Rising musician Cailee Rae reveals why her songs are really 'diary' entries
Who lives near or in LA?? I've got some fun events coming up!! Get ready for some announcements!
A post shared by CAI. (@caileeraemusic) on Jul 5, 2016 at 1:56pm PDT
It goes without saying that music takes on different functions for different people. But if you trace back all the reasons why people find themselves drawn to the art form, most stem from the fact that music has a medicinal quality. It's cathartic, it's honest, and most times, incredibly therapeutic. If there's anyone who understands that, it's Cailee Rae.
Songwriting specifically for the rising musician, who is best known for her addicting Instagram videos, has become her version of therapy. As she notes, "... music helps me find the emotion inside myself and helps me find a way to let it out in a healthy way without bottling it in." It's her version of a diary, where she can let everything all out to help her heal and process. And because of that, Rae's debut EP "Overthinking" feels wholly confessional.
Tracks like "Anchor" operate as more than just a song about a failed relationship. Rae's music explores the emotional repercussions of being held down by others and not living life to the full potential. Her songs are authentic, intricate, and most importantly, relatable with almost everyone.
We recently spoke with the 16-year-old breakout artist about how her songwriting operates as her public diary, when she first fell in love with music, and more!
YouShouldKnow is a feature that showcases up-and-coming social stars. To see more of past interviews, click here. And head over to AOL.com at 12 p.m. ET for more exclusives on Cailee Rae!
When did you first fall in love with music growing up?
I think I really fell in love with music when I was in second grade and I got a Baby Taylor for Christmas. It was first guitar ever and it had this huge Taylor Swift picture on it. I think that was really when I fell in love with music because when you learn an instrument you develop a different level of appreciation for it. So I think when I started learning in depth about it and figured out what music was is when I found out it was my passion.
i love the way my pinky tastes
A post shared by CAI. (@caileeraemusic) on Jun 24, 2016 at 4:37pm PDT
What role does songwriting or music have in your life?
I think music is my outlet. It's my diary and it's something I can express myself with. It's really a connection of emotion for me. I think that's the main thin for me; a lot of times humans struggle with facing emotions and how to deal with not being overwhelmed by them. And music helps me find the emotion inside myself and helps me find a way to let it out in a healthy way without bottling it in or letting it explode. It's my way of letting it out but in a creative way. And having that opportunity to share my stories and connect with what other people are going through is the best part about creating music.
A post shared by CAI. (@caileeraemusic) on Jun 17, 2016 at 7:56am PDT
When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue music full time?
Not too long ago. I honestly didn't think that I would become an artist Where I'm from, it's such a dream and nothing else. I'm from St.Louis and everyone there plays sports, graduates, and then goes to college. I never could understand why I didn't fit into that mold. I came out to California for my birthday to record a song that I had written. It was for fun and it was a chance for me to experience something new. So I did that and completely fell in love with it. And after being exposed to that whole process, I realized this was something I wanted to dive into it and learning everything there was to learn. I want to learn about producing, mixing, even how the microphones work. That's really why I decided to pursue music full-time, it was because I didn't want that experience and that learning process to end. I walked into the studio and I knew it was my home.
A post shared by CAI. (@caileeraemusic) on Apr 30, 2016 at 3:34pm PDT
YouShouldKnow is a feature that showcases up-and-coming social stars. To see more of past interviews, click here. And head over to AOL.com at 12 p.m. ET for more exclusives on Caliee Rae!
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