Hey, I'm Rae and I've been in love with the piano for over 25 years. Despite being classically trained, I also have perfect pitch, which has always made learning and creating new music a fun, evolving experience! My approach to music is very simple: how can we ensure the feeling you experienced when writing the song is conveyed to the listener?
Let me start by saying I am supremely grateful for the classical education I received over the years. I trained practically to RCM level 8 and while that did give me the technical know-how to maneuver in music, many times I didn't understand how to connect it to "my" world.
I grew up in a Jamaican-British yet super Christian household. My dad was a choir director but loved funk and rock -- which meant I spent a lot of time listening and learning gospel chords, jazz licks, samples, and abstract scales/modes that differed strongly from the education I received. I remember at times even my teachers had a hard time knowing what to teach or how to keep me engaged in class; my experimenting at home was way different, plus my ear refused to let me sight read in peace lol.
After moving away for university, I had a chance to meet more people who were crazy talented with no "professional music education". People who were thriving off their ears, sampling and understanding music almost like a game. I felt like I finally found my people lol. I started producing more and working with emerging artists, while using my music education to help shape and create depth in the music.
Finding that creative space in music has been my main focus ever since. I love collaborating and hearing how people hear and I'm excited to continue working with creatives who are just as obsessed with music!
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Languages
- English
Interview with Rae Smith
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Let's journey through the music together. The great thing about music is that you don't have to have it all figured out right now. Let's talk, get to know each other a little and the music you want to create. Then we'll let the music to the work ;)
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: lol, I'd be good with a Motif XS8, a laptop, speakers and an interface. Those workstations are built for greatness.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Previously, I had goals of becoming a music professor. That was until I went to school and realized I didn't like the system of music education. Since then, my goal has been to work in different spaces that allow people to hear and understand music through different mediums. I recently finished a Music Sync Accelerator program, and my goal is to get into music supervision, while also helping artists around me understand how to get their music into TV/Film
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I don't like to keep myself in a box. Tbh, I think that's one of the most beautiful things about playing piano. Though there are genres I enjoy, I think my experience has led me to develop my own sound.. so like, a mix of gospel, classical, and old school R&B if you will.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Anderson Paak. I love how diverse he is as an artist. You never really know what to expect, but every song has that 'Paak touch' which keeps you coming back for more. Two up and coming female artists would be Gwen Bunn and Rae Khalil. I absolutely love R&B and Neo-Soul and they both have this crazy ability to capture these genres so well.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Neo Soul
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Give me the idea! I like to hear what a client is looking for and any influences that they may have for the project. From there, I'll take that and build the concept and atmosphere and we can exchange more ideas as we go.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Keyboards: - 61 key Motif MOX6 workstation - Roland RD-88 Computer: MacBook Pro DAW: Logic Pro X, FL
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I most commonly lay down piano parts. Depending on the elements needed, I may also add other instrumentation (ex. pads, synths, additional harmonies through supporting lines, etc.) for more color in the music.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Create freely. Let the music (not the industry/genre "rules") take you where it wants to go and be okay with not knowing everything off the bat. By giving yourself that space to exist in the music, you allow the music to speak for itself.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I would say my strongest skill is my ear. Having perfect pitch is a cheat code, but also being able to listen and hear what should be/what's missing definitely gives me a fresh edge when I'm creating.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Authenticity. When creating music, people want things to sound similar with a personalized feel. I like to listen for more 'color', giving each song something that will set it apart.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Jacob Collier, Moonchild, Lalah Hathaway, Erykah Badu, Hiromi Uehara, Bill Evans, Kanye West, Quincy Jones, Kaelin Ellis, Johnta Austin, Darkchild, Robert Glasper, 1500 or Nothin', H.E.R., Aaron Camper, Ant Clemons, Missy Elliot, Alissia
I was the Producer, Pianist in this production
- PianoContact for pricing
- ProducerContact for pricing
- Keyboards - SynthContact for pricing
- Singer - FemaleContact for pricing
