Today we’d like to introduce you to Angélica Rahe.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Angélica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Music has always been the closest thing to home for me, giving me both a sense of identity and a beautiful means of connection throughout my life. Growing up in a bi-cultural (and very musical) household (Spanish musician father, American theater actress mother), living between Japan, Spain, and moving to the US as a young teenager, was something that molded and impacted me significantly. I was influenced by so many cultures and musical genres, artists ranging from Sade, John Mayer and Erykah Badu to Jorge Drexler and Buika. Growing up this way, the unique power music has to cross all cultural/language barriers was ingrained in me.
I started writing songs when I was about 14 or 15, which quickly became my calling. Years later, I made my way to LA, where I truly fine-tuned my craft, having the opportunity to write music for every kind of project imaginable – not just songs for artists in genres ranging from pop to reggaeton, but also for tv shows, movies, family films, apps, you name it. Fast forward to early last year, when I found myself touring across the U.S., Europe and Latin America with Kali Uchis as her musical director, guitarist and backup vocalist, including a North America run opening for Lana Del Rey. I’ve grown so much through all these experiences. It’s funny, thinking back 5-6 years ago, I remember taking my song demos to meetings with labels and A&Rs, pitching them bilingual song ideas, trying to explain the importance of the bi-cultural Latinx community, kids like me who grew up listening to, say, Luis Miguel or Joan Manuel Serrat, but also love Drake and The Weeknd. They used to tell me “Sorry kid, bilingual songs will never work. Latin R&B? Never gonna work. You gotta pick one or the other.” Now that Latin music is having a real moment in the U.S. with songs like Despacito (ahem, only one of the most successful songs to date), I smile. I realized through this that if I really was going to make the music I knew I was called to make, that I had to get out of that “industry” environment and focus back inward.
So, last year, I made my way to Austin, haven of live music, a place that re-connected me with the whole reason I write songs in the first place – to share them! This time allowed me to finally focus on myself, to rediscover my essence. Writing for other people is a beautiful experience but it naturally starts to pull you away from your own voice. And what a beautiful journey it has been. I recorded and released my EP, Love, Translated, late last year, and have been playing solo shows in cities like Austin, Houston, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. This year, I have been focusing all my energy on my self-written/produced debut album, Reina, slated to come out February 2020. I feel so proud of this project, because I feel like I’ve finally been able to capture an honest portrayal of who I am as both an artist and woman today. I am so insanely grateful for all the amazing people and talent that have been part of it, who have helped me and encouraged me along the way.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth, and there have been an abundance of challenging moments (I always say I am lucky to have an outlet like songwriting because I would probably go insane otherwise!). But I will say, all of these struggles have truly made me so strong, and taught me how important it is to be intentional about all the people and things I allow into my life, learning to choose the things/projects/opportunities/people I say “yes” to very carefully. And to never underestimate the power of “no,” to use that word unapologetically when you know in your gut something is off. As a young woman in a male dominated industry (in my case, music), you’re often made to feel like you have to earn respect; you have to work way harder to just be taken seriously, to simply get to neutral ground. It can be very frustrating, yes. But in the end, all I can advise is to always, always, as much as you possibly can, remind yourself of your worth, and surround yourself with people who honor the powerful, talented, strong, brilliant woman you are.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a woman; a songwriter, musician, exploring femininity, sensuality, and vulnerability through my songs.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
While it is beautiful and admirable to give of yourself and be in service to others, make sure you also give to yourself, and feed your own flame, in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: angelicarahe.com
- Email: angelica@angelicarahe.com
- Instagram: @angelicarahe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyrahe
- Twitter: @angelicarahe
- Other: https://angelicarahe.bandcamp.com/
Image Credit:
Megan T. Baker (first image with roses and image with purple fabric)
Diego A. Palomino (image with gold jumpsuit)
Jay Tovar (image with microphone in studio)
James Drakeford (image playing guitar in studio)
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
