Female Artist Of The Month For September 2012

“There is nothing I want more in this world than this…” Such a definitive statement for so young an artist. Then again, Hunter Rae, StarCentral Magazine’s Female Artist of the Month for September 2012 has always known that she had wanted to become a recording artist. She was still a toddler when singing began to be a big part of her life and at 10 years old, she began to write her own music. When she was fourteen, her vocal coach arranged for her to perform at a local theatre. “It was a fairly large crowd of 700 people…it was one of the best nights of my life…” Since then, there has been no stopping her.

Admittedly nervous before any performance, the 16-year old Canadian says “…the second I walk out onto the stage, my nerves disappear.” Extremely passionate about the music industry, she cannot contemplate being anything other than a country music recording artist. “It’s such a magnificent thing to be able to wake up every morning knowing you’re doing what you love to do.” However, she concedes that the road she’s chosen will not be an easy one. For this, she relies on her family and friends to keep her grounded. “They want me to know that while I’m out chasing my dreams, I also have to be realistic about them.”

Her passion extends to her family as well. For Hunter, her most treasured performances “…would have to be when my family comes over to my house for dinner and we just sit around the fire, playing music…there’s something about the simplicity of sitting down with my guitar, being surrounded by the people I love most that I adore.” So, while she may enjoy dazzling crowds of hundreds (“I love the whole experience about performing, the crowd, the freedom and the joy it brings to me…”), it is these quiet performances she keeps close to her heart.

Hunter was shaped early on by her grade 5 teacher, Mr Palaga and her grade 8-9 teacher Mrs Peel. Individuality is precious to her (“…One of my biggest fears is being the same as everyone else…”). A truth made evident by one of her favourite quotes, “In a world where you can be anything, be yourself,” and there can be no doubt that Hunter Rae will definitely hold steadfast as she continues to pursue her dreams.