Rising Stars: Meet Raemi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raemi.

Hi Raemi, 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.
I’ve been singing ever since I could talk. I grew up in a household full of music and both of my parents were musicians at one point in their lives, so I guess they just passed down their talents.

I started out singing in church. I’m Jamaican, so I grew up listening to a lot of reggae and soul. I’ve always been able to hold a tune, harmonize by ear, and learn a lot of my skills by ear, which of course came naturally. When I started school, I immediately knew that every elective I’d take would be music class or choir. That’s really where my training started. Over a course of 10 years, I was trained in music theory. I attended vocal lessons and got classically trained in opera and choral music. Auditioned and got into honor choirs across the state of TN for 6 consecutive years. All of that to say, my educational background definitely made a huge difference in the artist I am today.

I released my first two singles in 2021, followed by a 7 track EP on my birthday this year. I definitely took my time finding my sound, writing pocket, and all of the things that go into being an artist, but I don’t think I’ve ever really been “new” to it! It’s actually refreshing to just now be releasing. I think the growth I’ve seen for myself over the last 3 years has been a blessing to witness

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. So many ups and downs have occurred over the years in my life. I’m still figuring things out to this day! I’m not perfect, but I do try. I actively put effort into strengthening my craft and into becoming a better person every day.

My biggest struggle was getting out of my own way. For so long, I internally knew what I was capable of, but continuously doubted myself because I was scared. I didn’t know if anyone would ever believe in me enough to make my dreams come true in this career path, but I really just needed to be my biggest fan and believe in myself first. When I left Chattanooga and came to Nashville, everything in my life changed for the better.

I stopped making excuses and really put myself out there. I would always write in my journal, pray, and just speak positive things to myself because I was so confident that something was going to work out for me. I’ve always had a feeling that it would. & when you finally take action and move in the right way to chase your dreams, literally no one can stop you.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter currently residing in Nashville, TN. I’m originally from Toronto, but I moved to Memphis when I was 5, and basically grew up there.

I would say I specialize in vocal performance and songwriting. I make sure my writing differentiates from anyone else’s because that’s what makes it unique. I’m most proud of the way my voice has matured over the years. Coming from a background of vocal training is cool and all, but when you get older and really start to apply everything you’ve learned, it has you in shock. It’s gotten so much stronger than it used to be. My songwriting is also something I’m super proud of. 2 years ago, I just wasn’t writing like how I am now. I’m a lot more intentional with what I write and actually know how to structure songs in so many different ways. It’s always cool to see growth.

The thing that sets me apart from others would have to be my background! I come from living such a culturally diverse lifestyle, that I truly believe that’s why I am the Musician I am today. So many things I’ve experienced in this lifetime, I pour into my music. My story.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I’ve always been a daredevil. I was definitely a handful for my parents, but all that to say it was a lot of fun.

I’ve always been pretty fearless. “An animated personality” was what I heard the most from others around me growing up. However, nowadays I’m very laid back. I think I just had a little too much energy to give out haha. For the people that know me, they know that animated part of me will never fade away. It’s what makes me unapologetically me.

Aside from that, I’m a very involved individual. Anything I’m capable of doing a good job at, I went for it. Just so I could test myself to see how good I could get at a skill. I feel like i’ve always been viewed as the underdog, so a lot of that drive to do better came from wanting to prove everyone wrong (including myself) that I was so much more capable of what they thought I could do. My mom would always tell me (and still does) “don’t overwork yourself.

I love baking, cooking, reading, writing, interior design, styling, painting, and working out! Having a lot of hobbies that I genuinely love to do make the stagnant days a little easier sometimes. Thank you for letting me share some of my story. I hope whoever reads this leaves with some  encouragement. Never ever give up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @raemibaby
• Twitter: @itsraemi
• Youtube: raemi

Image Credits
Ash Hurt, 3 AM, and Ufilme