Tessa Rae's dreamy, poetic "drunk eyes" feels foggy and nostalgic. The simple instrumentation, accents her angelic voice, making it the focal point as it should be. Right away we're in this blurry vision of faded memories, the feeling when you're ignoring those initial warning signs but you need to wake up and walk away. We talked to Tessa Rae about "drunk eyes," not taking things too seriously, and what's been inspiring her lately.
How did you get started in music?
Tessa Rae: I was writing poetry and singing since I was young. I would write songs on the piano as a hobby, never really sharing them with anyone. It wasn't until college I met my first collaborator and recorded in a real studio. After that I started taking music seriously. Now it's all I care about.
Tell me about your new song "Drunk Eyes" what's the story behind it?
Tessa Rae: I randomly met someone right before quarantine and experienced a very immediate connection but gradually started noticing some red flags that I knew all too well. "Drunk Eyes" is me convincing myself to pay attention to those warning signs and walk away before things get too intense.
What else has been inspiring you lately?
Tessa Rae: Quarantine has allowed me the opportunity to give 100% to music. Being in it constantly keeps me going it's kinda like food at this point I need to do it every day to be happy! I also have met a lot of cool artists lately so I feel less alone in all the chaos.
How have you been staying motivated/creative lately?
Tessa Rae: I'm trying to have more fun with it and not take everything so serious. You have to believe everything is going the way it should be and go with your gut on (almost) everything. Once you get obsessed with it, I feel like that's when things start moving.
What has been the biggest challenge for you in the music industry?
Tessa Rae: There is so much music being released every. single. day. It's hard not to feel like a small fish in a big pond. But I continue to practice patience every day and believe in myself more than anyone else!!
What's your best piece of advice for young women?
Tessa Rae: You don't need anyone in this industry to believe in you before you can believe in yourself. Cultivate what is unique about yourself. You're different than everyone else for a reason. Work hard every day. Believe in yourself 5 days a week (you have 2 to feel insecure!) And write a lot of songs.
What's coming up for you this year?
Tessa Rae: I'll be releasing an EP around Spring! A fun collaboration. Lots of music videos 🙂 I just want to put out more music than ever. All the songs are really different, so I'm excited to share different sides of myself.
Emily Treadgold
