It's hard to believeWildhorse, releasing on March 24, is only the debut album from rising country artist, RaeLynn. The new album follows her journey from NBC's The Voice, to her hit song, 'God Made Girls,” and even getting married. She's got a powerful single ('Love Triangle”) currently climbing the Country radio charts and the honor of being in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's new exhibit, American Currents. With her first-ever headlining RaVe tour also on the horizon, RaeLynn is ready to conquer the world. Recently, we were able to sit down with her to discuss the exciting year ahead.
Nashville Lifestyles (NL): The concept of the RaVe tour is so unique. How did you come up with the idea to perform an entire show then DJ a dance party afterwards?
RaeLynn (RL): I was trying to think of something I would want to experience as a fan. I was like, 'What could be different than what anybody else is doing right now?”, and I always loved going to concerts. They always have great music to hype everybody up. I was like, 'How fun would it be if after the show we just had a big dance party, and I just got to dance with my fans and have a rave?” I thought the idea was kind of crazy, and then I told my manager and the people around me. They were totally on board with it.
(NL): What influences outside of country music have shaped you as an artist?
(RL): I have quite a few. I love Dolly Parton. She is so incredible in so many ways, but she is in country music. I would say my family. They are all super musical. My cousin who really inspired me is a Christian artist [Leeland]that's someone who really shaped the artist that I am. I grew up listening to so many bands. I loved Coldplay growing up, and of course Beyoncé and Destiny's Child, because of growing up in Houston.
(NL): Do you have a favorite song from WildHorse?
(RL): That's so hard! I think 'Love Triangle” is my favorite, but one that I'm excited for everybody to hear is a song called 'Trigger.” It has so much swag. It's really fun.
(NL): Speaking of 'Love Triangle,” could you talk about the process of writing it? Is it more challenging or less challenging to write a personal, vulnerable song like this one?
(RL) 'Love Triangle” was that song that when I wrote it, I knew it was something that I needed to write because it was so therapeutic. We wrote it in an hour and a half. It's crazy to see this song take off like it has because it's very personal. As an artist, it can be very scary to be vulnerable and wear your heart on your sleeve, but at the same time, it's beautiful when it works. The fans feel that much closer to you because they know that much more of your story.
(NL): Who were the biggest players in making this project come to life?
(RL): I would say Nicolle Galyon and Jimmy Robbins, the two who produced and wrote this record with me. I have known them since I was 17-years-old. They have been big supporters of me. My management and Warner [Nashville] have also been big players. It takes a village to get an artist off the ground and everbody is making this happen.
(NL): You've accomplished so much already. Any bucket list items you are eager to check off?
(RL): One thing that I cannot wait to do is play the Houston Rodeo because I went there so much growing up. That was my first concert. I went to Ray Charles at the Houston Rodeo. If I ever got to perform at the Houston Rodeo, I think I would cry.
(NL): If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give your 15-year-old self?
(RL): I would tell my 15-year-old self to calm down and that I am 15! Everything takes time. Nothing just happens automatically. In the world we are living in today, we want everything to happen so fast. Anything we want that's great is going to take time.
(NL): As a local, what do you think makes Nashville so special?
(RL): I think what makes Nashville so special is that it is such a big city with a small town feel. It's still not as crazy as all these other big cities. The culture here is so amazing. Everywhere you turn, it's like they're family. I honestly believe this town is changing for the better. It's cool that people want to come visit here for their bachelorette parties or just to come. The city is really making a name for itself, and I think that's really cool.
(NL): Anything you'd recommend to people coming to townfavorite spots or must-sees?
(RL): I love Taco Mamacita. That's my jam. Frothy Monkey is also probably one of my favorite places.