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R2RB Podcast - Women Entrepreneurs and Indie Artists Series
Where Indie Artists and Women Entrepreneurs share their journeys.
We sit down with indie musicians from diverse genres, shedding light on their personal and professional experiences. From the euphoria of their first gigs to the challenges of carving a niche in the industry, R2RB Podcast is your backstage pass to these rising stars' raw and unfiltered narratives.
We also embark on a journey of Women Entrepreneurs and share their inspiration, amplifying the voices and stories of remarkable women entrepreneurs. Join us as we delve into the worlds of visionary leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who are rewriting the rules and reshaping industries.
We look forward to sharing your journey!
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R2RB Podcast - Women Entrepreneurs and Indie Artists Series
Striking a Chord: Raegan Graves' Journey being a Singer/Songwriter Indie Artist and being a Student
Ever wondered how a young artist juggles the demands of high school and a budding music career? Meet the talented Raegan Graves, a singer-songwriter from Tennessee, who joins us to share her inspiring journey. From her childhood passion for music and theater to collaborating on songs with her father, Raegan opens up about the personal experiences and influences that shape her music. She'll also introduce you to her favorite apps, Spotify and YouTube, and share her admiration for the indie band The Flying Beats.
But that's not all—Raegan takes us through her challenges and triumphs in balancing academics and her music career. Listen in as she talks about the incredible feedback she received for her song "Growing Pains," her love for covering hits by Bon Jovi and Miley Cyrus, and her exciting plans for new recordings. Plus, get a sneak peek into her future plans, including a special Taylor Swift concert at her local Arts Center. Don't miss this episode, which is filled with valuable advice for aspiring musicians and the promising future of Raegan Graves.
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Hi and welcome to the R2RV Indie Artist Podcast, and today I have with me Regan Graves. Regan is a singer-songwriter from Tennessee. Welcome, regan, how are you?
Speaker 2:Glad to meet you. I'm really excited.
Speaker 1:I am so glad. It's nice to meet you too. I have seen you on Facebook a lot and certainly have listened to your music, so I do like to ask two questions to get us warmed up. What is your favorite app on your phone and why?
Speaker 2:Well, I love Spotify and YouTube. Spotify because they have a lot of great music, old and new, and I love YouTube because from there I can listen to covers of people singing those songs.
Speaker 2:I like that and I like both those apps as well, If you had a chance to meet one indie artist in person, who would it be? Oh, that is a tough one, but if I had to choose one, it'd be the Flying Beats. They are really supportive to all indie artists, including myself. I actually sing one of their songs called the Villain. It's a great song, by the way.
Speaker 1:Oh, that is awesome. And yes, I agree, they are fantastic. And I just have to say one thing, including for you I find that the indie artists are one of the most supportive communities, online, offline and with you included, because I see you know you are always supporting and sharing as well with the other indie artists. But, yeah, they're great. Good answer, I like it All right. So who is Regan Graves?
Speaker 2:I see Regan Graves as a girl living in the moment who is kind, creative and a singer who happens to play the guitar. That's what I told my dad before my first guitar lesson.
Speaker 1:I like that, and at what age did you start singing?
Speaker 2:My parents always told me that I could sing way before I could talk, could sing way before I could talk, and then I evolved into the performer I am today.
Speaker 1:That is awesome.
Speaker 2:That is great. And who has motivated you to become a musician? Actually, it was a show that motivated me. I love it so much. It's called the Masked Singer. I am a super fan. I've always told myself that I wanted to be on that show, so I'm working my way towards that goal and if I ever get on there, I would want to be a sea lion.
Speaker 1:I love that. I've watched it maybe once or twice, but yeah, they're good for you. All right, well, you'll have to let everybody know when you're on so we can watch.
Speaker 2:I promise.
Speaker 1:Okay, so when did you start writing songs?
Speaker 2:I started writing songs when I was 13. At first I wasn't sure of it, but my papa said that I got the creativity and the brains to come up with great songs.
Speaker 1:He's right. I have listened to your songs and I really enjoy all of them. Where do you find your inspiration for your songs?
Speaker 2:I find my inspiration from things that have happened in my life, like growing pains. It's that feeling where you want to stay young but you can't. You have to grow up. And there's 315, a freedom song where you just can't wait to get out out of school, out of work and just be you. Miss you was a tribute to one of my family members who had passed away a few years back, and Stronger proves that there's going to be lots of obstacles in the way but you have to face them head on. And Muscle Shoals that was a song that I made because I actually went there once. I saw lots of guitars and great history about some singers in the past oh my gosh, that is awesome.
