You can always count on country music and its artists to tell a good story, and RaeLynn is no exception. She is a country force to be reckoned with. The 22-year-old singer first entered the country music scene five years ago on The Voice and has continued to impress us ever since with her talented voice, impressive drive and fun personality. Next up for RaeLynn? Her debut album, Wildhorse, comes out on March 24, and she'll be headlining her very own tour, the RaVe Tour, starting in April.
We were lucky enough to have the chance to speak with this country sweetheart, and we had an awesome time getting to learn more about her new record, inspirations and more.
When did you first know you wanted to be a singer?
RaeLynn: I grew up in a very musical family, everybody in our family can sing, so it’s definitely something that comes really natural to me. But I knew that I wanted to be in music really when I was 16 years old, and I started songwriting and coming up with my own songs and learning guitar. I just felt this urge to be on stage and to want to write songs and make people feel better. And that’s when I knew that this is something I want to do.
Why did you decide to pursue country music? What do you love most about the genre?
R: I think the thing about country music is the stories that you can tell and the fact that the fans are so loyal. This genre is unlike any other, and it’s evolving in so many ways. I’m just excited to watch it evolve and to be a part of it.
What was it like being on The Voice?
R: Being on The Voice was so crazy. First of all, I learned so much, and to be a part of Team Blake and to be a part of a community like The Voice at such a young age was such a dream come true because everybody there is so helpful and helping everyone learn. It was one of the best experiences. It was my first band to work with, my first time figuring out what choreography meant, and it was really cool to go through that experience.
You're touring with your Voice mentor Blake Shelton right now. What has that been like?
R: Oh my gosh, Blake is one of the funniest people in the world, and I am so excited to be able to learn with him. He’s one of the best artists. I never fail to learn something. He’s just so great on stage and honestly one of my best friends, so I love it.
Congrats on your debut album WildHorse! We’re really excited to listen to it. What were some of the inspirations behind this record?
R: There’s just so many different inspirations behind it, you know? This record is my journey of where I’ve been in the last four years. There’s not just one song on the set that defines me—there’s so many songs on it that I have personally went through, and it just really shows where I’ve been in the last four years. Some of these songs I wrote when I was 21, some I wrote when I was 17—it’s really cool to see them all work together.
You wrote nearly all the songs on your album! What is your songwriting process like?
R: It’s different every time. A lot of times I’ll hear someone say something and it’ll strike inspiration. Or my husband [Josh Davis] loves to give me song ideas—he’s like, ‘What do you think about this idea?’ But I don’t really start with melody or lyrics first; it’s different every time.
So your husband is obviously one of the big inspirations for some of your songs, right?
R: Oh my gosh, of course. I wrote “Diamond” the day after we were engaged, basically talking about a diamond isn’t a diamond till you put it on the right left hand. Anyone can buy you a ring, but when you get the ring from the person you love, then it’s totally different.
You’re going on a headlining tour soon, which is super exciting! What about your upcoming RaVe Tour are you most looking forward to?
R: I’m looking forward to the whole concept of this tour. This tour is so cool because it’s really going to be different than any experience any country fans have been to. It’s starting with great music and an hour of the show, and then 30 minutes of a huge dance party. And I’m excited because nobody’s ever done this before, and it’s going to be really cool.
So you’ve been in the music industry for several years now. What's one of the most important lessons you've learned as a young artist?
R: The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that everybody’s path is different. The way my career turns out is going to be so different than the person next to me. It’s not about comparing yourself but knowing that everybody’s path is different and that that’s okay.
And what advice do you have for young women with big dreams?
R: The advice that I have for anybody wanting to be in this industry is it takes hard work and determination. Nothing in any career—especially in this career—comes easy. It takes hard work, and if you really want it, it’s just going to take time. And like I said earlier, your success is going to look different from any others'.
Which song on Wildhorse is perfect for…
A good cry?
R:“Love Triangle”
Dancing?
R:“Trigger”
Playing on repeat?
R:“Your Heart”
Singing in the shower?
R:“Young”
When you’re feeling in love?
R:“Diamonds”
Listen to RaeLynn's new album Wildhorsenow!