Jetty Rae

"Lyrics driven, mellow, passionate, truthful, acoustic, soulful"... All ways in which Michigan based singer-songwriter, Jetty Rae describes her own music. Learn about her Native American roots, the music scene in Ann Arbor and her "trial child," Otie.

Who is Jetty Rae?
The real Jetty Rae was a full blooded Karuk Native American. Jetty Rae was my Grandmother's name. She was a free-spirited hitch-hiking woman who couldn't be tamed, or kept in one place. I hopefully embody that spirit of freedom in my music.

What is “Forget Me Not” about?
Forget me not is essentially the narrative of many different characters asking God not to forget them. I wrote it in a stream of consciousness, and later realized who these characters were. The first one is King David, standing in a field. Then the song goes on to Mary Magdalene, Peter the disciple, the thief on the cross, and lastly me. The thought that really inspired this song was the fact that when I die, one of two things is going to happen..either God will say welcome, or He will say depart. I want God to know me.




What do you love about music?
I love how it can capture the heart with just one note. I love how music can do so much more than words can alone. Music is my medicine-haha. But as much as I love listening to it, I really love creating it more.

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Favorite song you’ve made?
I don't know if I have a favorite song, but I do have a song called "Favorite Song," so maybe that should be it ha. Actually I like my song called "Chocolate Sunrise." I wrote it about my then boyfriend (now husband) and my desire to see us make it in the long run, and eventually grow old together. It's about a great divide that is eventually overcome with the refrain of "I believe in a greater love."

Favorite music videos to watch?
I don't really like music videos anymore. They are all about sex, and drugs, and this rock and roll hell have us attitude. If I had to pick, I would say that I really like indie artist videos--they are much more pure and original. I actually used to want to get into music video production when I was younger. I used to make music videos with my friends all the time. I guess my favorite music video that we made was to Linkin Park's "Somewhere I Belong." That was like the anthem of my high school days...I thought it would be dramatic if at the songs climax I was in the shower with my clothes on crying and banging my head around...yea I don't really think that translated well. Hahaha.

What is the Ann Arbor music scene like?
Well I've only lived in Ann Arbor for the past two years, so I'm relatively new to the scene. In my opinion it's a great town to see amazing artists in awesome venues, but it's kind of difficult to break into. So many great artists come through--and I've been able to see a lot of great live shows. Ann Arbor kind of gets the best of both worlds musically--we have the big folk scene here, as well as Detroits influence of soul, R&B, and rap.

Music influences?
Lauryn Hill is a big one--her "Miseducation" album has gotten me through a lot, as well as her MTV Unplugged stuff. She is saying things in such a fresh way, and her voice is so inviolable. I also listen to a ton of chicks who play guitars..they are my weakness. Brandi Carlile, Cat Power, Ray Lamontagne, Priscilla Ahn, Amber Rubarth, Alisa Turner, Coldplay, Sleeping at Last, The Weepies, Ella Fitzgerald, and I love Eva Cassidy!

Life influences?
My parents who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and didn't care when I didn't want to go to college. They really gave me a good perspective. Also my husband who is my biggest fan---he not only inspires great love songs, but provides me with such a sense of security and peace. When I fail it never stings as much, because I'm always winning with him.

Spare time activities?
Audio recording stuff! I am just now getting into that dorky world, with my own home studio. I'm learning the lingo, and hopefully on my way to being a successful engineer and producer. I also like to spend lot's of time with my family, and my dog Otie. He is a pug, and he is kind of our trial child...haha. I grew up close to the beaches so I'm a summer beach girl--I love spending time with my family at the beach. I also love to travel--I've been to lot's of cool places including China, and Fiji.

Favorite city you’ve played in?
I don't really know if I have one...maybe Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. That was my first gig, I got to play facing the ocean--that was nice.

What are your pre-show rituals?
Put on lot's of makeup, guzzle some honey, get into character, kiss my husband, and pray.

