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September 26, 2015

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Country singer bares soul in her music

By Nie Xin | September 26, 2015, Saturday | Print Edition

CANADIAN country singer-songwriter Nicole Rayy will perform at Shanghai XTD Music Week next week.

Renowned for possessing a flair for dynamic storytelling, soulful and honest lyrics, this young musician will make her debut in China with a play list that includes both new songs and old favorites.

“I absolutely love this city (Shanghai). I’m looking forward to being on stage at the XTD Music Week,” Rayy tells Shanghai Daily.

The young star has performed in many music festivals across Canada including TurtleFest, Manitoulin Country Fest and the Calgary Stampede. The upcoming Xintiandi Music Week will be the first time she performs at an international music festival.

“I heard about XTD Music Week last year when I was traveling to Shanghai and I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” she says.

This will be her third time visiting Shanghai.

“There is always so much to see and do here; the city always feels so alive. I just hope Shanghai loves country music,” Rayy says.

Rayy released her debut EP “Only Everything” in 2012 and demonstrates the range of emotions she shares, from the heartbreaking ballad “She Don’t Know That Much” to the upbeat single “Baby You Just Know.” The album also features her hit song “Country Wild,” which kicks it up a notch with its high-energy, country rock inspired instrumentals and lyrics.

“I’ve always wanted to bring my rocker and country side together to make a sound that is different from other women in the country music genre,” Rayy says.

She infuses her passion and emotions into her music, something her fans have responded to well.

“My lyrics really are the story of my life and I always try to pour my heart into my music so my listeners can relate to my stories,” she says.

Rayy has just completed recording her latest album. Much of it was written in Nashville, with her collaborating to write songs with talented artists such as Patricia Conroy, Benita Hill and Brian White.

“I am beyond excited to release this new album I’ve been working so hard on,” she says. “Listeners can look forward to what I think is a really great collection of songs. I put a lot of energy into this and I can’t wait for it to be enjoyed.”

Rayy shares more about her life and music.

Q: Where do you get inspiration from, and what do you do most to make yourself concentrate on your music?

A: All the inspiration for my music comes from my life. I’ve always found it is better to write about what you know. Writing about what you know makes it more passionate, more emotional and real. Listening to my music is like reading a chapter in the book of my life.

Q: Your music and lyrics are full of emotion, sometimes very heartbreaking feelings. Do you agree that what touches listeners most is always the sad song?

A: I think all music touches listeners based on how they feel. If someone is happy then they want to listen to a song that matches their mood and makes them feel like dancing. When they are sad they want a song that understands their emotions and touches their heart. I’ve always had a passion for sad heartbreaking songs. I think those are the songs that are more emotional because they relate to how someone feels. Everyone has had their heart broken and it always feels safe when you can listen to a song that sympathizes with how you feel while you are hurting.

Q: You said you had passion for country music and started singing and writing songs at a young age. When did you realize you had the talent to become a professional?

A: Singing and songwriting has always been my dream and my passion for as long as I can remember. My mom always jokes that I used to sing little songs as a baby before I could even talk. Growing up I was always involved with music, between lessons and school productions and the dream to pursue it never went away. I first started writing songs in elementary school, scribbling down ideas in my school notebooks. This joy of writing continued through high-school and by the time I reached university I realized I had to go after my dreams. There is nothing I want to do more and there is no back up plan.

Q: You left university to be a full-time musician. What did your family think about your decision? Do you have any plan to go back to school one day in future?

A: I’m sure my family wishes I wanted to go to school and pursue a more typical career path, something with more stability and guarantee for my future. With that being said my parents are the most supportive people in the world. They believe in me and my music and I couldn’t ask for a better support system. When things get tough in this business, which they often do, my parents are always there for me.

However, I am starting an online program this fall to be certified in fitness and nutrition. Besides music, fitness is the only other real passion I have. I’ve always liked pushing myself to new fitness limits and I enjoy helping others to do the same. I am looking forward to studying online while I pursue my music career.

Q: Besides talent, what do you think is the most important thing to be a good musician today?

A: The number one thing you need today to be a good musician is determination. There are so many obstacles in this career path, so many people knocking you down or telling you that you aren’t good enough, but despite those things you have to go on. So many artists don’t make it in this business because they give up before they have the chance to get somewhere. If you really, really want it you have to go for it and not let anything or anyone stop you.

 

2015 XTD Music Week

Date: October 1-7, 4-8:30pm

Venue: Xintiandi, Taicang Rd; The Hub (Hongqiao), 33 Suhong Rd

Nicole Rayy’s show

Date: October 1, 5:30pm

Venue: Xintiandi, Taicang Rd

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