Alexa Joan Rae

Alexa Joan Rae entered the entertainment world as an actress, whose career took her to New York City, Orlando and then eventually Los Angeles. LA showed Rae her true calling: music. She quickly focused on her musical advancement by teaching herself the piano and writing original songs. Rae's first EP Rampage showcases her strong lyrical voice as it starts to take form.

Rampage blends pop and alternative with hints of acoustic and electro-dance sounds. The album gives listeners an intimate introduction into Rae's artistic voice and possible personal struggles. Rampage embraces discussing challenging, serious topics like domestic abuse and societal pressures.

Rae could also title the Rampage EP "Who I Am," because so many of the tracks feel like a private glimpse into Rae's world. Coincidentally, she named one of the tracks on Rampage "Who I Am." The song gives a Paramore-esque tone, while discussing idle gossip and misjudgments. "Who I Am" makes a firm declaration about self-acceptance.

"Be Gone" contains a similar message as "Who I Am" but with a completely different tone. The track's dance beats give it an edger tone than other songs on Rampage. It sounds like the most radio ready song with lots of sound and voice effects, and varying instrumental usage. "This Girl" operates on the opposite spectrum of "Be Gone." "Be Gone" has a bit of cocky confidence to it, while "This Girl" is more of a humble song about love, flaws and human duality. It is the most vulnerable track on Rampage.

"What You Said" is a goose bump inducing tale of an abusive relationship from the child's perspective. The beats rely heavily on the drums to create a monotone sound, which allows Rae to stretch her vocals in a raw and emotional way. It haunts you.

Rampage allows Rae to explore an assortment of musical genres, while tackling some of life's most pressing issues. With Rampage, Rae created a thought-provoking album with strong melodies and catchy hooks. - The Equal Ground

Meet Alexa Joan Rae, a very down-to-earth musician and role model who sings remarkably beautiful and gives great advice to those who are victims of bullying. As a devout follower of SR Magazine, she has a very keen insight and interest in teaming up with us in exposing bullying. Read what she thinks about bullies and check out her music that is inspiring, heartfelt, and enjoyable. #Be inspired!

What type of 'trendsetter' would you categorize yourself as?

A Determined Trendsetter

Share how you live a positive, inspiring, and productive lifestyle? What makes you stylish, on the inside?

You know, I talk about this all the time -- I have never felt as liberated as when I made the decision to shave the left side of my head. I don't know what it was, but I'm sure it had something to do with how amazing it feels to not conform to a typical social norm, and I encourage every woman to try shaving some of their hair off at some point in their lives!

And that's what I think being "in-style" should mean: being the you that YOU want to be-- no one else, just you. And if you look like someone else, cool! Just as long as you're truly happy with that. I love music because it's something that never goes "out of style" in a way. Music is always "in" and always "cool". Sure, genres weave in and out of trend like high-wasted jeans, but I do believe that the overall goal(s) of making music are always the same: inspire, enlighten, and entertain! To bring people together through music, no matter the genre. That's what I try to keep with me at all times and I never waste my time with those who pass judgement upon people based on their own close-mindedness. Negativity is always out of style! Surround yourself with positive people and your life will keep surprising you.

Share a practical music tip(s) you've learned or have been told:

There's a delicate balance between accepting constructive criticism and applying that to your music, it's important to be able to look at your music objectively and see the possibilities from all angles.... and allowing people to over-take your art. Art should always be personal; the minute it starts to not feel personal anymore, something isn't effin' right. Don't let people influence you past your comfort zone. Make sure they respect YOUR art, first, and trust your gut always. Don't burn bridges, but always tread lightly.

For instance-- Something different that I decided to do with the initial release of my debut EP, "RAMPAGE", was releasing it only on Bandcamp to start. Eventually, I will release to iTunes, but I will not be releasing to Spotify. Why? Well, I remember a time when I would be so stoked to purchase a CD from the store. It was so special, so personal...