In 5 years I see myself _________?
Owning my own Independent record label called "Sunshine Wreckchords," which helps up and coming independent artists with similar vision and goals as myself. I also see myself touring more nationally, and hopefully having a few more cd's out.

Anything else you want people to know abou - MTV Music

Based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jetty Rae is a unique songstress with powerful and sweet lyrics. She’s already garnered attention from the likes of MTV’s “Needle In The Haystack” series, as well as the Lilith Fair where she was handpicked by Sarah McLachlan and Terry McBride as the featured local artist. With all this good press following her, it’s no surprise that 2011 will be a big year for Jetty Rae. We had the chance to chat with her about her first guitar, the work she’s put into becoming a great singer, and the importance of lyrics. - SonicBids.com

Based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jetty Rae is a unique songstress with powerful and sweet lyrics. She’s already garnered attention from the likes of MTV’s “Needle In The Haystack” series, as well as the Lilith Fair where she was handpicked by Sarah McLachlan and Terry McBride as the featured local artist. With all this good press following her, it’s no surprise that 2011 will be a big year for Jetty Rae. We had the chance to chat with her about her first guitar, the work she’s put into becoming a great singer, and the importance of lyrics. - SonicBids.com

Like many singer-songwriters, Ann Arbor’s Jetty Rae has a tough time explaining her sound.

“Sometimes I get asked by people who don’t really listen to music, and so I can’t say ‘kind of like Ingrid Michaelson’ because not everyone knows who that is,” said Rae. “So I usually just say I’m kind of Norah Jones-ish and that puts them in the right ballpark. (I’m a) mellow kind of singer songwriter, that’s what I tell most people.”

Rae, inspired by a range of independent artists including Lauryn Hill and Brandi Carlile, will offer a solo show at Crazy Wisdom Book Store & Tea Room on Friday.

She released her first full-length album, “Blackberries,” in 2007, and in November 2009 followed that up with the EP “Nobody.” Rae, who works by day at Ann Arbor recording studio Solid Sound, is currently preparing a children’s CD as well as another full-length album.

A native of Charlevoix, Rae’s first album opened the door for her to tour Northern Michigan at numerous festivals and venues, among them the Traverse City Film Festival and Blissfest.

She caught the attention of music Web site OurStage.com, which flew her to New York to perform during the opening of a new JetBlue terminal at JFK airport. MTV.com has interviewed Rae for its “Needle In The Haystack” series, and she shared the stage recently with Sarah McLachlan as the local opening act at Lilith Fair's stop in suburban Detroit.

“I think it opened doors; it will hopefully open more doors in the future,” Rae said of the Lilith gig. “It was a cool thing getting to meet Sarah and the artists on tour. It was real encouraging to me. … I haven’t seen anything big in relationship to that open up but I keep thinking it will be good leverage (and) maybe,” she laughed, “it will get me a better greenroom.”

When it comes to influences, Rae said singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, who has performed often in Ann Arbor, is near the top of the list.

“I love, love, love, love, love her,” Rae exclaimed. “She’s a really good songwriter and that’s really important to me, to be able to connect with somebody in songwriting. I love Lauren Hill, I was really inspired by her from a young age. I love Eva Cassidy — she had a beautiful voice. Growing up I listened to a lot of Jennifer Knapp; she was a Christian artist then and she played the guitar and was a really cool rocker chick. I try not to listen to too much music but most of the music I listen to is singer-songwriter. I love finding new female vocalists.”

Rae recalled an early enjoyment of music.

“I’ve always loved singing. I’d dress up and carry my little recorder around. I started in theater and choir in middle school, I took vocal lessons in high school. My mom bought me a guitar (but) I didn’t like playing it because my fingers hurt too much. Later on, after I graduated from high school, I was in Hawaii for a while, I brought my guitar and that’s when I first really started songwriting, when I was 18.”

While in Hawaii, she also joined the rap and hip-hop group Soul Chronicle, and toured the Hawaiian Islands, as well as mainland China with them. Her stint with Soul Chronicle opened up other doors for her to record with other hip-hop groups such as The S.O.G. crew.