Speaker 1:And reagan, I have to tell you, though you may be, uh, you know your songs. Um, I don't always like to refer to people old or young, but you are on the younger side, but your words resonate, even with me, you know, for different reasons. You know, I remember being younger and those growing pains, and I'm telling you at my age there's still growing pains. So that really, no, honestly, 315, at the end of the day, with all of us, we all are looking for the, you know, just to let all the things that we have to concentrate on and work at, be it school, be it work, again, those words just have hit home with me and your other songs as well. So I think you have such a broad range with your writing skills. It's just I can't wait to see what else comes along with Raven Grave, reagan Graves, with that. So kudos to you. Yeah, is there a process for your writing or does it does come to you and you have to write?
Speaker 2:Well, first I take a melody, then I take the words, then I take life experiences and then I put them together into a song.
Speaker 1:Wow, okay. So are there times where things just kind of pop in your head and you have to write them down quick, or do you just take that time to step away from everything to write?
Speaker 2:Well, sometimes I get my dad to help me with that. He comes up with ideas on what some songs should be about. Then we both come up with the lyrics. Sometimes I go with what's on the paper and sometimes I come up with stuff that's in my head Cool, all right. Are your parents musicians as well? No, none of my family members are musicians they're more of freaks.
Speaker 1:I'm sorry, what was that?
Speaker 2:Sports freak. I do not do sports, I do not want to risk a bruise.
Speaker 1:I hear you, oh my gosh, you're funny. All right, so and I'm with you on the bruise. We don't want to do that. You perform in musicals in high school. What drew you to wanting to perform in musicals at school? I actually started a play when I was nine years old. It was the Jungle Book. I played Call the Snake, and after that I got used to theater so much that I've been doing it in my schools and the art center, you know, in my town.
Speaker 2:oh, wow, is it something that you want to pursue after high school? I actually see myself as a singer and an actor mostly a singer, but yes, I would love to do more of it oh, fantastic, good for you.
Speaker 1:So which? Which is your favorite musical to date that you've been in?
Speaker 2:That is a tough one. There have been so many, but I'm going to have to say School of Rock. I played Summer Hathaway. She was an amazing role and an amazing solo, and it was actually the first time my brother was in a play too, so we got to share the same experience together oh, that's fantastic.
Speaker 1:I see, I saw the picture. There's a picture of the two together, yes, on facebook. Oh, I saw that. Oh, that's fantastic. That's really cool and you play the piano. You play the piano. I'm sorry, yep, and do you want to? Did you want to learn the piano? I'm sorry, yep, and do you want to? Did you want to learn the piano, or did your parents suggest to you to learn the piano?
Speaker 2:I play the piano by ear. A long time ago it was mostly singles and Christmas songs, but when I got to lessons I learned that there's more to it than just pressing keys. I stopped doing it when I got my guitar for Christmas. Ashley taught me so much, and after that I learned some things on my own.
Speaker 1:Very good. So do you prefer the guitar over the piano or do you just like musical instruments in general?
Speaker 2:Guitar, guitar, Because I haven't played the piano in a really long time, okay.
Speaker 1:And you play the acoustic guitar. What about the electric guitar?
Speaker 2:I actually got some lessons for it a few weeks ago. Scott is a great teacher. I'm not quite on the professional road yet, but I'm getting there.
Speaker 1:No, there you go, and you certainly will be. What do you like best about being an indie artist?
Speaker 2:What I like about it is I get to make my music my own, I can control it and I can tell a story just by singing.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. Do you put yourself into a genre? Absolutely.
Speaker 2:Do you put yourself into a genre? I put myself in, like pop, rock and country, which are actually my three favorite genres.
Speaker 1:And you get so much support from the indie artist community and your fans.
Speaker 1:It is great to have so much support from your fans. It feels like you're in an indie family, Absolutely, and I know that Berlow's band you are one of his favorites, and with everybody else as well. And you're right, the indie artists are fans of each other, which I think just helps helps each other out Even you know that that's the best way to be is being able to support each other. Back in April, a lot of Carmody reviews reviewed one of your songs, growing pains. Were you nervous waiting for the?
Speaker 2:I mean, I wasn't that nervous, but I was hoping that they would like it. I mean, reviews are everything.
Speaker 1:And I know that, working with Melodic Harmony, they've done a great job with doing their reviews. When you finally received the review, were you glad that it was over? Was it a long wait for you?
Speaker 2:I was so happy. They actually liked it. Yes, they did, and good for you, I was so happy.
Speaker 1:They actually liked it. Yes, they did, and good for you. Would you recommend somebody else to submit their music to Melodic Harmony Reviews? Yeah, I mean.
