We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madeline Rae. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madeline below.
Madeline, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Since I was a little girl, I have been surrounded by kind, genuine people who poured into me consistently and truly believed in me throughout my life. I used to be unsure and afraid, and my stage fright was crippling. Yet, somehow every single time I found myself lacking confidence, I was met by people God put into my path to quiet my fears and build me up until I believed I was capable and exactly where I was meant to be. I guess the real answer is that God gave me my confidence by affirming me over and over again through people and opportunities. Now I am content and assured in my skills and abilities, as well as my worth and potential. I know I can accomplish whatever I set my heart on, and I know I will have the love and support of those around me to build me up and remind me of who I am when I doubt.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an independent singer-songwriter and recording artist based in Nashville, TN. I grew up in a small town near Houston, Texas and have a bachelor’s degree in Music Business with an emphasis in Songwriting from Dallas Baptist University. I moved to Nashville two years ago to pursue music full time, and I currently share my music career with a career in the private yachting industry as a stewardess and entertainer. It has been the most exciting combination, and I never dreamed this is what my life would look like at 27. I get to meet people from all over the world and get to fund my music projects back home by traveling to beautiful places across Europe, the Bahamas, and the coastal US. However, the goal is to have music support me all on its own: I am currently focused on networking, creating, and performing to build a firm foundation for my original music. My intention is to write songs that speak truth and facilitate connection. My music is usually derived from personal experience, and I try to be a raw, honest reflection of joy, hurt, healing, and redemption. My lyricism is incredibly vulnerable and I think this is what draws people in the most. My upcoming single, “42 Moons,” releases on August 31st, and I could not be more excited to share it with you. “42 Moons” uses the moon as a timeline to represent a specifically challenging phase of my life. It was incredibly cathartic to write and embodies resilience, empowerment, and self-worth. As an independent artist, all of my projects are self funded, and marketing is limited to my own social media following and old fashioned word of mouth. The most impactful way to show your support is to share the art we create with friends and family! I hope this upcoming release speaks to you, and if it does, I would LOVE your help in spreading the word.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As an entrepreneurial creative, I think the most important qualities to pursue are optimism, resilience, and growth. If you are genuinely optimistic, you will never truly feel like a failure or feel beaten down beyond repair. No matter the outcome, you will always have a sense of hopefulness about what’s next. Optimism is all about perspective, and I’ve found that optimism over pessimism is just a happier and healthier way to live. Resilience is another incredibly important quality. If you are resilient, you will be able to pivot and pick yourself back up when you fall. This is key to pursuing entrepreneurship. If you lack resilience, it is impossible to achieve success. Finally, growth. If your heart’s attitude is to learn and to grow, you will always have a sense of humility and “openmindedness,” and will far surpass those who are set in their way. You will look at obstacles as opportunities for growth, and will always be improving in the mastering of your craft. Try to seek out these three things, and it will drastically impact your joy and your success.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did and continue to do for me is show me unfailing support. Pursuing a “non-traditional” career can be hard for some parents to swallow. Some people think non-traditional careers aren’t “practical” or “safe” or “predictable,” so they push their kids into fields that offer stability instead of encouraging them into fields that align with their passion or joy. My parents have never questioned my pursuits. When I attended college to obtain an arts degree, they supported me. When I packed up my entire life into a suitcase after college and moved to Florida to join the yachting industry, they supported me. When I decided to move to Nashville in pursuit of music, they supported me. And they never once tried to convince me otherwise. Their support also renews my confidence. I know that if they are confident that I can achieve what I set my mind to, I can be confident in it too. I’m so thankful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mraemusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mraemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MRaeMusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@madelinerae2876
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/1HrAKKKSMMQpBGR9A
- Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mraemusic
Image Credits
Madison Rensing M. M. Antoniak
