For Corinne Bailey Rae, lyrics and melodies can reveal new possibilities.
Twenty years ago, the British singer, songwriter and musician was performing in jazz clubs and as a member of an all-female rock band, Helen, but she wanted a new musical identity.
Rae started composing songs combining R&B, jazz, folk and pop and writing lyrics revisiting her childhood memories, relationships and family. She was surprised after her self-titled debut album, released in February 2006, became commercially successful and made her a global star.
“This was my first time in the studio, putting headphones on and being able to really hear my voice. I was able to make something that was intimate, conversational and could be like a friend whispering in your ear,” Rae told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“I had no idea what it would do for me, who would connect with it or not. I thought I’d just get to play in the U.K., and that’s it.”
Now, Rae wants to share her creative journey with old and young audiences.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album, the honey-voiced singer launched the “Like a Star” tour, with a stop at Buckhead Theatre on Friday. She’ll perform her first album in its entirety at the sold-out show, as well as deep cuts from all four of her studio projects. She’ll also share stories behind what inspires her music.
Rae said revisiting her catalog allows her to reflect on her career path.
“I like to talk about how I wrote the songs, what I was thinking about at the time, what part of my life it reflects, what it’s like thinking about songs you wrote in your 20s, then being in your 40s and how much more life you’ve had since then,” Rae said.
Credit: Ulrike Rindermann
Credit: Ulrike Rindermann
Atlanta played a part in Rae’s journey more than 15 years ago. In August 2010, she mixed her soulful, Grammy-winning cover version of reggae artist Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Is This Love” in Atlanta. Audio engineer Phil Tan said Rae was collaborative and intentional during the recording sessions.
“She was professional, easy to work with and a joy to be around. Vocally, she seemed more sure of herself, but the vulnerability and tenderness are still evident, and those qualities resonate with her audience,” Tan said.
Credit: Ulrike Rindermann
Credit: Ulrike Rindermann
In March, she published “Put Your Records On,” her first children’s storybook named after one of her signature tunes. It tells the story of a young girl who connects to music after she discovers her aunt’s vinyl collection in an attic.
Rae said raising her two daughters inspired her to write the picture book.
“We travel a lot with music, so we’re on tour buses, airplanes, and they’re always saying, ‘Tell me a story.’ I wanted to share my love of music with children and tell them every feeling that you have can be found in a song,” she said.
Credit: Gillian Eilidh O'Mara
Credit: Gillian Eilidh O'Mara
Rae said the storybook is semiautobiographical.
“I was thinking of myself as a child, how I had that same experience, and that’s how I got into music. My dad collected 45s, and they were these series of records lying around the house on the stereo. The only way to know what the music is about was to actually put the records on. They unlocked feelings in me that helped me to be larger than life,” she said.
Rae said she isn’t sure what she will explore next creatively but is keeping her options open.
“I’ve been letting in the things that interest and influence me, so finding a wider palette to draw from has been my process,” she said.
IF YOU GO
“Like a Star: Celebrating 20 Years of Corinne Bailey Rae”
8 p.m. Friday. Resale tickets from $264.74. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta. ticketmaster.com
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