Heidi Raye Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Heidi Raye Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Music
has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for
the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play
to someone who has never seen or heard you?

I’m
a real country girl. I grew up on a sheep farm, went to church where
there was a cowboy preacher, and we had only one radio station option
which played only country music. I’m stuck on 90’s country, and fans
will hear that in my music. Can you talk about your new single, “Lay Me on Down,” and what we can expect to hear next? I
wrote Lay Me On Down with my producer, one of my favorite co-writers
and my fiancé; it was a really fun write, and I love how this song came
to be! It’s a fun, flirty little love song.

Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs to record? I write all my songs, mostly with a handful of other writers I really click with and get what I’m doing as an artist.

What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

Up-tempo,
fun songs are my favorite to write and record. I always have at least
one ballad per project but for the most part, fans can expect a record
of uptempo songs.Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?

I
grew up listening to Johnny Cash, Reba, George Strait and Brooks and
Dunn. I started singing in church when I was 3 so I guess you could say
I’ve been doing music my whole life.What do you think about today’s music scene versus its post and where do you see it going in the future?

I
think today’s music has definitely taken on some pop influence for the
most part, which is good for bringing new listeners to the country
scene. However, there are still acts doing the more traditional country
thing and balancing the genre out. I think that there will always be
room for both traditional country and pop country.What inspired you to become a singer/songwriter?

I
did my first solo in church when I was 3 and once I got a taste for
performing, my parents couldn’t keep me off the stage. I wanted to be
like Reba and George, singing songs about life, love, and the country
life.What’s unique about you that differentiates you from other artists?

I’d like to think that my blend of 90’s country and today’s modern sound is what sets my music apart.What has been your greatest challenge in music business?

Getting
99 “no’s” for every one “yes” is tough. It’s a very competitive town
with lots of talent, so it can be tough to keep your head up and keep on
keeping on. But when you do, it’s worth it, and hard work and
persistence pays off.What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you are proud of?

Opening
for Randy Travis on his last arena tour was probably one of my favorite
moments. Getting to work with such a legend was something I will always
treasure.What hopes and desires do you have?

I
just hope to continue writing, recording and touring and making more
progress each year. I’d love to get a major artist cut, and I’d love to
get on a major tour in 2019 as an opening act. It’s good to dream big!Many
European fans travel to the United States to attend the several of the
music festivals and shows for the opportunity to see so many of their
favorite artists and bands. Do you have any upcoming shows?

I
have shows in Florida in November and December, and will be playing for
10 days at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Fans can check out my
website for details on shows. (www.heidiraye.com).Is there any place you haven’t played that you would like to?

I’ve played in Switzerland but that’s it for Europe. I’d love to play in Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and Sweden.What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?

I’ll
make some jokes; some will be good, some will be bad. I’m always
playing an instrument whether it’s guitar, keys, mandolin or ukulele. I
like to do as much of my original material as possible but always
through in my favorite covers for fun. I love to cover Shania Twain,
Dixie Chicks, Patty Loveless and Patsy Cline.What’s your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?

I
think “Famous In A Small Town” by Miranda Lambert is brilliant. I can
agree with every word in that song and have either lived it out or know
someone who has. A small town is a small town, no matter where it is!What message would you like to send your European fans?

I’d
love to come over there and play again! Hoping for 2019! In the
meantime, please follow me on social media, and if you have any music
venues you’d like to see me play at, please send me a message!