“My first album had rap on (it),” she said. “One of my really good friends, he came out and rapped on it. I kind of like mixing genres. Just the art of the spoken word and rap and putting it together with acoustic music I think is really powerful. Lauryn Hill really inspired me and her first stuff was very hip-hop.”

With her first experiences in the studio under her belt, Rae left the indie hip-hop world for a more organic, folk sound, although its influence still shows up in her music.

“One thing I like to do is try out different styles. Maybe I’ll make a different beat with my guitar on one song — that’s one way hip-hop has inspired me,” she said.
She acknowledges she’s drawn to independent musicians and said her ultimate goal someday is to have her own recording label.

“I think there’s a lot to admire in (Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist) Imogen Heap, for example. She’s a great example of do-it-yourself. I’m just trying to figure everything out. I’m trying to record my own stuff, and produce and just test myself and see how far my capabilities can take me. I definitely admire that do-it-yourself-ness in a lot of those artists who have taken their music into their own hands.” - AnnArbor.com

Like many singer-songwriters, Ann Arbor’s Jetty Rae has a tough time explaining her sound.

“Sometimes I get asked by people who don’t really listen to music, and so I can’t say ‘kind of like Ingrid Michaelson’ because not everyone knows who that is,” said Rae. “So I usually just say I’m kind of Norah Jones-ish and that puts them in the right ballpark. (I’m a) mellow kind of singer songwriter, that’s what I tell most people.”

Rae, inspired by a range of independent artists including Lauryn Hill and Brandi Carlile, will offer a solo show at Crazy Wisdom Book Store & Tea Room on Friday.

She released her first full-length album, “Blackberries,” in 2007, and in November 2009 followed that up with the EP “Nobody.” Rae, who works by day at Ann Arbor recording studio Solid Sound, is currently preparing a children’s CD as well as another full-length album.

A native of Charlevoix, Rae’s first album opened the door for her to tour Northern Michigan at numerous festivals and venues, among them the Traverse City Film Festival and Blissfest.

She caught the attention of music Web site OurStage.com, which flew her to New York to perform during the opening of a new JetBlue terminal at JFK airport. MTV.com has interviewed Rae for its “Needle In The Haystack” series, and she shared the stage recently with Sarah McLachlan as the local opening act at Lilith Fair's stop in suburban Detroit.

“I think it opened doors; it will hopefully open more doors in the future,” Rae said of the Lilith gig. “It was a cool thing getting to meet Sarah and the artists on tour. It was real encouraging to me. … I haven’t seen anything big in relationship to that open up but I keep thinking it will be good leverage (and) maybe,” she laughed, “it will get me a better greenroom.”

When it comes to influences, Rae said singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, who has performed often in Ann Arbor, is near the top of the list.

“I love, love, love, love, love her,” Rae exclaimed. “She’s a really good songwriter and that’s really important to me, to be able to connect with somebody in songwriting. I love Lauren Hill, I was really inspired by her from a young age. I love Eva Cassidy — she had a beautiful voice. Growing up I listened to a lot of Jennifer Knapp; she was a Christian artist then and she played the guitar and was a really cool rocker chick. I try not to listen to too much music but most of the music I listen to is singer-songwriter. I love finding new female vocalists.”

Rae recalled an early enjoyment of music.

“I’ve always loved singing. I’d dress up and carry my little recorder around. I started in theater and choir in middle school, I took vocal lessons in high school. My mom bought me a guitar (but) I didn’t like playing it because my fingers hurt too much. Later on, after I graduated from high school, I was in Hawaii for a while, I brought my guitar and that’s when I first really started songwriting, when I was 18.”

While in Hawaii, she also joined the rap and hip-hop group Soul Chronicle, and toured the Hawaiian Islands, as well as mainland China with them. Her stint with Soul Chronicle opened up other doors for her to record with other hip-hop groups such as The S.O.G. crew.

