She may only be in her early 20s, but Rae Morris was one of the most hyped young pop artists of 2014. She has topped numerous critic’s polls with all three singles from her debut album and has collaborated with the likes of Clean Bandit & Bombay Bicycle Club in the process. Following the recent release of brand new album “Unguarded” and ahead of her tour, the self- confessed workaholic took time out to explain to TAG’s Jimmy Volts what’s most important to her as an artist…
Rae’s single “Cold” featuring Fryars demonstrates just a fraction of her abilities as an artist. The multifaceted songstress is just as comfortable churning out hooks over an urban beat as she is crooning lustrous love songs at her piano. So how does she feel the public have reacted to her music so far?
“I’ve been so overwhelmed by the positive response to the singles. I find myself waking up thinking ‘gosh people actually want to hear this’. It’s a great feeling and it’s all that really matters to me. I think particularly with “Cold” people have heard it on a wider scale because it’s had the radio play. Which reaffirms that radio still has such a big impact for artists, because you’re being heard by people who wouldn’t necessarily find you.”
It’s no secret that the public have embraced Rae’s music. But what of all of the critics polls and ‘one’s to watch’ lists? Surely, all of the hype must get a little daunting? “I don’t think it’s ever brought any unwanted pressure for me. I just feel privileged that it’ll hopefully lead to more people hearing the album. You could panic when you think of all the publicity that’s going on around you. But I’ve got an album that I really want people to listen to which I worked on for some time. I think I’m more excited than nervous.”
The new, and highly anticipated album “Unguarded” was originally due out last year, but the release was pushed back to the beginning of this year. What were the reasons behind this? “Well, I felt like everything was buildingreally nicely, I had a couple more singles which I wanted to put out to get people more excited about the album. The way I see it, I’ve not rushed anything up until this point, so why start now?”
Rae certainly has a mature head on her young shoulders, which could explain why her music is so appealing. We’re certain the album will do very well. But what of her plans for the less immediate future? “I’ve always had this mentality of not wanting to plan too far ahead. I was brought up not to count my chickens as such. But I’ve always wanted to be like my favourite artists. Kate Bush, Carole King, Joni Mitchell etc. It’s all about creating numerous bodies of work. So I think whatever happens, I’ll always be working on the next album!”
Lets hope she stays true to her word, because talent like this doesn’t come around that often.
Rae Morris plays the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth February 11. Doors at 8pm, and support comes from Fryars. Tickets are £11+bf available at time of writing from the venue website.
www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk
New album “Unguarded” is out now.
raemorris.co.uk
twitter.com/raemorrismusic
Tour dates:
1st Feb The Kazimier, Liverpool
3rd Feb King Tuts, Glasgow
4th Feb Wardrobe, Leeds
5th Feb Temple Room @ The Institute, Birmingham
6th Feb Gorilla, Manchester
8th Feb Academy 2, Oxford
10th Feb Komedia, Brighton
11th Feb Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
12th Feb Brixton Electric, London
14th Feb Thekla, Bristol
15th Feb Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
16th Feb Arts Centre, Norwich
Unguarded Track listing:
1. Skin
2. Under the Shadows
3. Closer
4. For You
5. Love Again
6. Don’t Go
7. Unguarded
8. Cold
9. Do You Even Know?
10. Morne Fortune
11. This Time
12. Not Knowing
