The debut singles are the musical equivalent of an introduction. The big ones: “Baby One More Time”, “Royals,” “Crazy in Love”: You can show off the full potential of an artist while foreshadowing everything yet to come. These milestones often occur when the performer is completely unknown or launches a solo act, but what happens when a star who is already known in a medium makes pop jump? Addison Rae has raised the issue. Name of the Gen-Z family thanks to his immense popularity on TikTok, Rae is best known for his viral videos, but his latest project shows a new face of his talent. Today’s release of his first single, ‘Obsessed’, once again introduces Rae to the world as a musician, singing and dancing in his own way through an upbeat song dedicated to self-love.
Rae’s foray into music may come as a surprise to some, but since last year he’s been working hard on his new tracks. Involved in every part of the process, she has set out to compose and record songs. “From the beginning, I wanted to make sure I was writing my own music,” he says. “I remember writing lyrics when I was little and trying to figure out how to turn them into a song, [now] I’m learning every detail and from amazing composers. “
“Obsessed” draws on Rae’s experiences as a social media star, using puns to discuss the aspects and relationships of a relationship. “You might feel like you’re obsessed in vain with yourself, 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 when I struggle and it’s definitely an ongoing job to accept who I am and give me the love I deserve. But that message was so strong and I wanted to communicate it [in the lyrics]”The self-affirmative nature of the track is deliberate. Inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, who fill her songs with related themes, she wanted her music to have a heart.” I wanted to find out who she was as an artist before putting something in the world. “says Rae.
A dancer since childhood, Rae wanted the choreography to be as expressive as the message of the song. Enter Sara Biv and Calvit Hodge, whose skillful choreography has given advantage to artists such as Camilla Cabello, Major Lazer and Nicki Minaj. “Dancers can hear something through the music when they dance,” Rae says. “I’m lucky to work with Sara and Calvit and find out what would be best and make the video really stand out. I think it’s about finding that connection and understanding what works best with music. “
The same philosophy applies to the fashion selection of the video, chosen by stylist Kyle Luu. It includes from LaQuan Smith plush dresses worn with Mugler base to a magenta faux leather Gucci bolero worn with a glass ceiling bra. Sexy but playful, the four looks have their own fashion message. “No one has seen this side of me before,” Rae says of the dramatic changes, including a new hair color and bold makeup. “What’s exciting is that all of this has been a part of me for so long, but it’s not something I’m ready to show yet.”
Fans of the 90s may experience a moment of nostalgia while some of the costumes are adopted. A white corset by Dion Lee wearing wide-legged Dickies channels, Britney Spears, towards “Sometimes,” while the smiley dress reminds the Spice Girls of “Say You’ll Be There.” The retro feel pays homage to some of the performers Rae heard and her mother’s personal playlist. “When I was young, she always listened to music from the 90s and 2000s, so it influenced me a lot,” Rae says. “Beyoncé, J.Lo, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, there are so many artists and composers that inspire me. There is such an emotional connection that people have with their songs; they change people. ”
Rae hopes his contributions to music can have a similar evocative effect, especially when he can perform live. “Going on stage is such an important part of being an artist,” he says. “It will be exciting to share with the world something I’ve loved all my life and I hope it surprises people who didn’t realize that this was a part of who I am.”