Rachel Grae is one of those rare artists who can put her emotions into music in their purest form. Even though she has millions of followers on TikTok and millions of streams, her real power lies in the sincerity of her voice and the honesty of her pen.

Her new single “Raised By A Woman” exemplifies that. Brimming with gratitude and spirit, the track serves as a heartfelt tribute to the women who instill respect, empathy, and emotional intelligence in their sons. With its vibrant energy and bold, upbeat sound, the song marks an exciting evolution in Grae’s ever-expanding sonic palette.

1883 speaks with Rachel Grae, who touched our hearts again with her new song , about her journey from past to present, the upcoming Lollapalooza stage and her commitment to music.

“Raised by a Woman” really resonated with so many people. What inspired you to write it, and how did your relationship with your mom—or the women who raised you—shape who you are as an artist?

It’s really a message about respecting the person you’re with. And it’s kind of like an encouragement to girls to never settle—for less than a man who’s capable of sharing that type of love. My mom has raised me in such a beautiful way. I feel like I am who I am because of her. She holds such confidence and power. I really look up to her. She’s also one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met. So I’ve definitely carried traits over and taken a lot from her.

The song feels both personal and universally relatable. What kind of reactions have you received from fans who saw their own stories reflected in it?

I haven’t actually teased “Raised by a Woman” yet, but I’m hoping to see people in healthy relationships showing off the love they finally deserve. For a while, I was writing songs about being treated the wrong way, and people related to that a lot. I’m hoping the other message—about being treated right—comes across and that people can admire those types of love instead.

Your new track, “Know Better,” is like a gut punch. What was the emotional spark behind it, and how did it come together in the studio?

I was talking with a friend who kept going back to their ex. It’s so hard, as a friend, to watch someone you care about re-enter a cycle of hurt, especially when you were the one helping them heal. So I kind of wrote it for her, almost as a form of therapy—to put her thoughts into a song. But I’ve also been in a similar situation. I knew better, but it felt comfortable at the time. It became a turning point for me, realizing what I actually deserved. I think that’s what the song became for a lot of people too.

The song touches on the fear of leaving something familiar, even when it’s no longer right. Do you find that theme spilling into other parts of your life outside of relationships?

Yeah, definitely. It mostly shows up in friendships and love, but the fear of leaving your comfort zone can affect everything. There were times when I boxed myself in—whether in my career, my friendships, or my relationships—just out of fear of the unknown. Getting past that and actually doing what I love has really changed my mindset and my life.

While your sophomore album hasn’t been officially announced yet, you’re clearly in a powerful creative phase. How would you describe the emotional or sonic direction your new material is taking?

This album means the entire world to me. It’s really a reflection of who I was versus who I am now. Writing it was incredibly healing. The concept is that every other song reflects what I used to think about a topic, compared to what I think about it now. So it gives perspective—it shows growth. I’m really excited for people to hear it.

You’re playing Lollapalooza this August—your festival debut! How are you preparing, and what does it mean to share a lineup with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter?

It feels incredible. I’m incredibly honoured to be on a bill with such amazing and talented artists. I love their music and I’ve looked up to them and their careers, so it’s really special to share a stage with them. The prep has already started—there’s going to be a lot of fun things, new music, high-energy songs. The whole experience is going to be really exciting.

You recently wrapped your first headline tour with packed shows across major cities. What’s one moment from that experience you’ll always hold on to?

Nothing beats hearing your songs sung back to you. But honestly, the one thing that might top that is meeting people afterward and hearing their stories—how they connect to the songs. It’s so special to meet the people who’ve supported me online, but to get that face-to-face interaction and hear how the music has impacted them—that means the world.

With almost 2 million TikTok followers and over 400 million streams, your fans are deeply invested in your journey. Do you ever feel pressure to maintain that level of emotional openness?

Not really—if anything, it’s healing. It makes me feel less alone. In a way, it’s therapeutic to hear other people’s stories and see people match that vulnerability. Of course, there are songs that feel scary to release because they’re personal. But at the end of the day, people are taking my words and connecting them to their own lives—and that’s what keeps me going.

Your songs often sound like they were written mid-heartbreak, yet they offer comfort. Do you ever write with your future self in mind—as a way to cope or hold on?

Actually, yes. With this new album, it’s funny—half the songs are speaking to my future self. They hold a kind of confidence that I’m still working toward. It’s been this manifesting process where I write for the version of me I want to become, not necessarily who I am right now. It’s been a cool shift—writing uplifting, powerful songs for me and others to heal through.

You recently signed with Hard Working Records and Virgin Music. What’s been the biggest shift or realization since joining forces with a major label?

I took my time to find a team that truly aligns with my vision. It feels like I’ve added an incredible support system—one that believes in what I’m doing and helps bring it to life. I feel so lucky to have a team that’s as passionate about this project as I am.

Your visuals always feel styled yet deeply intimate—never overproduced. How involved are you in the visual storytelling behind your releases?

I’m incredibly involved in every part of the process—writing, production, visuals, everything. I tend to lean into a stripped-back, organic sound and aesthetic, because that’s what feels authentic to me. I love live instrumentation—it helps tell the story I want to tell. The rawness of the lyrics and the production—that’s something I’ve always leaned into.

Finally, if you had to describe what 2025 feels like for you in just one word, what would it be—and why?

Ooh, one word… I think it feels healing. I’d say “healing” is the best word because it feels like I’m entering a new chapter—one that’s positive and full of promise. I feel like I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel… and living in it.

“Raised By A Woman” is out now.

Interview Alper Kurtel