We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raelyn Nelson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Raelyn, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

You know, I don’t think there was ever one big aha! moment like in the movies where the clouds part and angels sing or whatever. It was more like a slow, sneaky takeover—like melodies and lyrics just kinda crept in, made itself at home, and refused to leave. I always loved singing and writing little songs as a kid.

But if I had to pick a moment where the lightbulb flickered on, it was probably the time in second grade when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up and my grandpa singing on stage popped into my head and I knew right then.

The funny thing is, I didn’t grow up thinking I’d follow in my grandpa’s footsteps exactly—those are some big ol’ new balances to fill. But music runs deep in my blood, and once I realized I could carve out my own weird little path, I was all in. It wasn’t about fame or chasing some big career dream; it was just about doing what’s fun to me. And it still is.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well hey yall! I’m Raelyn Nelson—a singer, songwriter, podcaster, yoga lover, mama, and all-around creative soul just trying to spread some good vibes and maybe make you laugh along the way. I front the Raelyn Nelson Band, which is a little bit country, a little bit rock ’n’ roll, and a whole lotta fun. Think Loretta Lynn meets Cheap Trick at a dive bar and they decide to start a band. That’s kind of our vibe.

I grew up surrounded by music—my grandpa is Willie Nelson, so let’s just say family reunions are at the 4th of a July picnics—but I didn’t jump into it right away. I was a single mom for a while and focused on raising my youngins, but the pull to create was always there. Eventually, I got into the studio with some amazing folks and found my sound—loud, twangy, honest, and unapologetically me.

Outside of music, I co-own a nonprofit yoga studio, Stardust Yoga, where we try to make yoga and community wellness accessible to everyone. We’re all about good energy, body positivity, and laughing during downward dog.

I also co-host a podcast with my friend JB called Did We Cheers Yet?, where we basically talk about life, drink stuff, and get real about everything from music to parenting to just trying to stay sane in this wild world.

What sets me apart? I think it’s that I don’t try to fit into one box. Whether it’s music, yoga, or podcasts, I like to keep it real and weird. I’m not afraid to talk about the messy stuff or laugh at myself—or wear ridiculously fun outfits.

What am I most proud of? Probably that I’ve managed to build this life doing what I love, while also raising three incredible youngins and staying true to who I am. I’ve learned that success doesn’t always look like charts or dollar signs—it looks like community, creativity, and waking up excited to do what you do.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Well first of all, let’s all just admit that we are all creatives in some way. Music, art, comedy, storytelling, yoga, dance, making anything out of nothing—it’s what brings color to life and helps people feel seen, heard, and less alone. If we want a thriving creative ecosystem, we’ve gotta treat it like it matters. Because it does.

One big thing society can do is stop expecting artists to work for “exposure.” We can’t pay our electric bills with Instagram likes. Creatives deserve to be paid fairly for their work, just like everybody else. That means we all have to buy merch, tip, pay for shows/services, valuing the emotional and cultural labor that we all put out into the world.

Also—can we please normalize art as work? Like yeah, it’s fun and soulful and magical, but it’s also late nights, self-doubt, hard travel days, and wearing ten hats at once. Entertainers are small business owners, marketers, therapists, dreamers, and doers, all rolled into one. Give us access to grants, affordable healthcare, mental health support, and spaces to create without going broke.

And honestly? Just show up. Go to the shows, read the poems, laugh at the weird TikToks, buy the art, cheer for your friends. It doesn’t take much to help a creative person feel seen and encouraged—and that can be the one thing that day that keeps ‘em going.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Honestly? The most rewarding part of being an artist is tricking people into thinking my feelings are cool. Like, here’s my heartbreak in a 3-minute song with a catchy hook—enjoy! And when someone tells me it helped them through something or made them laugh or cry or dance in their kitchen? That’s the good stuff.

Also, getting to do what I love in fun outfits while my youngins think I’m kind of famous—but only kind of—is pretty great too.

Contact Info:

• Website: HTTP://www.raelynnelsonband.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/raelynnelsonband
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/raelynnelsonband
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/raelynnelsonband

Image Credits

Carlton Freeman
Bruce BootlegDead