Heidi Raye by: Jeff Hightower

Canada has always been a hot spot for music talent. And 20 year old Heidi Raye is no different. Starting out working the farm, she earned those hard miles that show the true metal of a songwriter. She grew up sing in church and performing in front of crowds at a very early age. At age 13, she was a semi finalist in the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Talent Search in Vancouver, BC. At 17, she made it to the top 100 for Canadian Idol (Canada’s version of American Idol). Her voice is like a warm blanket that you can wrap yourself up in. It totally engulfs you. Hopeful of landing a deal with a record label, success is a goal she’s defined and determined to achieve. With looks, talent and a voice, Heidi is what the future of music is needing. She’s real, and a straight from the heart performer that just cries out with pure sound bore from hard work and determination. HM - What got you into music in the first place? HR - I've been singing since I was very little; I used to make up songs on my Fisher Price recorder when I was three years old. I started singing solo's in church when I was three as well, and have been at it ever since. HM - Who were your main influences that help develop the artist you are today? HR - My parents; I have the most amazing family ever. Both my older brothers and my parents have made adjustments in their own lives, and have made sacrifices for me to pursue my singing. My mom and dad have taken me across the country and bent over backwards to help me get to where I am today. HM - What is your main goal in the music industry? HR - I want to be a successful recording artist. I want to sing at big concerts and have people want to come see and hear me. HM - What drives you to be the artist you are today? HR - This is the only goal I've ever had, and the only thing that I've prayed for every single night. I think God gives us talents for a reason, and I want to use mine. HM - What sets you apart from other artist in the industry today? HR - I have the "whole package" kind of thing... besides being a singer, songwriter, and play the guitar and piano, I also have had years of dance training and have performed in several Musical Theatre Productions, both of which help build confidence, stage presence, and overall performance. I am friendly, outgoing, and love the camera. I am a registered nursing student who enjoys working with all sorts of people. I am not the least bit shy, and am incredibly determined to get to where I want to be. HM - Of all the things you've done and seen, what is the most important lesson you take out of your experiences? HR - I have been doing talent searches, competitions etc since I was five years old. I've learned that you need confidence and a good attitude, because every judge will think something different; not every one will like you. I've learned that you may get 100 "no's" before you hear a "yes", and that's ok too; it's all experience. HM - What is more important to you, the notoriety and accolades or the pride and passion of music? HR - Definitely the pride and passion. After writing a song you like or you put on a good performance, you get a good feeling of accomplishment. Whether you become famous or not is not what this is about. Singing and performing is all I do, all I can do, and all I've ever dreamt about, and I get that rush whether I'm playing in my room by myself or in front a thousand people. HM - In your own words, define the perfect music/song to you. HR - The perfect song is something that is catchy, something that, whether it's fast or slow, or whether you know it or not, makes you want to sing along. I like songs that make you think. They don't have to be deep, -let's solve every problem in the world- kind of songs, but just a hidden meaning or a phrase that sticks with you. HM - Who have you worked with, or are looking forward to working with the most over the course of your career? HR - I have worked with Jack Jackson, a country/country gospel singer, and would love to sing with him again. I would love to work with Gill Grand in the studio, and of course, my ultimate goal: to open for George Straight.

Click here to visit Heidi Raye on myspace

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