ARIA nominated country singer and songwriter Jasmine Rae launches new album and national tour

ARIA nominated country singer and songwriter Jasmine Rae - a Crows Nest local talks about how she pens the lyrics to her new songs.

Country singer Jasmine Rae

CROWS Nest’s vibrant cafes are a songwriting inspiration for up-and-coming country singer Jasmine Rae.

The 27-year-old, who’s about to launch her fourth album, haunts the coffee shops of an afternoon, sipping hot chocolate and tapping out lyrics on her laptop.

“I love sitting in the coffee shops,” she said. “I really do enjoy getting among them all – it’s cool.

Singer and Australian Aria finalist Jasmine Rae. Picture: Braden Fastier

“I actually do a lot of writing as well as singing.”

Rae, who’s been nominated for an ARIA three times, has penned 10 of the 12 tracks for her new album Heartbeat, which was recorded in Nashville.

A mix of soul and blues-influenced country music, the album was recorded with the help of Grammy Award-winning US producer Luke Wooten.

Now a resident of Crows Nest, Rae grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne.

“I didn’t actually grow up in the country, but I’ve always loved country music and the way lyrics in songs can just take you to a place and tell you a story,” she said.

“Whether you’ve been in that situation of not, you feel as if you have by the end of the song. I’ve always thought that’s quite a magical thing.”

Country singer Jasmine Rae. Picture: Braden Fastier

Rae, who was awarded the CMC Female Artist of the Year last year, said she writes a lot, up to 45 songs for an album, when only 10 may be good enough to be used.

She writes and rewrites the words, playing with the arrangements.

“It’s a craft I’m a little bit obsessed with actually,” she said. “I feel there’s always something new to learn about the craft of song writing. Sometimes it is terrible and sometimes it is really good.”

Jasmine Rae singing in 2010.

The lead single from the album, Heartbeat, is about listening to the rhythm of one’s own heartbeat.

“This song is about breaking through the noise,” Rae said. “We’re bombarded now with self-help books and TV ads for gym equipment that will ‘change our life’ – well-meaning people who are more than happy to tell you how to be a better person.

“I sometimes find that I lose the balance between listening to advice and listening to my own thoughts, and that puts me on the road to doubt myself. But there’s always going to be one person who disagrees, because we’re all different and that’s a good thing.

“Heartbeat is about listening to your heart and soul.”

Rae is touring the country to promote the album, and will be performing at Rooty Hill RSL on May 16.