Debut singles equate to introduction. Great ones – ‘Baby One More Time’, ‘Royals’, ‘Crazy in Love’ – can showcase the full potential of an artist as he looks ahead to what’s yet to come. These milestones often occur when the player is completely unknown or launches a one-man action, but what happens when an already well-known star in one medium makes a jump to pop? The question is one that Addison Rae has been considering. Gen-Z’s house name is thanks to its huge popularity on TikTok, Rae is famous for its viral videos, but her latest project shows a new side of her talents. The launch today of her debut single, ‘Obsessed,’ brings Rae into the world as a musician, singing and dancing her way through a catchy song dedicated to herself. -love.
Rae’s collection into music may come as a surprise to some, but she’s been diligently working on her new tracks last year. Involved in every part of the process, she throws herself into songwriting and recording. “From the beginning, I wanted to make sure I was writing my own music,” she says. “I remember writing down words when I was little and trying to figure out how to make a song for them, [now] I am learning every detail and from amazing songwriters. ”
‘Obsessed’ draws from Rae’s experiences as a social media star, using wordplay to discuss the inside and outside of a relationship. “One might assume that he is depressed by you, but that is not what I am trying to communicate,” Rae explained. “The more I love myself the more I love you, the more important it is. There are days where I struggle, and it ‘s definitely a work in progress to accept who I am and the love I deserve to give myself. But that message was so strong, and I wanted to communicate it [in the lyrics]. The deliberate nature of the track is deliberate. Inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, who fills the song with recurring themes, she wanted her music to have a heart. “I wanted to find out who I was as an artist before I released something to the world,” says Rae.
A dancer from childhood, Rae wanted the dance to be as meaningful as the message of the song. Enter Sara Biv and Calvit Hodge, whose dance art has influenced artists such as Camilla Cabello, Major Lazer, and Nicki Minaj. “Dancers can feel something through the music when they dance,” says Rae. “I am so fortunate to work with Sara and Calvit and find out what would look best and make the video stand out. I think it’s about finding that connection and understanding what works best for the music. ”
The same philosophy applies to the fashion selection of the video, chosen by stylist Kyle Luu. It features everything from straight catsuits from LaQuan Smith worn with a Mugler base to faux magenta faux Gucci bolero worn with a crystal bra top. Sexy but playful, the four looks each come with their own fashion message. “No one has seen this side of me before,” says Rae of the dramatic changes, incorporating a fiery new hair color and bold shape. “The interesting thing is that this has been a part of me for so long, but it’s not something I’ve been ready to show yet.”
Fans of the 90s may get a little nostalgic while wearing some of the outerwear. Dion Lee ‘s white corset worn by Dickies channels with wide legs Britney Spears circa’ Sometimes ‘while the slinky cat calls to mind the Spice Girls in’ Say You’ll Be There. The retro feel pays homage to some of the actors Rae grew up listening to and her mother’s personal playlist. “When I was young, she was always listening to music from the 90s and 2000s, so that really influenced me,” says Rae. “Beyoncé, J.Lo, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, there are so many artists and songwriters who inspire me. People have such an emotional connection to their songs; they change people. ”
Rae hopes her support for music will have such a impact – especially when she gets to play live. “Being on stage is such a big part of being an artist,” she says. “It’s interesting to share something I’ve loved about my life around the world and hope it will surprise people who haven’t realized that this is part of who I am. ”