Premiere singles are the musical equivalent of an intro. The big ones – ‘Baby One More Time’, ‘Royals’, ‘Crazy in Love’ – can put the full potential of an artist on display while foreshadowing everything to come. These milestones usually occur when the artist is completely unknown or is starting a solo act, but what happens when a star who is already known in a medium makes the leap to pop? The question is one that Addison Rae is considering. A household name for Gen-Z thanks to his immense popularity on TikTok, Rae is best known for his viral videos, but his latest project shows a new side of his talents. The release of her first single, ‘Obsessed’, re-introduces Rae to the world as a musician, singing and dancing to an animated song dedicated to self-love.
Rae’s foray into music may come as a surprise to some, but she has been working hard on her new tracks since last year. Involved in every part of the process, she played with songwriting and recording. “From the beginning, I wanted to make sure I was writing my own songs,” she says. “I remember taking notes when I was a kid and trying to figure out how to turn them into music, [now] I am learning every detail with incredible composers. “
‘Obsessed’ comes from Rae’s experiences as a social media star, using word games to discuss the pros and cons of a relationship. “You might consider yourself obsessed with yourself, but that’s not what I’m trying to communicate,” explains Rae. “It is more that I can love myself as much as you love me, and that is important. There are days when I struggle and it is definitely a work in progress 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-affirming nature of the track is deliberate. Inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, who fill her songs with relatable themes, she wanted her music to have a heart. “I wanted to find out who I was as an artist before I launched something into 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 skilful choreography has raised the stakes for artists like Camilla Cabello, Major Lazer and Nicki Minaj. “Dancers can feel something through music when they are dancing,” says Rae. “I am lucky to work with Sara and Calvit and find out what would look 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 video’s fashion selection, chosen by stylist Kyle Luu. It features everything from transparent LaQuan Smith coveralls worn with Mugler underpinnings to a magenta Gucci bolero with a crystal studded bra. Sexy but playful, the four looks each bring their own fashion message. “No one has seen this side of me before,” says Rae of the dramatic changes, including a fiery new hair color and bold makeup. “What is exciting is that all of this has been a part of me for a long time, but it is not something that I am ready to show yet.”
90s fans can experience a moment of nostalgia while wearing some of the clothes. A white Dion Lee corset worn with long-legged Dickies channels Britney Spears around ‘Sometimes’, while the tight jumpsuit reminds the Spice Girls in’ Say it will be there. The retro touch is a tribute to some of the artists that Rae grew up listening to and his mother’s personal playlist. “When I was young, she always listened to music from the 90s and 2000s, so I was incredibly influenced by that,” says Rae. “Beyoncé, J. Lo, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, there are so many artists and songwriters that inspire me. There is such an emotional connection that people have with their songs; they change people. ”
Rae hopes that her contributions to the music can have a similar evocative effect – especially when she can perform live. “Going up on stage is a big part of being an artist,” she says. “It will be exciting to share something I have loved all my life with the world and I hope to surprise people who did not realize that it was part of who I am.”