Meet Singer/Songwriter Rae Occhipinti

Admirable and independent, Rae shares with us the delicacy of her work and how she expressed herself as an artist. Starting young, and recording by herself, she shares a glimpse of her very personal upcoming EP. 

Rae: My name is Rae Occhipinti, I'm 18 and I'm from New York City.

Urban Time: How long have you been singing, songwriting?

Rae: I can't even remember when I started singing. Both of my parents are super artistic and musical people. I grew up with my mom teaching me so much about music and dance. We'd listen to Destiny’s Child everyday in the car. I've been singing forever. Probably since I could talk. My first words were probably "say my name" or something like that. Music is a huge part of how I was raised. Songwriting I started doing fairly young as well. I started when I was around 7 or 8 years old. I still have my old notebooks where I wrote my lyrics.

Urban Time: I'm guessing you knew at a young age that's what you wanted to do?

Rae: Yes I would literally have "concerts" at recess and sing on tables outside. I always knew I wanted to make music and do it as a career.

Urban Time: That's really cool to see your childhood dream be pursued!

When did you start recording?

Rae: Thank you! It's cool to be working towards something that has mattered to me since I was a crusty little kid.

I started last summer recording my first song "Clones".

Urban Time: How was the recording process for you how did that feel?

Rae: I did it all on my own so it was a bit of an adjustment to learn how. It was exciting though and at this point it's a piece of cake for me.

Urban Time: I love hearing that from an artist! It's such an advantage.

Rae: It definitely is!

Urban Time: Are "Addicted" and "Clones" your first two singles?

Rae: Yes they are. I'm releasing an EP soon though. "Addicted" is one of the songs from the EP.

Urban Time: That sounds great! Tell us about the EP, the creative inspiration behind it!

Rae: The EP is really personal to me. Each song on it represents a person, a boy  to be exact, who was in my life and the impact they had on me. I might make a few people salty with this EP but oh well can't please everyone and I really have a story to tell with this project. There's so much hard work and though going into it. I know it's gonna be amazing I can't wait to release it.

Urban Time: We'll definitely be on the lookout for it! Do you have a release date or a title yet?

Rae: I don't have a set date but I'm hoping I can release this month and if not this month then definitely next. The name is a surprise!

Urban Time: Sounds great!

What inspires your sound? Anyone or anything in particular?

Rae: Definitely. Amy Winehouse is my biggest musical inspiration. I find inspiration in other jazz artists. Also, frank ocean, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, ect.

I get a lot of inspiration from different artists. My music is very lyrical so I'm inspired by other artists who share that similarity with me.

Urban Time: I can definitely hear that in your music.

Since the release of Addicted how do you think you've grown as an artist sound or lyric wise.

Rae: Thank you! And I think with every song I make I grow as an artist and as a person. I see where I did well, I also see where I could improve. I'm kinda hard on myself with this music stuff because I know so much about the industry and music itself. I'm my biggest critic. Next to my mother. It's hard for me to feel satisfied with my work I'm a perfectionist to the max. Lyrically, I'm always worried that I'll plateau but realistically that's impossible. I'm always being inspired by new things which makes me able to write better songs. Or just write differently. I always manage to one-up myself when it comes to songwriting. That's a blessing. I keep growing. I keep progressing. Musically, lyrically, as an artist in general. My growth doesn't stop. Inspiration fuels my growth. I'm inspired by everything. I see inspiration in everything. Life inspires me. Sometimes it's almost overwhelming. It's almost like I HAVE to write. I HAVE to create. It's my outlet. Of course I love it but it's not just that. I have to do it. I'd be crazy if I did nothing with the ideas I come up with on a regular basis. Like actually crazy. And probably really flustered. I wouldn't know what to do with myself. I'm a strange person haha.

Urban Time: Your passion really shows through and that's just a great trait to have as an artist.

Is there anything you want the readers to know?

Rae: I appreciate that. I means a lot. All I want the readers to know is that I have so much greatness to share with them. Also I want them to know that they should never limit themselves. I make music, I model, I write, I creative direct, I'm planning on designing and I'm also planning on getting involved with film and acting. On top of all of this I'm in school as well. I love to do many things. I'm truly a creative to my core. No creative should ever feel limited to one outlet of expression. Do anything you can get your hands on and do it well. Put your ideas to use! Your ideas are valuable. You are valuable. Everyone should know this.