Jetty Rae is a singer-songwriter based out of Northern Michigan. Jetty has been singing, touring, and recording for the since 2005. Her influences include Jennifer Knapp, Brandi Carlile, Cat Power, Ray Lamontagne, Lauryn Hill, Patty Griffin, and many more. If you’ve been to a Jetty Rae show you can agree to the fact that songwriting is her true forte, but how she marries her words to her voice and melodies is a thing to see. She has power, and restraint in her voice—the ability to pull at your heart strings delicately. On the other hand she also possesses the power to awaken a passion, a fight in all of us when she really belts it. Her hopes are to eventually start a label for independent artists like herself—that will empower artists to start where they are. She is hoping to give them the tools, studio time, experience, and resources they need to succeed in making great art.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Jetty Rae about influences, motivation, surviving in a digital world, the newest release and more.
Full Q&A along with links and a stream of Take Me To The Mountain can be found below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m originally from Oregon, but I’ve been based out of Northern Michigan for years. I actually live in an airstream as a full-time rv-er, so my location changes quite often. Some people make music because they love it, the production, the instrumentation, the arrangements…I make music because I have something to say. I found out a long time ago you can say anything to anyone with a guitar strapped on. I’m a passionate song-writer, and a story-teller. I feel a strong responsibility to relate through words, and hopefully tell your story back to you in a way it finally makes sense.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
Well I know there was a divine purpose in me pursuing this passion and call. I kind of fell into this vocation small decision by decision–I never really set out with “I’m gonna write songs and have a career doing this.” After High School I joined a rap and hip-hop group and I learned a lot about the whole process from song-writing to production and performance, after that I had some of my first real adult heartbreak…my Grandpa died, and I had a string of relationships that crashed and burned. I needed to process this heartbreak through writing, and for once it wasn’t enough to just let it stay silent in the pages of my journal. I needed to connect with others through these songs, and I needed to be heard. It would be a lie to say that this vocation is easy for me–even after all these years. But I’m extremely grateful that I don’t have to do this alone. My husband manages, plans, and books for me. He is the reason I am able to stay the course. He takes the pressure off of me so I don’t have to have the split focus. Not to get all cheesy here, but he is also my biggest cheerleader and fan. He listens to my recorded music all the time–we joke that he’s obsessed with me, and I’m ok with that :).
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
Well the thing that defines my music and writing is vulnerability. I can’t write songs I don’t feel first, I’m not that kind of writer. It always has to be personal to me. As far as the production of this album and the process, I approached it with a really open mind. I was ready for a genre departure and change in my sound. My producer Mitch Dane (based in Nashville) really helped shape Can’t Curse The Free into a darker, more mysterious record than I had envisioned. I’m so happy he did, I know everyone says this about their work, but I’m extremely proud of this record.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
I think the main challenge for me personally is not to compare myself to other artists, honestly. We live in a time where we can get constant updates of others lives, and for us creatives it can seem like other people are living the dream. My career is not the standard, and honestly no two indie artists are on the same path and trajectory. The challenge is to not become discouraged and jaded. My life and songs reach people that the big-timers don’t. Because I’m indie, I have time to connect with my die-hard fans. Their stories are precious to me, and I guess that’s the flip side. I get to connect via socials with people all over the world–I just had a 65 year old choir director from the Netherlands send me a lovely email.
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
My favorite platform is instagram, which I update pretty constantly–with lots of real raw captions. I’m also on spotify, and pandora.
Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me! My new album Can’t Curse The Free is available for pre-order on pledgemusic.com/jettyrae. I am offering all kinds of awesome things, live shows, vinyl and even hand-picked sea glass by me from the great lakes. The album drops February 17th. PS. I have a pipe dream of parking in Tennessee for half the year so I appreciate the love!
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