1. Hi Heidi, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?
I started singing in church when I was three, playing in other churches and music theatre productions when I was five, so being a performer is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. Before I started doing music professionally as an adult, I was a busy farm girl doing chores, riding horses, playing with my goats or llamas, taking piano lessons, dance lessons, and voice lessons in Dawson Creek, BC.
2. How did you become a fan of country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it?
Growing up, we had two choices for music: country or western. It’s all I’ve ever known. I discovered pop music later on, or show tunes when I would be in a musical, and I have an appreciation for all genres, but country has and always will be my favorite. I just always had the dream of being like George Strait; riding my horse into a rodeo arena and playing my guitar and singing story songs for the fans.
3. Who are some of your musical icons?
George Strait, Brooks and Dunn, Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Shania Twain. I’m a huge 90’s fan.
4. What are three of your favorite songs that you ever recorded?
”Good Either Way”; a real stripped down acoustic heart break song I wrote with my dear friend Isaac Rich
“Blame It On Your Heart”; a cover of the Patty Loveless hit written by Harlan Howard. I write for his company, Harlan Howard Songs, so getting to do my own version of one of his most famous songs, and one of my favorites, was a real honor.
“Worth a Shot”; this was my first major radio single release and the first time I got to tour the country playing it for radio stations, perform it on TV Morning Shows, and live for fans, who sang it back to me. I had many “firsts” with this song so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
5. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music?
I’m a dreamer, obviously. I dream big and project these big plans with positivity and confidence; so I’ll go ahead and say I see me doing arena tours across the country, heck, any country that’ll have me. I’d like to start a charity that is health care related and would love to see that be a huge success and be able to really help others.
6. Is there anything new coming up with your music for 2018?
Lots! A new single will drop in the new year, I’ll be touring starting mid January, recording a new album in between tour dates. It’s going to be a big and busy year!
7. If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who would it be and why?
King George. I’ve mentioned him several times already and that’s just because he’s had such a big impact on me. He’d be my first choice for a duet partner.
8. What is one of your favorite quotes?
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.“
This is a tough business and lifestyle. I’ve found that faith in God and his word is the one thing that’ll give me courage and hope. This passage is a good reminder for me to stay the course, work hard, and have faith I’ll be okay.
9. Is there anything else you would like to share?
I love interacting with fans and making new friends! Please feel free to follow me and reach out to me on social media (twitter, instagram, Facebook, YouTube: @heidirayemusic). Hope readers like my music and I’d love to meet them on the road!
Country singer/songwriter Heidi Raye is from Dawson Creek, BC. Raye has written and toured with some of the most famous country artists, groups and producers. Her first record deal was with George Strait’s manager, Erv Woolsey and now she is apart of legendary Hall-of-Framer Harlan Howard’s record label. At Harlan Howard Records, Raye has continued to open many doors for herself. She has written over 200 songs with Music Row’s most well known veterans in just this past year.
Hayes has also got the chance to share the stage with country artists like Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean and Terri Clark. Raye has also worked with Grammy award-winning producer Chuck Ainlay to make her latest EP “Worth A Shot,” that was released on July 7, 2017.
Hayes newest single “I’m Gonna Wish You A Merry Christmas,” and this song is available on Spotify. If you would like to find out more about Heidi Hayes then check out her website https://www.heidiraye.com.
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