Finding faith in tragedy: Meet Winter Rae

Independent singer-songwriter Winter Rae had dreams of becoming a singer at a young age. After dropping out of college and moving to Atlanta to pursue her aspirations, she’s faced loss and tragedy, yet remained true to herself and her faith to light her way. We had the opportunity to speak with her about how she got her start, how she stays motivated, meeting the right (and wrong) people in the industry and what she’s working on next.

Thanks for sharing your story with us. Let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.

I was raised in a small town in Alabama where no one dares to dream big! I remember telling my peers about my goals and receiving laughter and ridicule in return on several occasions. I believe being successful in music became something to prove and that their mockery was the fuel needed to propel me to my destination. On the bright side, being raised in such a place taught me humility and respect for my fellow man. I was raised on honesty, loyalty and compassion which are three traits I believe the world needs NOW more than ever. Having this modest background helped me navigate the music industry with poise and efficiency. 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I was inspired to write music back in 2004 when I was living in a foster home. I used to come home every day from school and go in my foster mom’s basement to listen to music on her gigantic stereo system. She had thousands of CDs, from Cher to Nelly — a true music connoisseur. As I started taking interest into certain genres over others, I began writing all the lyrics to my favorite songs in my notebook. I was unintentionally teaching myself how to structure songs by analyzing each song I wrote down. From that, I was motivated to write my own song. My first song, written at age 7, was entitled ‘Wild Horses’. I sang it to my foster mother while she held the page of lyrics and was met by a wave of congratulations and praise. She told me I’d be a superstar one day and that I had what it takes to turn my dreams into reality.

Are there any struggles you’ve faced along the way? If so, what did you do to stay motivated?

Being a part of the music industry takes sacrifice. Everyone knows it or has heard that statement before. In January 2017, I dropped out of college and moved to Atlanta to professionally pursue my dreams. That was the same year I lost my grandmother and my older brother. I lost the people closest to me only a month apart and then found out I was pregnant a few months after that. I wasn’t sure where my life was headed, and it felt like the whole world was against me at that time. But I kept faith in God and in myself that no matter what was thrown at me, I would come out triumphant. I’ve seen my future so vividly in my dreams that I would never allow any obstacle to make me give up on such a bright future. I’m breaking generational curses so I can’t give up. This is for my family, for my grandchildren and for my ancestors as well. I stay prayed up and talk to God throughout the day about every problem I face and every blessing I receive. We have a very strong relationship and I have full faith that He will always provide for me in all situations. 

Please tell us more about your music, what you are currently focused on, and what you’re most proud of.

My music is for inspirational purposes only. The intention behind it is to motivate the listener to be confident in themselves BY THEMSELVES. Self-sufficiency, self-love and independence are some of the things I promote in my music. I’m currently working on the final touches for my album “Power”, which is coming out late June. I’m most proud of my resiliency and determination to make it this far and never give up on my dreams and aspirations.

Describe your creative writing process. 

When I’m ready to create a new record, the first thing I need is a dope beat. Then I record in full-length what I call a “mumble track” which consists of the melody and cadence without the lyrics. Then, I go back and reassemble the melody by cutting the mumble track and placing it where it feels best with the beat. I then find the words in the mumble track and punch it in where it feels right. The only thing left to do after that is background vocals, adlibs and harmonies. That completes my process. 

How do you think the industry will change over the next 5 years, specifically in Atlanta?

I think the industry will be more geared towards the independent artist in the next five years. I believe we’re coming into a new age where there are no boundaries on genre or race. Everyone makes every kind of music, and no one is living in a box anymore. We are free to create the way we want to! Atlanta has been dubbed “Black Hollywood” and is notorious for breaking out many Hip-Hop/Rap artists but, I feel as though other genres will begin to emerge from the music mecca soon.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to someone just starting in music?

Do your research on everyone you cross paths with. People will lie about who they are and what they’ve done to take advantage of new artists. Listen to people who have achieved the type of goals that you’re chasing. They’ve already done it, so they know what they are talking about. Take your time creating your lane, your style and your sound — don’t bite other artists’ swag. It’s one thing for your music to sound inspired by someone but it’s an entirely different thing to take someone’s entire sound and become a clone of them. Set your boundaries for what you will and won’t do and stick to it! This industry will try its best to mold you into something you’re not. Remember who you are at your core and never allow yourself to lower your standards for anyone or any amount of money.

 You can find Winter Rae on Instagram @iamwinterrae and check out more of her music on her You42 Channel. Stay tuned for her album, dropping late June!