Published: December 03, 2008 8:46 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight
InnaRae
InnaRae
She has an amazing presence, soulful voice, meaningful lyrics, and endless beauty; who is she? She is InnaRae who is perhaps one of the most talented singer/songwriter/poet that I have had the pleasure to meet. InnaRae recently agreed to complete an online interview with our magazine. We are delighted to present to you what formulated from that online meeting.
Isaac: Welcome to our music page of Junior's Cave Online Magazine. We are excited to feature you for the month of December. Let's start off with describing your musical background and your upbringing.
InnaRae: My background in music ranges from growing up in a house filled with sounds of R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Popular Music -- to formal classical studies at the Settlement Music School. I participated in choir and studied voice in grammar school. I was the director and a soloist for my church young adult choir. I also sang solo for a community choir as a teenager. I studied "voice" through the writing and poetry as a college student and began singing again after graduating. Shortly after I began recording, I decided that I wanted to express my most authentic voice through lyrics and mesh them with sound.
Isaac: Music has always been in your blood. Your great grandfather was a singer/guitarist while your great grandmother was a recording preacher. How did growing up with those types of influences helped you decide to do your own thing?
InnaRae: Strangely enough, I was never told this part of my history until I began to take recording my work seriously. I have no doubt; however, that this is part of my legacy and I found my way to it because of what was planted by my great grandparents.
Isaac: When I am listening to your music, I am feeling all types of emotions. How do you begin to construct the lyrics for your music and poetry? What is your inspiration?
InnaRae: Actually, I hear sounds before I compose the lyrics. This makes it easy for me to create from an already composed track. Without a track, I can hear music in my head as the lyrics come together. My poetry typically gives voice to an emotion which is what you hear in the songs.
Isaac: What is truly inspiring about your story is that you rose from poverty and told your tale through your music and poetry. How has music also shaped your life?
InnaRae: For me, music has always provided an escape from the stresses of life. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, music has a way of taking me to a better place. When I realized that I wanted to sing, it provided an opportunity to express myself and feel a sense of purpose in life.
Isaac: I read in your bio that teaching writing and poetry is your first love. What does it mean to you to be an African-American female poet in the 21st century?
InnaRae: To me, it means I am one of millions of other women of color who have something to say about how we are seen and how we see ourselves with regard to our skin color. It means that the negative issues that have clouded and quieted our inner struggles can now be expressed without devastating consequences.
Isaac: How do you prepare to perform live in front of an audience? What are some of the thoughts going through your head before the performance?
InnaRae: Before I perform, I take some time to be quiet - away from music. It gives my throat a break from practicing and helps me relax. The thoughts running through my head vary from hoping to please the audience to what I have to do when I get home. I'm always a little nervous.
Isaac: What has been the biggest challenge for you as an artist?
InnaRae: Searching for the aspects of my voice that bring the most meaning to potential listeners. A tribute to my grandmother, this last project, Rena's Moan, honed my inner voice in a way that I never thought was possible. The research alone answered so many questions for me and altered how I see myself as a woman and a mother.
Isaac: Let's talk about your five-piece Demo CD entitled InnaRae: A Demonstration. What has been the feedback from your family, friends, and fans about this project.
InnaRae: (laughing)...This was my second recording, but the first I put out there. From family and friends, the feedback was mediocre. It was the first time they saw me in this light, so I think they were nervous for me. Professionally, I was still searching for sounds that felt like 'home'. Personally, I wrote of the intimate human struggle with our relationship to God. This is what hit home for listeners who did not know me. The fans encouraged me to keep creating. And so, I did.
Isaac: What do you think about the current state of our economy? Have you tackled any current issues through your music or poetry?
InnaRae: Oh boy...the current state of affairs is very sad. I have a song that I've written regarding how whether times are good or bad, those at the top of this capitalistic tier will continue to search for treasures to exploit. I hope to record it some time next year.
Isaac: How important has having an official website been for you as an artist?
InnaRae: The website is important for me, since it provides a visual presentation of my artistic vision and written work to the public. It takes my message and music to places I never imagined.
Isaac: What are some current projects that fans new and old can look forward from you?
InnaRae: I am currently taking some time to write poetry both personally and for an artist who is compiling his works for a coffee table book. I am also working on a new album which I'm hoping will be finished sometime next summer.
Isaac: Please five shout outs to your family, friends, and fans!
InnaRae: George, George III, Joshua, Hasheme, Yusef!
Isaac: Final words from InnaRae.......
InnaRae: Make or take time to listen to what's around you.
