young, and was one of my first piano teachers when I was 7 years old. Whereas a lot of grandmothers would simply applaud anything their grandchildren performed, she actively gave me critique and guidance because she knew I was capable of so much more. She has always been incredibly supportive of everything I have tried, from studying music classically to now releasing music that I have produced myself.
I went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music, specifically focusing on Voice and Composition, with a minor in Contemporary Music Production. While my education was instrumental in how I became the artist I am today, I can’t discount what I’ve learned simply through experience and anecdotes from other artists. There is no one right way to be an artist, and I think learning the importance of paving my own way has been the most important lesson of all. Also, I am still learning. I hope I never get to a place where I am so arrogant to think I’ve learned everything I need.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Coralie Jae, and I am a singer/songwriter from Northeastern Ohio. I strive to tell stories about the ugly parts of ourselves that we hide, or may feel ashamed of, and transform those feelings through song. The most special feedback I’ve received on my music were listeners telling me that my work touched them, and made them feel seen. When you have the courage to open up and share and it lands with someone, a special connection is formed.
I would consider myself a lyricist before anything else, and I owe my inspiration and framework for how I write to the sheer amount of poetry and prose I’ve read. Rod McKuen is a fantastic lyricist/poet that I’ve been drawn to, as well as the deliciously purple prose of author Lauren DeStefano. Sonically, I draw a lot of inspiration from indie pop and alternative rock. Within the production-realm of my work, I love the bedroom/garage scene. Working with the resources available to you to make art is a fantastic attitude to have, and making music with friends is the most fun!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I used to carry a lot of arrogance around my work. I thought, “Well, I studied music, I read poetry. I’m going to be the best singer and writer there is in every space I walk into.” And that was so far from the truth! What I had in book knowledge, I lacked in insight, in experience, and quite frankly, in talent. I’ve met musicians without a lick of formal education who could clear the floor with anyone you put them in a room with. It’s been a beautiful journey to be humbled. I never want to assume I’m the best in a room because it closes the door to learn from someone else who might have something important to teach you. It’s taught me to have a healthy appraisal of my work, to see where I’m genuinely a strong artist, and where I need to improve.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
The creative process is very little just “sitting and waiting for inspiration”. Creativity is a muscle to be trained. Of course, you can go through dead spells. But I find I go through less when I’m actively working to do one creative thing every single day, whether it’s chords, a riff, a lyrical idea. This was a lesson that took me a while to learn, and I’m so glad I did. It’s an inspiration and also a grim reminder. I don’t need to have visions and this mystical blessing of creativity, but I do need to be working hard.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: coraliejae
- Other: coraliejae.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Jaxon Yoder, Diana Tocheff, Joseph McNichols