Debut singles are the musical equivalent of an introduction. The big ones – ‘Baby One More Time’, ‘Royals’, ‘Crazy in Love’ – can showcase an artist’s full potential while predicting all that lies ahead. These milestones often occur when the artist is completely unknown or starts a solo act, but what happens when a star who is already known in one medium makes the leap into the pop? The question is one that Addison Rae considered. A Gen-Z household name, thanks to her immense popularity on TikTok, Rae is best known for her viral videos, but her latest project shows a new side of her talents. Today’s launch of her first single, ‘Obsessed’, introduces Rae to the world again as a musician and sings and dances through an upbeat song dedicated to self-love.
Rae’s recourse to music may surprise some people, but she’s been working hard on her new tracks since last year. Involved in every part of the process, she devoted herself to writing and recording songs. “From the beginning, I wanted to make sure I was writing my own music,” she says. ‘I remember recording lyrics when I was little and trying to figure out how to make it a song, [now] I learn every detail and from amazing songwriters. ”
‘Obsessed’ uses Rae’s experiences as a social media star and uses puns to discuss the ins and outs of a relationship. “One might consider it in vain with oneself, but that’s not what I’m trying to communicate,” Rae explains. ‘It’s more that I can love myself as much as you love me, and that’s important. There are days where I struggle, and it’s definitely a job to accept who I am and give myself the love I deserve. But the message was so strong, and I wanted to share it [in the lyrics]. The self-affirming nature of the course is deliberate. Inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, who fill their songs with reliable themes, she wanted her music to have heart. “I wanted to find out who I was as an artist before I put anything out in the world,” Rae says.
Rae has been a dancer since childhood and wanted the choreography to be just as expressive as the message of the song. Enter Sara Biv and Calvit Hodge, whose capable choreography has elevated the artist such as Camilla Cabello, Major Lazer and Nicki Minaj. “Dancers can feel something through the music as they dance,” Rae says. ‘I’m so happy to work with Sara and Calvit and find out what would look best and really drop the video. I think it’s about finding that connection and understanding what works best with the music. ”
The same philosophy applies to the fashion choice of the video, chosen by stylist Kyle Luu. It contains everything from bare cat suits from LaQuan Smith worn with the Mugler underwear, to a magenta Gucci bolero made of faux fur worn with a crystal-covered bra top. The four looks are sexy but playful, and each has its own fashion message. “No one has seen this side of me before,” Rae says of the dramatic changes, including a fiery new hair color and bold makeup. “What’s exciting is that it’s been a part of me for so long, but not something I could show yet.”
Fans from the 90s can experience a moment of nostalgia as they put on some of the outfits. A white Dion Lee corset worn with wide-legged Dickies, Britney Spears, ‘sometimes’, while the sleek cat suit reminds the Spice Girls in ‘Say You’re Be There’. The retro feel pays homage to some of the artists Rae grew up with and to her mother’s personal playlist. “When I was young, she always listened to music from the 90s and 2000s, so I was incredibly influenced by it,” says Rae. ‘Beyoncé, J.Lo, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, there are so many artists and songwriters who inspire me. There is such an emotional connection that people have with their songs; they change people. ”
Rae hopes that her contributions to music can have an equally stimulating effect – especially if she can perform live. “Getting on stage is such a big part of being an artist,” she says. “It’s going to be exciting to share something I’ll loved all my life with the world and hopefully surprise people who did not realize it’s part of who I am.”