Speaker 2:MHR is a really great review.
Speaker 1:They can give you such good feedback and they can give you some tips for the future absolutely and just a little bit from the review I love to read when listening to Reagan singles, including the recently really released Muscle Shoals. The production quality is consistent, lyrically strong and descriptive. Miss you definitely stands out amongst the singles due to the beautifully emotional lyrics. Fantastic Good for you. Absolutely love that. You are welcome. So you have had I'm sure you have a very busy schedule because I know you are always out at a gig. You're back into school. How have you? How do you balance all that?
Speaker 2:My parents are so supportive that they let me be a kid first and we then try to plan a schedule for my school and my gigs. It's not as easy as it looks.
Speaker 1:No, I am sure it is not. And now you're going to be a junior, which even means, I think, junior year is probably one of the toughest years.
Speaker 2:It's already become the toughest.
Speaker 1:I have a feeling, though, that you are just going to be. You will be just fine.
Speaker 2:Thanks.
Speaker 1:Besides singing your originals, are there particular cover songs that you like to sing? Do you have one that you really like?
Speaker 2:I love singing Bon Jovi, miley Cyrus, billy Joel, guns N' Roses and I'm actually looking for some new material like the Sticks. Oh wow, I'm looking forward to playing one of their songs someday.
Speaker 1:Oh man, that is fantastic. So are you working on any new recordings?
Speaker 2:I'm actually working on two songs. One of them is Southern Summer, which I'm going to record in the fall. Okay, two songs. One of them is Southern Summer, which I'm going to record in the fall, and the other is One More Ride that I wrote for my late grandpa, which I'm probably going to do next year.
Speaker 1:Okay. Do you go in and out of the studios multiple times when you're working on recording a song?
Speaker 2:Yes, I go to Arch Recording Studios in Chattanooga. I got a great friend named Tyler. He has a good ear for music and he is so creative. We make a great team.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's awesome. Well, that's great because that's very important. I mean, you definitely want to be able to balance with whomever is on your team. What advice would you give another young music artist starting in the business?
Speaker 2:Well, I would say just be yourself, let your music tell a story and, most importantly, have fun.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. You got that right. What's next for Reagan Graves?
Speaker 2:Well, like you said, I'm a junior now, so I've got school, I'm playing gigs whenever I can and I'm just going to be a kid who needs a driver's license. My mom says I do not mind being driven around by my mom and dad.
Speaker 1:That's a good way to look at it. I have four children. My oldest daughter, when she was ready to get her driver's license, she was like at the door of wherever the kitchen, maybe with my keys in her hand, and it's like I'm 16, it's time to go. My son, on the other hand, he was like yeah, I'm fine with it. You want to drive me until I'm about 20? I'm good with it. So he, he had plenty of friends and we drove him too. So you know, it all depends, but I like you, you're good. Where can everybody find you when? Where's the best place to find? On Facebook, instagram?
Speaker 2:Yes, facebook, instagram and TikTok, and they can also find me on all streaming platforms.
Speaker 1:That's right, absolutely. And if you're listening to this interview, you definitely have to go check out Reagan Graves. Find her, like her comment, share, stream the music and buy the music right.
Speaker 2:Yes, the more the merrier.
Speaker 1:Yes, absolutely. Oh my gosh, Reagan, is there anything else that you'd like to add to this that I haven't touched on?
Speaker 2:Well, I'm actually doing something special. In September. It's a Taylor Swift inspirational concert and I'm going to sing some Taylor Swift songs.
Speaker 1:That is cool, so where will that be?
Speaker 2:That will be at the Arts Center across my town Okay, it's a place and art.
Speaker 1:Together. That's really cool. Is it open to the public? Yes, it is open to the public. Awesome, so people can go on Facebook. Will you post about when, when, where and how to find you?
Speaker 2:I will do it awesome, awesome.
Speaker 1:Reagan, it's been a pleasure talking to you. I'm so glad that we finally met, that we finally met up. Are you still nervous?
Speaker 2:no, I'm not anymore. I'm good now you you did you are welcome.
Speaker 1:I'm so glad that we got to do this and uh, I'll be following you. I am over on r2r broadcasting and uh liking, comment and sharing, so I look forward to you will have one great career. Well, let me ask you this before we really wrap it up um, after senior year are what? What do you think you'll be doing?
Speaker 2:I don't really know.
Speaker 1:No, not yet Okay.
Speaker 2:I haven't thought of college yet.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. All right, Regan, it has been a pleasure speaking with you. Thank you so much.
Speaker 2:Thank you.
Speaker 1:You're welcome. It's been a pleasure.
