Shelley Rae Speck Interview Part 3
by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Award-winning singer/songwriter Shelley Rae Speck and Dream Loud records recently released the first single from her upcoming untitled debut EP. “The Bottle’s On My Side,” a buzz single debuted in the Top Ten on Amazon Music’s Hot New Releases sales chart while receiving a warm welcome from Americana, Folk, Country, and Adult Contemporary audiences and the stations they listen to.
Lamitschka: As an artist, you so many tasks such as recording, touring, interviews. What do you like best, what’s your favorite activity?
Shelley Rae Speck: I love the writing process first. Secondly, recording.
Lamitschka: Are you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you happy where it is?
Shelley Rae Speck: My next single, I’m Not The Marrying Kind“ is pushing the boundries lyrically.
Lamitschka: What was your big break that got you into the music business?
Shelley Rae Speck: I won a talent show in middle school. I played guitar and sang a Rolling Stones song, As Tears Go by. Suddenly, I was popular.
Lamitschka: Before you became a star, were your friends and family supportive or was it a struggle?
Shelley Rae Speck: I left home when I was sixteen. I supported myself until I graduated high school. I found lots of support from dear friends.
Lamitschka: What inspired you to become an artist?
Shelley Rae Speck: One day I just opened my mouth and the voice that came out was good. Then I started writing songs at the age of 12.
Lamitschka: What inspired you to become a songwriter?
Shelley Rae Speck: I had stories to tell.
Lamitschka: What drives you?
Shelley Rae Speck: My ambition is fed from the love of the work.
Lamitschka: What does it take to be a music icon?
Shelley Rae Speck: Ask Lil Nas X! LOL
Lamitschka: What’s unique about you that will differentiate you from other artists?
Shelley Rae Speck: My songs are unique. I mix poetry with great melodies.
Lamitschka: What has been your greatest challenge in music business?
Shelley Rae Speck: Not taking things personally.
Lamitschka: What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you are proud of?
Shelley Rae Speck: Meeting Joni Mitchell at A&M studios. We both were doing some recording there.
Lamitschka: Any thoughts of retirement ahead?
Shelley Rae Speck: Nah. Just gettin going.
Lamitschka: Who is your biggest critic, yourself or others?
Shelley Rae Speck: By far, I am a perfectionist. The song needs to get my idea across precisely