“My first album had rap on (it),” she said. “One of my really good friends, he came out and rapped on it. I kind of like mixing genres. Just the art of the spoken word and rap and putting it together with acoustic music I think is really powerful. Lauryn Hill really inspired me and her first stuff was very hip-hop.”

With her first experiences in the studio under her belt, Rae left the indie hip-hop world for a more organic, folk sound, although its influence still shows up in her music.

“One thing I like to do is try out different styles. Maybe I’ll make a different beat with my guitar on one song — that’s one way hip-hop has inspired me,” she said.
She acknowledges she’s drawn to independent musicians and said her ultimate goal someday is to have her own recording label.

“I think there’s a lot to admire in (Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist) Imogen Heap, for example. She’s a great example of do-it-yourself. I’m just trying to figure everything out. I’m trying to record my own stuff, and produce and just test myself and see how far my capabilities can take me. I definitely admire that do-it-yourself-ness in a lot of those artists who have taken their music into their own hands.” - AnnArbor.com

Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair has announced the local artist who will be added to the tour's July 21 stop at the DTE Energy Music Theatre, as well as the local charity that will benefit from the date.

Ann Arbor-based singer-songwriter Jetty Rae won the Lilith Local Talent Search after entering her original song, "Little Girl," in the competition. She'll be the first act on stage, at approximately 3 p.m. "Little Girl" and a profile of Rae are available online at www.ourstage.com.

The Detroit-based non-profit Alternative For Girls was selected in the Lilith "Choose Your Charity" contest. The organization, founded in 1987, provides services such as shelter, outreach, educational support, vocal guidance, mentoring and counseling to homeless young women in the metro area. Information about the group is available at www.alternativesforgirls.org.

McLachlan is bringing Lilith Fair back on the road for the first time since 1999 in support of her new album, "Laws of Illusion." The DTE bill also includes Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Queen Latifah, Suzanne Vega and more. Tickets are currently on sale. - The Oakland Press

Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair has announced the local artist who will be added to the tour's July 21 stop at the DTE Energy Music Theatre, as well as the local charity that will benefit from the date.

Ann Arbor-based singer-songwriter Jetty Rae won the Lilith Local Talent Search after entering her original song, "Little Girl," in the competition. She'll be the first act on stage, at approximately 3 p.m. "Little Girl" and a profile of Rae are available online at www.ourstage.com.

The Detroit-based non-profit Alternative For Girls was selected in the Lilith "Choose Your Charity" contest. The organization, founded in 1987, provides services such as shelter, outreach, educational support, vocal guidance, mentoring and counseling to homeless young women in the metro area. Information about the group is available at www.alternativesforgirls.org.

McLachlan is bringing Lilith Fair back on the road for the first time since 1999 in support of her new album, "Laws of Illusion." The DTE bill also includes Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Queen Latifah, Suzanne Vega and more. Tickets are currently on sale. - The Oakland Press

Jetty Rae's folk/soul sound is unique, a culmination of her influences: count Ella Fitzgerald, Eva Cassidy, Patty Griffin, Norah Jones, and Lauryn Hill among them. This eclectic set of influences coupled with her life experience living in China, Hawaii, and Fiji, become apparent through her penetrating vocals and lyrics rooted in depression, love, and faith. She is a solo artist, just her and her guitar, who's opened for other great indie bands and artists such as "Steppin In It" and Rachel Davis. Jetty has also performed as a main act in a number of festivals, including "Big Ticket", and is scheduled to perform in others, such as "Blissfest", as well. You can sample her music at http://jettyrae.com or visit her MySpace and Facebook - TraverseCityFilmFestival.org

Jetty Rae's folk/soul sound is unique, a culmination of her influences: count Ella Fitzgerald, Eva Cassidy, Patty Griffin, Norah Jones, and Lauryn Hill among them. This eclectic set of influences coupled with her life experience living in China, Hawaii, and Fiji, become apparent through her penetrating vocals and lyrics rooted in depression, love, and faith. She is a solo artist, just her and her guitar, who's opened for other great indie bands and artists such as "Steppin In It" and Rachel Davis. Jetty has also performed as a main act in a number of festivals, including "Big Ticket", and is scheduled to perform in others, such as "Blissfest", as well. You can sample her music at http://jettyrae.com or visit her MySpace and Facebook - TraverseCityFilmFestival.org

