An Interview With RAEGAN
Miami native, turned-Brooklyn-based artist, RAEGAN is carving out her own lane with a self-created genre she calls theatre pop, blending the glitz of musical theatre with the irresistible hooks of pop music. Known for her bold, dramatic flair, she is bringing spectacle back to the mainstream.
What first made you want to get into music?
I grew up in musical theatre and have sang since I could talk. I started writing my own music when I was about 13 years old. I started out of self expression and just doing it for fun.
How did growing up in Miami shape your artistic style?
I think every part of me and my experiences help to shape my style, so inevitably growing up in Miami had a huge role. I was exposed to many different cultures and music styles.
When did you start developing your “theatre pop” sound?
I leaned into my theatrical pop style about 2-3 years ago.
What inspired you to blend musical theatre with pop music?
At the time, all of the music I was making was alt pop, and being that I started making music so young, I was growing as a person and I felt as if I grew out of that genre as well. I found myself at a crossroads of reconnecting with my inner child and going the route of performing in theatre again or continuing my path of making music and being an artist. I realized I didn’t have to choose, I could just mix them together and do both.
How would you define the world of “RAEGAN CORE”?
The world of RAEGAN CORE is bold, colorful and dramatic. It’s a place for all the theatre kids, queer, dramatics to co-exist and be unapologetically themselves.
What was the vision behind your single RAEGAN CORE?
I really just made this song for fun. I would have never expected to get the reaction that it got. It was me just creating a theme song for myself and this project.
How do you approach creating such theatrical live performances?
I just like to try out all my crazy ideas and see if they work or not. I like to draw inspiration from musicals and see what I can do in my own way. I also always try to think from an audience perspective, what would be the most entertaining show, my biggest fear in a performance is to be boring.
What was it like touring with Autoheart and Jazmin Bean?
It was really fun!! I look back and see how young and developing I was. But it was a good experience to get my feet wet and realize I love touring.
How did performing across the U.S. and Europe influence your artistry?
It made me take into account the audience’s perspective so much more during my performances. It taught me the art of performing is to convince people to pay attention and to hold their attention for at least a 30 minute set. Which led me to think outside the box and create full setlists that are more than just me singing my songs, but a whole thought out theatrical experience.
What was it like working with Brian Newman on stage?
Omg amazing. He’s a legend, it was so fun. He’s also just such a nice guy, so it was an honor to meet and work with him.
How does fashion play into your music and overall identity?
A LOT. Fashion is the way that I express myself visually, while my music is the way that I express myself sonically. So they go hand in hand.
As you continue to grow, what do you want RAEGAN to represent?
I want RAEGAN to represent camp. In all ways… She is gay, comedic, heartfelt, entertaining, accepting, kind, and hardworking. A reminder to all the drama queens, cry babies, and divas that this is a safe space.
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