Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Jae.
Hi Raven, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started writing songs before I knew I could sing them. I was about 8 or 9 starting one of many songs books. I was incredibly shy. I witnessed a lot growing up, and the one place of safety was with a pen and paper. I had a great childhood but my perception of love was distorted. My parents fought a lot, verbally and physically and music was the escape as cliché as that sounds. I learned from a young age how writing out your experiences can heal. I began singing in church (I went with a friend who i am still friends with to this day). I mimicked my favorite singers. Studied them. My dad listened to old school R&B, Motown, soul and my mom is a free spirited 80s music girl! I had the best of both worlds musically. Singing became my identity in good and bad ways. But, always was a constant. My brother gave me his microphone and synthesizer when I was 13 and I recorded my first single The Chase at studio C in staunton with Carlton Melton. Now, at 33, I work with TSO Ghostly (rapper, audio engineer, producer, mix and master genius!) Under the umbrella of Premium Product! My first official album “Soulfull” came out in April of this year and working on my sophomore album. I wanted to check out of this world in 2016….(my song Exodus 14:14, mentions that)
One thing I know is we cant let real music die. I have to show my two little girls that in a world of chaos and evil find the joy in it. Find your reason to live.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle is being confident in what I create and not being afraid to share my story. Being vulnerable is hard. Telling the truth can help some and harm some. So, when I opened up about wanting to die in 2016, I felt afraid that I would disappoint my parents, that those that looked at me as happy would now question if I still am.
But, the stories people told me in return for my transparency has been beautiful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am Raven Jae, a singer/Songwriter/poet from VA. I specialize in building a song from experience but also from witnessing others even if it is not my own experience (empathetic writing), I am known for my voice. Singing. My lyricism. I am most proud of disclosing all of my truths (even if I am telling my mistakes), I think it brings us back to being human. It makes it also easier for people to hold themselves accountable when you do that too! What sets me apart is, I want to collaborate with as many creatives as I can. Competition hinders growth and I always want to learn and grow.
How do you define success?
Success is doing it the right way. No cutting corners. I pay for all of my beats, my studio time, my friend AYYJAYY who has accompanied me drumming, I pay him. Because success isnt about just me making it. Its ALL OF US!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ffm.engineears.com/80jjwpe?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAUSQqVwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzU2NzA2NzM0MzM1MjQyNwABp3t3w6XGrNzBA291oaq6R83_skojIlGC5Iena6V5Ai7Rq5ur7b58Gmwlhd2L_aem_QVDjslrbLg9EEcJqxGNc2A
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialravenjae?stkn=MTQxMThncHhuZDFkcA==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theofficialravenjae?si=Yrkm0KJbRP_YqeU3