Local singer-songwriter Jetty Rae is one of five winners in JetBlue Airways' "Live from T5" online contest. The winners landed the opportunity to participate in a six-month, 12-date concert series. Each of the winners will perform at JetBlue's brand-new Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, with Jetty's concert on Friday.
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Jetty Rae, inspired by artists from Patty Griffin to Lauryn Hill, enhances her acoustic guitar playing and soulful vocals with violin and keyboard. Though her melodies are light and sweet, her lyrics delve into such topics as faith, depression, and love. She's at work on her next album, "Nobody," and has plenty of new songs available on her web site in the meantime. - AnnArbor.com

Local singer-songwriter Jetty Rae is one of five winners in JetBlue Airways' "Live from T5" online contest. The winners landed the opportunity to participate in a six-month, 12-date concert series. Each of the winners will perform at JetBlue's brand-new Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, with Jetty's concert on Friday.
Shop Local for the holidays

Pet Holiday Card Design 2
Per pkg, 20 cards & envelopes$15.00 »
Off Plymouth Road east of US23

Visit our website
Jetty Rae, inspired by artists from Patty Griffin to Lauryn Hill, enhances her acoustic guitar playing and soulful vocals with violin and keyboard. Though her melodies are light and sweet, her lyrics delve into such topics as faith, depression, and love. She's at work on her next album, "Nobody," and has plenty of new songs available on her web site in the meantime. - AnnArbor.com

In July, OurStage's community of fan judges helped JetBlue and Superfly Productions scout for new talent in the 'Live from T5' competition. A total of 475 artists submitted their best acoustic tracks for a grand prize opening slot at a Bowery Presents show at the Terminal 5 venue in Manhattan in addition to the opportunity to perform "unplugged" sets at JetBlue's new Terminal 5 at JFK International Airport. Five winners were selected from the top rankings.

Grand Prize Winner: Jetty Rae Jetty Rae is a soul-folk singer/songwriter out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. “I Love You” opens with a melancholy violin solo which introduces Rae’s sultry vocals. Jetty is sure to be a favorite for fans of Ingrid Michaelson and Regina Spektor. - Ourstage.com

In July, OurStage's community of fan judges helped JetBlue and Superfly Productions scout for new talent in the 'Live from T5' competition. A total of 475 artists submitted their best acoustic tracks for a grand prize opening slot at a Bowery Presents show at the Terminal 5 venue in Manhattan in addition to the opportunity to perform "unplugged" sets at JetBlue's new Terminal 5 at JFK International Airport. Five winners were selected from the top rankings.

Grand Prize Winner: Jetty Rae Jetty Rae is a soul-folk singer/songwriter out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. “I Love You” opens with a melancholy violin solo which introduces Rae’s sultry vocals. Jetty is sure to be a favorite for fans of Ingrid Michaelson and Regina Spektor. - Ourstage.com

BIRTHDATE: 1/13

BIRTHPLACE: Springfield, OR

AMBITIONS: To not be ambitious.

TURN-OFFS: My husband sneezing… the frequency and tone of his sneeze really gets me.

TURN-ONS: Deep thinkers, and deep conversations. Also, laughter.

DREAM GIG: Any gig that paid me in the form of an Airstream.

MOVIES I’VE SEEN MORE THAN ONCE: Home Alone 2… best movie ever.

CELEBRITY CRUSH: Lucille Ball

THE BEST WAY TO GET A MAN’S ATTENTION: Speak Klingon.

5 THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN: Chanel, Moleskin, Red Lipstick, Black Boots, and a Bible.

THINGS I LOVE THE MOST: Pugs, cooking shows, and thrift stores.

I WROTE THIS SONG: about a “nice” guy we used to go to church with–he wouldn’t let me borrow his sound system because I was no longer “part of his church.” - American Songwriter