Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Rae.
Hi Chelsea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Music became my lifeline at a very young age. At 12 years old, after facing serious health challenges, I began writing music as a way to cope and heal. By 15, I started playing guitar after my mother enrolled me in lessons, and from that point on, music became more than a passion — it became my purpose. Through more than 20 years of ongoing health battles, songwriting has remained a source of strength, hope, and therapy.
In 2012, at the age of 20, I moved to Nashville to pursue my music career. Immersing myself in the songwriting community allowed me to build meaningful connections and collaborate with talented artists and writers. By 2016, I began writing my debut EP, Revival, a deeply personal project inspired by my journey through illness, perseverance, and healing. Written from a third-person perspective to create a broader emotional connection, Revival was released in 2017 and marked the true beginning of my professional music career. The project gained significant momentum and recognition, opening new doors and opportunities.
In 2019, I was honored to be nominated for the Josie Music Awards, where my song “Every Storm” won Song of the Year. That achievement was a defining moment in my career and affirmed the impact my music was having on others. I have continued to grow both as a songwriter and artist, and in 2023, I was nominated for the ISSA Awards, earning Silver Female Emerging Artist of the Year. I am now a three-time nominee for Female Emerging Artist of the Year, an accomplishment that reflects years of dedication, resilience, and hard work.
Music continues to give me a reason to keep fighting. Through every challenge, it has been a source of healing, strength, and connection. After overcoming moments when survival itself was uncertain, I am incredibly grateful to continue sharing my story through music. I’m excited for the future, including the release of my upcoming single, “Story Of Us,” along with a new project currently in the works.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into the artist and person I am today. I have been battling serious health issues since I was 12 years old, and there were times when my family and doctors truly did not know if I was going to survive. Learning how to pursue a music career while managing chronic health challenges has required a lot of strength, patience, and perseverance.
Moving to Nashville in 2012 was another major leap of faith. Like many independent artists, I faced the struggles of building connections, finding opportunities, financial pressure, and proving myself in a very competitive industry. There were moments of doubt, setbacks, and times when balancing my health with my career felt overwhelming.
But through all of it, music became my therapy and my motivation to keep fighting. Writing songs helped me turn pain into purpose, and sharing my story has allowed me to connect with others who are going through their own struggles. Every obstacle has taught me resilience, and each accomplishment — from releasing Revival to winning Song of the Year for “Every Storm” and receiving multiple award nominations — has made the journey even more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, and my music is rooted in honesty, resilience, and storytelling. I specialize in writing deeply personal songs that connect with people on an emotional level, often inspired by my own journey through chronic health challenges and overcoming adversity. My style blends heartfelt lyrics with powerful melodies, creating music that is both vulnerable and relatable.
I am especially known for writing music that brings hope and healing to others. Many of my songs focus on perseverance, strength, and finding light during difficult times. My debut EP, Revival, was a defining project for me because it told my story through a lens that others could connect with, and it helped establish my voice as an artist. My song “Every Storm” winning Song of the Year at the Josie Music Awards was one of the proudest moments of my career because it showed me that my music was truly reaching people and making an impact.
What sets me apart is the authenticity behind my music. Everything I write comes from real experiences, real struggles, and real emotions. I have faced significant challenges throughout my life, but instead of allowing them to stop me, I’ve used them as inspiration to create music that encourages and uplifts others. I believe listeners connect with honesty, and my goal has always been to create songs that make people feel understood, hopeful, and less alone
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe the music industry is going through one of the biggest shifts it has ever seen, especially for independent artists. Over the next 5–10 years, I think we’ll continue to see artists taking more control of their careers through social media, direct fan engagement, and independent releases. Artists no longer have to rely solely on major labels to build an audience, and that has completely changed the landscape. Independent artists now have more opportunities than ever to connect directly with listeners and build loyal communities around their music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chelsearaemusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsearaeofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaRaeMusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/chelsearaemusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chelsbaby3
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mJNDlyIwOXkXdRaqnGasp?si=LrH_EVn6Sna9WB4E1R5dpQ
