We were lucky to catch up with Rae Radick recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rae, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I am happy to say I’ve been a full time performing artist and I love it! There’s a lot of steps that are involved that lead to this kind of lifestyle, and it involves perfecting your craft and hustling. A lot of what this industry is made up of is discipline, dedication, talent, and confidence.
When I began to pursue my career I was in New York and there are lots of opportunities there. I began as a singer and actress, waitressing on the side. Then as years went on I was able to quit my restaurant job, released an album, created amazing music videos, went on tour, opened for Miranda Lambert, and the rest is history.
Some of the major steps in my journey include acting. Although I am pursuing a singer/songwriter career, I also love acting. It taught me a lot about human behavior and being truthful, and I included those lessons learned in my songwriting. I strongly believe acting and songwriting feed each other– which makes me different as an artist. I understand all facets of performing and storytelling, and a well rounded artist.
Although I wish I could’ve learned these lessons in a quicker manner, I trust that things happen for a reason. So things unfolded as they should have. Knowing what I now know, I wish I could have pursued songwriting earlier than I did…but I still got there :-)
Rae, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been performing since I was three years old. I like to say music chose me because I never wanted to be or do anything but a performer. My parents recognized my love for music at an early age and enrolled me in dance classes when I was three. Then I began singing lessons at age twelve, piano and guitar lessons at age thirteen, and songwriting at age sixteen. I grew up in Pennsylvania in a suburban area where country music and nature are ever surrounding. I graduated from DeSales University with a B.A. in Musical Theater, and lived in New York as a full time singer and actress. I released an album in 2021 and have been touring ever since.
My credits include opening for Grammy winner Miranda Lambert, as well as Brett Young and Bret Michaels. I’ve performed on Broadway at the Palladium Theater in Times Square. I’ve been featured on numerous radio stations, and blog articles as “Artist of the Week.” I’ve performed at the Hilton Hotel in Atlantic City, Fox and Friends, Shea Stadium, Intrepid Museum, Queen Mary in San Diego, Brooklyn Bowl, The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, Red Lion, and Pete’s Candy store to name a few. I also write music for feature films.
My influences include Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, and Fleetwood Mac. In my 2021 EP I wanted to create an album that was enjoyable for everyone- so some songs are more country than others, while other songs are more pop/rock. I currently am based in New York, NY and Nashville, TN and tour all over the United States.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2019 I set out to record an album that would propel my career as a singer/songwriter. When my production team and I were halfway through our album COVID-19 hit and we had to stop. As weeks turned into months, we agreed to finish the album remotely. It was very tough sending songs via email, and vocal recordings from my closet instead of a real ecording studio…but we finished it!
Creating an album during COVID-19 was the greatest challenge because it forced my production team and I to think outside the box. It also taught me new skills such as operating a sound engineer program. I improved my guitar skills because I had lots of free time to play. My single, “Circle Game” was written during the pandemic on my bed, and I was battling heavy emotions due to the pandemic and fear of the virus. I am so proud of my production team and myself for persevering during that time. We finished the album and I still think it sounds amazing!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Follow their favorite artists on social media platforms, attend their shows, and buy their merchandise. Every artist is nothing without their audience, and with supportive fans it encourages us to keep going. I love getting messages and hearing how my song inspired someone or which of my songs is their favorite. When people come to my shows it’s incredibly fulfilling and helps me evolve my sound and performance.
As an indie artist every purchase of merchandise helps because it came from my own pocket. When people donate, buy a t-shirt, or album it goes directly to my music fund. The best thing society and fans can do is support their favorite artists in every way possible- social media shout outs, donate or purchase their merchandise, and attend their shows.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.raeradick.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rae.radick/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raeradick/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RaeRadick
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OOH09nkytxfFVeTfBRlP8?si=Thn4se3yRSGbuS1AlNqqoA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rae.radick?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Reto Sterchi Marisa Taylor