1. Hi Ciara, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became country musician?
I feel like I’ve always been a country musician. What I mean is, when I was in high school I was singing and playing lots of other genres of music… Kind of finding myself, and sometimes I was doing it because that’s what my friends were doing. When college came I went to Jazz School and always kind of felt like the odd man out because I would put this country/soul twist on everything, however, the Dean (Shelly Burg) got it. He said that I need to go and play and sing what I felt, so I found my way to get to Nashville and did.
2. How did you get into country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it?
I grew up on Motown and Garth Brooks. I never discriminated against a good song, no matter what the genre. However, my heart was always drawn to the writing in country music… The stories, the messages about life, I’ve always loved it.
As far as a career as an artist and songwriter… It just happened. From piano lessons, choir, music contests, then paid performances then Music College, to Belmont in Nashville, music just kept happening. It was natural. I didn’t choose it, it chose me.
3. Who are some of your musical icons?
I would have to credit my Dad first for introducing me to influences in my music. He personally sings terrible, haha. When he was a produce manager at Winn Dixie and he would blast Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash until everyone wanted to kill him. Next I’d credit my Grandpa for showing me the basics, and introducing me to Classical music at the age of 4. I used to lay underneath his grand piano while he played and listen for hours as a kid.
4. What is the story behind your new single “Girls Are Gonna Have Fun?”
I sat with one of my favorite songwriters, Aymber, from back home to write this song. From the first line “I don’t wanna see your stupid face anymore…” it just flowed out of us. We were on the same wavelength. That’s how genuine, good songs happen, that fast and that easy.
5. What country artist has been your favorite to open up for?
No matter who I continue to open for it will always be Love & Theft hands down. I’ll always credit them for being the first big name act years ago to take a chance on me and let me open for them. That opportunity did so much for me down the road. I’ll never forget that.
6. Is there anything new coming up with your music for the rest of 2017?
YES! I’m working on my new EP! I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. Everyone’s been asking “Who The Hell Is Ciara Rae?” with my last EP. This one is going to show everyone who I am and what messages I want to bring to the world to help others.
7. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music?
Same place, bigger stages. Writing, producing, singing, and hoping to help more people through it.
8. What do you like to do in your free time?
Order in and catch up on weird documentaries. Hands down, I watch the weirdest stuff, haha!
9. What is one of your favorite quotes?
The harder I work, the luckier I get.
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