Meet Kiersten Rae | Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiersten Rae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiersten, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve known since I was a little kid that I wanted to be a musician. My parents tell me I was constantly writing songs, singing in the backseat of their car and always gathering up the family to perform little shows for them. Fast forward to high school, where I started to take the writing side more seriously. During that time, I felt so strongly that I needed to apply to Belmont University for their Songwriting Major. While at Belmont, I learned so much about the craft of songwriting as well as the music business, and discovered I had a passion for writing for other artists. While I do feel purpose in making music and love what I do, my true calling will always be to tell others about Jesus. To quote one of my songs: “The point of my life, is to point it to HIS.” That is where I find my purpose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a songwriter in Nashville! In May of 2020, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Arts in Songwriting. Now I write 5 days a week, working with up-and-coming pop, country & christian artists, writers & producers in town. I also produce demos, sing vocals for other peoples music & write custom songs as a Songfinch artist. My favorite part of this job is crafting the song. Getting to figure out the puzzle & how to best serve the song is where I feel most at home.

Some exciting things that have happened lately are winning 1st place in the Nashville Songwriting Association International (NSAI) 2024 Annual Song Contest with my co-writers Kate Zickler & Courtney Marie for our song “Mind of Their Own.” I’ve also gotten to play several times at the legendary Bluebird Cafe & perform at the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival & am currently named “One To Watch” by NSAI.

It has been an exciting journey so far, and as my dad always says, “enjoy the journey!” That’s been such an important lesson I’ve learned through the years. Everyone has different paths, different paces and different ways of defining success. One day I’ll look back fondly over these years of hard work, rejections, unknowns and exciting firsts. So instead of wishing I was 10 steps ahead, I try to live with a grateful heart for exactly where I’m at and just simply “enjoy the journey.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
While I love Nashville & the amazing music environment this city has cultivated, I’m more of small town girl at heart. I spend majority of my time in Franklin going down Main Street, getting chai latte’s at The Coffee House, buying books at Landmark Booksellers, taste testing infused olive oils at Olivia’s & shopping at the farmers market at The Factory. I also love walking at Radnor Lake, Smith Park & Crockett Park. But I will say, my two favorite Nashville spots are Percy Warner Park for the hikes & Amerigo for the gluten free pasta!! 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so blessed to have so many amazing people in my life who have helped me & who continue to encourage my goals. First, I want to shoutout my wonderful husband Carson! He works so hard every single day in order to support us, so that I can pursue my dreams fully. He gladly listens to all of my songs & always carries my heavy keyboard to every round I play! I couldn’t do this without him.

I’d also love to recognize my parents, Scott & Terry Rummell, who are my biggest cheerleaders & have invested so much in my passions. They never told me I needed a “plan b” – they have always believed in me & supported me in countless ways, including flying across the country to see me perform at the Bluebird Cafe.

I would also love to take this time to recognize my high school vocal jazz director Daniel Vu, who just recently passed away. He was such an incredible teacher, musician & friend to all. While reflecting on his life, I recognized the huge impact he made in mine and so many others. Yes, he taught me many technical things but most importantly, he taught me to find the true joy in music. For that, I am forever grateful. He also wrote my college recommendation letter that helped me get into Belmont University’s songwriting program! I owe so much of my journey to him.

And I’m so thankful for the many others who God placed in my life to help me live out my dream and write music every day.

Website: https://kierstenraemusic.wixsite.com/kierstenraemusic

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kierstenraemusic?igshid=M2RkZGJiMzhjOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Other: https://bio.site/KierstenRae

Image Credits
Danielle Hickman, Kenzie Baker