Interview: Bobbi Rae

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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

I was always drawn to poetry and writing, however I would say my first introduction would be the church choir then when I started to consider music as a career would say my two older brothers who are currently producers, who both graduated from Full Sail University,

Honestly, if I wasn't doing music and performing, I'd probably still be in the Air force. I joined the Military as soon as I graduated HIgh school!

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity? Whenever I am away from music I love to Roller Skate, Bike Ride, or Sit in Nature (Park, Lake, etc...) as well as Listen to Poetry. Anything outdoors reminds me of my childhood and the blissfulness of just living carefree, and music is freedom to me so when im creating or in the studio. I tap into the moments when I feel most free and write from that place. As far as listening to Live jazz or poetry, I Love Love Love lyrics and word choice, it's like a fun mind game of how many ways can you say something as simple as "I Love You" so listening to poetry and wordplay helps me write music in different cadences and styles.

How long has music been your career? I decided to pursue music seriously in fall of 2015.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I am based out of New Orleans! If You don't know, New Orleans is one of the most magical cities in the world and is well known for its Jazz , soul, and Brass music! Growing up in Slidell ( across the lake) and having New Orleans in my backyard was heaven to me. I would frequent New Orleans as often as I could just to hear the music! From 2nd lines to hole in the wall poetry slams New Orleans has really influenced my music in a way that helps me connect with people, because New Orleans is a place that welcomes and accepts all walks of life!

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

The Best Show I've ever played was in 2019 in Sao Luis while on tour in Brazil. The energy of that place was euphoric, I can't wait to make my way back there!

I honestly don't consider many shows bad shows (my way of thinking lol) but if i have to say one show that was extremely uncomfortable, would have been a small intimate show I did at this night club and the mic stand broke right before i went on so my manager at the time has to hold my mic in front of me the entire performance lol (none of that footage was put to use).

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already? My favorite venue thus far again would have been in Brazil at the famous Bourbon Street Music club in Sao Paulo.

I would Love for my band and I to crush a show at "The Chapel" in San Francisco CA. The Venue is Sick!!!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket? Hands Down my Line up would be

Ari Lennox

Snoh Aalegra

Anderson Paak

SZA

Giveon

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?

Really hone in on your strength, find that niche that makes you, you. Then work on your weak points along the way. I think too often ( and I was a participant of this) we as artists want to be "Perfect" but perfection should never be the goal but to consistently work on yourself, day by day. piece by piece, then one day you look up and the world will see you as "Perfect" but in reality you just decided to work on something every day to make you a better person.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be? Trust Yourself, Trust The Process, anything worth the prize, Takes discipline, dedication, and PASSION.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

This is a song that hasn't been released yet but it's "DIfferent" which is a song telling people to be comfortable in their own skin, and that it's ok to be different, unique.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

My favorite song to play live on my guitar is Crucify Me, but most requested would probably be "Fatal Attraction", which hasn't been released yet.

What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?

My creative process usually starts with sitting out in nature, by the water (I'm a pisces) or time with people who inspire me or watch people who inspire me. I write a lot of notes, even if it's just a sentence or a short thought, i listen to multiple genres of music, which I'm really inspired by Willow and Jahnavi's collaborative album.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

My message is to Evoke emotions, Spread love, stay true to yourself. and bring joy to any room I'm performing in.

Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?

Yes, I have in the past. Most artists can't see past their own idea of collaboration which is usually selfish. When you learn to explore the same goals rather than the idea of how something should sound then magic can be created. When intentions take over, what is meant to be created in that vein will do just that.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Now with a full band on board and a bomb ass manager and marketing team. We are looking forward to releasing our first single as a band this Summer, Get some gigs under our belt and prepare to hit the road and touch souls wherever we go!