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

Sarena, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project that I chose to work on are my Music That Raised Us shows. It started in 2022, taking a leap of faith and starting an idea from the ground up. Music That Raised Us is powerful because it’s a creative business that I created that allows me to produce educational music history shows that not only cultivate togetherness and community, but also inspires anyone to follow their dreams and create a life of art. So far, Music That Raised us has two original shows under its belt, one entitled “Music That Raised Us”, which celebrates Black Female Artists throughout music history, as well as “The Motown Sound” a show that takes the audience through the history and success of Michigan’s very own music sensation, Motown.

One of the most fulfilling parts of Music That Raised Us, is that I get the opportunity to work with some of the most talented individuals that truly bring the history and music to life in a unique and remarkable way. I also love this project becuase it opens up the door for education and awareness to American music history and the impact black creatives have made within the entertainment industry.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan and I am a lover of music. I was raised in the church and grew up attending choir rehearsals with my mom, sitting in the front pew Sunday mornings, and watching every move the choir made while listening to every note they so beautifully sung. I had a deep love for expression, whether that be through movement, singing, writing, or performing, I always found a way to get what I was feeling released into the world.

At the age of 15, I began recording my original music and singing at events. I later attended college and attained a degree in Music Performance as a vocal major. After college, I went onto singing in a wedding band with incredible musicians that sharpened my craft and pushed me to grow as a vocalist. I soon, came out with my first original EP entitled “Heaven” in 2020, which incorporated my story growing up biracial and the complexities of being raised in a single parent home. In 2022, I wrote the narrative educational and musical show Music That Raised Us. In 2022, I also had the honor of representing my city as Miss Grand Rapids in the Miss Michigan Pageant. In 2023, I came out with a Christmas album and in 2024 released a new single “Feel So Fine”.

In the midst of my life in music I have also modeled for a Michigan based female sportsbra company SHEFIT. Which, truly inspired me in my personal life to move joyfully, whether that be long distance walking or weight lifting. I found a community within SHEFIT and feel supported through my fitness journey. I found that I thrive my best when I allow myself to be creative in more ways than one.

I have been dipping my toes in the acting world of entertainment, and starred on my first show Afro-Unicorn as a character looking for a job in a beauty salon. You can find this kids show on Youtube, (I am in

In 2024, I moved to Brooklyn, NY to continue pursing my love for entertainment and now in 2025 I live in Philadelphia. I sing in two different wedding bands, Bachelor Boys and also a NY based band, The Silverarrows. It’s exciting to adventure and live in a new place and meet other talented individuals in music.

I book both my orginal shows “Music That Raised Us” and “The Motown Sound” throughout Michigan, with the dream of taking both shows on an international tour.

I am still currently working on original music as a recording artist and hope to release an album in the summer of 2026.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society can support artists and creatives by purchasing orginal pieces of work. In this digital age, music and art are so easily accessible that it can be difficult to make a living as an artist. I encourage everyone to not just consume but be a part of the vibrancy that art breeds through supporting artists financially. Art and Music are the two things in this world that truly unite all humans, helping us to better understand one another and embrace our differences. Music is the international language as it works as a constant source for expression and storytelling, connecting us all through song.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The greatest resources come from relationships and tapping into your own source of courage. It takes courage to ask for help, and asking others for their advice or assistance is a great way to move forward in a dream or professional project. Not one single person is capable of doing everything and even if they did, they’d get burned out. It’s important to celebrate other’s talents by incorporating their expertise and wisdom within your creative projects. There are people that know more than you, have been around longer, and have fallen and gotten up many more times than you. ASK THEM about their experiences, and learn from those who have gone before you. Rome wasn’t built in a day and it surely wasn’t built by one person alone. Community is the greatest resource, so tap in and be courageous about it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarenarae.com
• Instagram: @sarenaraemusic
• Facebook: @sarenaraemusic
• Youtube: Sarena Rae
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4jIbYLmJt0P12tl6DtAz25

Image Credits

Seth Thompson
Dejour
Tyler Herb