Hey, I’m Rae — I’ve been in love with the piano for over 25 years. Classically trained with a strong ear, learning and creating music has always been a fun, evolving experience. My approach is simple: how can we make sure the feeling you had when writing the song reaches the listener? Genre wise, I work in R&B, Pop, Neosoul & Contemporary.
I’m incredibly grateful for my classical training (RCM Level 8), but for a long time I struggled to connect it to my musical world. I grew up in a Jamaican-British, Christian household where my dad directed choirs but also loved everything from funk, soul, to reggae and rock. That meant I was constantly surrounded by dense chords, jazz licks, and sounds that felt very different from what I was learning in classical lessons. My ear was always leading the way — sometimes even making sight reading a struggle.
When I moved away for university, I met musicians who were insanely talented without formal training. They were learning by ear, sampling, and treating music almost like a game. I felt like I'd found my people. I leaned more into producing and working with emerging artists like Maurice Moore, City Fidelia, Doressa, and JYDN. I started using my classical foundation to help shape and add depth to our music.
Using this as a catalyst, I moved back to Toronto 4 years ago, dove into the music scene, learning production, live music direction, sync placements, etc. I've since played for TWEET & Khadijah Bonet; also producing for artists like Leila Dey, and more etc.
Finding that creative, safe space in music has been my main focus since. I love collaborating and hearing what people hear; I'm excited to continue working with creatives who are just as obsessed with music!
Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.
Languages
- English
Interview with Rae Smith
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to connect with amazingly talented people. I think people don't revere musicians as much as they should. I truly am a fan of the people I work with.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That it's easy. Though it can be easy with technology now, there are a lot of elements that can't be easily replicated. It takes time, a good ear, the right touch to build and make a classic record. Sometimes, it even means setting the music aside for some time or starting over to achieve the right feeling. Good music takes time!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What is your creation process? What emotions sit at the centre of your music? Should it sound how it feels? What artists or sounds do you relate to right now? What about it?
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, a mic, 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. After school, I landed in Sales, working as a Sales Director for a playground company at 26; but it didn't speak to me. Since returning to music, my goal has been to work in different spaces that allow people to hear and understand music through different mediums. I completed a Music Sync Accelerator program to learn more about the industry, continued to build and connect with other musicians and organizations in the music industry. Outside of playing, I also work as a Director for a non-profit after school music program, teaching kids from underrepresented communities orchestra instruments. I'm supremely grateful for the progress I've made and look forward to more in the future.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I don't like to keep myself in a box. 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... a mix of gospel, classical, and old school R&B as I play.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Neo Soul, Contemporary
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Keyboards: - 61 key Motif MOX6 workstation - Roland RD-88 Computer: MacBook Pro DAW: Logic Pro X
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: While I do usually lay main piano/rhodes lines, depending on the elements needed, I may also add other instrumentation (ex. pads, synths, additional harmonies through supporting lines, percussive elements, etc.) for more color in the music.
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: 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'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: 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. Let music breathe! Don't be afraid of space, or silence in music. Soundscape plays such a key role in music and once we allow it to take lead, you can create beautiful things!
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 but also, I like the idea of "mixing" genre expectations. When creating music, people want things to sound similar to the genre, but 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
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