I think music is taken a bit for granted now. I LOVE that my music can be accessed all over the world, instantly, but what I don't think some of the music consumers understand sometimes is how streaming services, such as Spotify, effect the independent artist who is unsigned and who doesn't have the luxury of a record company paying for their recording costs. I agree that streaming is not going away, but to insist that an artist can't "make it" if they don't practically give their music away is just ridiculous. There has to be a better way to give the consumer the kind of instant gratification our society has made us accustomed to... without screwing the artist before even kissing them first! Also, I think the general public has the skewed perception that being on iTunes is an exclusive thing. It's okay if you're one of those people! I'm just here to tell you, that anyone can do it, and yes it costs us money that we would rather spend on making more music.

What is your favorite quote or motto that you live by?

There are a few that I hope you'll enjoy:

"I'm no hero, I put my bra on one boob at a time just like everyone else." - Tina Belcher, Bob's Burgers

"I'm not super comfortable in my skin. I have to make it work for me, and that usually amounts to making it uncomfortable for everyone else." - Aubrey Plaza

"Integrate what you believe in every single area of your life. Take your heart to work and ask the most and best of everybody else, too." - Meryl Streep

"Of course it's happening in your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean it's not real?" - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

"Creativity happens in the moments between all the internal noise, which is why it feels so good." - Regina Spektor
What is the one thing you know now that you would tell a younger version of yourself?

This is the hard part, baby. Just hang on-- I promise it gets badass!

When was the last time you felt nervous/anxious before letting people listen to your music and how did you deal with it?

If I know someone personally, it's always much more nerve-wracking to have them listen to and/or have them watch me perform my music. I love the people in my life, and of course it's supernatural to want them to see you do your best. Not only that, but to LIKE what you do! I could perform in front of a million strangers, but would have a mini panic attack when singing in front of my family or close friends. What the latter happens, I just make sure I put myself in the best state of mind possible beforehand. I remind myself that this is what I love to do, and the people who love me just want to see me happy with what I'm doing. If you have the kind of amazing support system I have, it's not hard to shake off the nerves! I am so lucky to have such wonderful core people in my life.

These days children, teens, and young adults are victims of being bullied on the internet and at school. It can even lead to violence or suicide which has happened a lot over the years. If you had the opportunity to say one thing to a person being bullied, what would you say? If you can say one thing to the bully what would that be?:

Dearest Bullied,

I have been where you are, lovely souls. I have had someone relentlessly try to break me down and it felt like it would never end. I can't promise justice (it's something I was never given), but I can promise that if you hold on, you will achieve an inner strength/peace that will give you the power to not NEED justice. Bullies will always be around, but your life is ONCE. Don't allow these people, these events, to alter your path. Stand your ground, stand up for yourself, and the people in your life who matter will follow you to moving on. Trust me. You are important. You are loved. And this WILL get better and pass. xo

To the Bully,

I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry that no one helped you through a time that you needed someone. I wish they had, I genuinely do. As someone who fights anxiety and depression on a daily basis, I know how scary and alone life can feel sometimes. How angry it can make you that no one can quite get what you're going through, but there are people out there who can and WANT to help you through this. Instead of pushing them away (I've been there too...), try talking to them. Be honest and clear about what it is you're going through. The ones who want to hear and help; those are your lifers. The ones you will hold on to for a decade and beyond! Not everyone in your life will always see eye-to-eye with you, but resulting to hurting someone physically or mentally is not the answer.

All of this to say, that addressing the issue of bullying definitely comes from understanding both points of view. A wonderful cause that is SO important and hits home for me is called Kind Campaign. It's a movement founded by Lauren Parsekian-Paul and Molly Thompson, whom were both victims of bullying, in 2009. Kind Campaign holds assemblies at schools across America and filmed a documentary to spread the word on bullying (girl-on-girl crime in particular). One of the most inspiring things they do is have girls talk out their issues with each other, in front of the assembly, promoting non-violent/damaging solutions. It's amazing what they do and I encourage everyone to check it out at kindcampaign.com! - Megan Hatfield - Style Redefine Magazine