For singer-songwriter Jackie Rae, music is a source of release and empowerment.
Drawing from her own experiences as a trans-woman, Jackie Rae has written a song that is an anthem for the trans community.
Her debut single, “Good as Gold,” tells the story of a trans-woman who seeks identity and worth through her interactions with men. The mantra “Good as Gold” is echoed through the soaring chorus, affirming confidence, strength, and value.
Check out what Jackie Rae has to say about the empowering new track and more!
How did you first become interested in music?
I first became interested in music when I was very young. As soon as I could take showers on my own, I treated that space like my private recording booth (even though the whole house could hear me belting). I was always shy about singing, and felt that I loved it so much that it would be overwhelming to pursue. I come from a family of strings musicians, so I started playing cello when I was eight years old. My music fundamentals actually come from my 10 years of training as a cellist.
Who did you listen to growing up and do you feel that has influenced your music today?
I grew up listening to my brother’s taste in music initially, which included punk rock groups like Green Day, Blink-182, and Good Charlotte. When I started listening to music on my own, I gravitated towards pop stars like Katy Perry, Britney Spears, and Demi Lovato. Something about their fierce, feminine energy drew me closer and played a big part in understanding my musical style and even my gender identity. I would say Demi Lovato is the biggest musical influence from my childhood because of her ability to tackle genres like pop, pop rock, and R&B with strong vocal delivery. Not only do I admire her music, but what she stands for as a mental health and LGBT advocate.
How does it feel to have your debut single, “Good As Gold” out in the world?
It honestly feels surreal. The song was written almost three years ago with my friends Madelyn Murphy and Marley Dahlheimer. I recorded the single in Boston in July 2019, so to now have it out over a year later is a relief, and feels amazing. It goes to show that writing, producing, and releasing music independently is a slow process and takes a lot of work and personal motivation. I hope it inspires my community to see themselves for the badasses that they are.
What inspired you to write “Good As Gold”?
This song came to life in a practice room at Berklee during my first week in Boston. The night prior, we ended up at the gay club. As an 18 year old queer on the loose for the first time, naturally I found an attractive man and we left together. Reflecting on that night with my friends, we realized how hookup culture made me feel more vulnerable and less valuable. Together we decided to tell this story, focusing on the mantra “I’m good as gold.” Picture telling yourself this phrase in the mirror over and over again, until you start to believe it. That is the inspiration for this song.
What was the writing process like?
The writing process was really organic. My friends and I decided we wanted to write something with an R&B bluesy vibe, so we started surfing YouTube for somewhere to start. I think we found a track with a SZA vibe, and that got us in the mood to play with a chord progression. We had discussed the inspiration, and played with different lyrical themes like self-worth and impulsive decisions. We got the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus down that night and I later finished the song on my own.
How do you hope people feel after listening to “Good As Gold”?
After listening to “Good As Gold,” I hope people will start or continue the journey towards self love. Even if they don’t recognize their value, I want them to trust that somewhere inside of them there is gold. I still struggle with fear and insecurity, but have found the centering voice inside of me that fights for what I believe is my truest, most authentic self. This voice guided me through gender transition from male to female, and helps me day-to-day to battle anxiety, OCD, and depression.
What can fans look forward to next?
Fans can look forward to more singles coming in the next couple of months! I recorded a catalog of the best songs I wrote while living in Boston, and I can’t wait to share each layer with the world. These songs focus on self discovery, family vulnerability, and empowerment.
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
I’m good as gold, and baby, you just don’t know!
Listen here.