Rebecca Hartt

For the Love of Music

When did you first get into music?

Music has always been a passion of mine growing up but it was not until my junior year of high school that I started to write and perform my own original content.

Who or What influenced you to pursue a career in music?

Creating music continues to be a consistent way that I get to process life, express myself, and feel creatively fulfilled. Not only has listening to music as I’ve grown up helped me navigate through the ups and downs of life but so has singing and song-writing. As I grow my artistry and continue to create music that I enjoy, I feel inspired to keep doing it mostly because of the joy that it gives me.

Describe your style of music.

In many ways I am discovering what my style of music is but I would currently describe it as a mixture of R&B, indie, and pop.

How has your music evolved since you first started in the music industry?

It truly has and continues to do so. The more I study music that I love and create songs that represent facets of who I am, the more growth I feel from where I first started. When I first started song-writing in high school my music was leaning towards incorporating alternative/indie and spoken word qualities because of the artists I was listening to and my natural instincts to deliver my music the way I did. My music has evolved to be more simple in what I say and more focused on incorporating melodies inspired from R&B and pop styles as well as practicing how to tell a story through a song in an impactful way.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Hands down it would be joy for me. At this point in my life I am deciding to let my love for music fuel my motivation to grow as an artist rather than a desire to compete with others or be driven by my own perfectionists tendencies. It doesn’t feel good for me to be an aspiring singer and put it all the work that it takes just to feel unhappy and unsatisfied with myself in the process. I want to be able to learn, to make mistakes, and grow because the process gives me joy.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

One of my biggest challenges as a performing artist has been learning to let myself not take myself so seriously and enjoy performing live the same way I would when I am singing karaoke in my living room. Mentally preparing myself to relax and have fun before and during performances has helped me overcome the nerves that come up.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I don’t think that we must suffer for our art. Art itself and the growth of an artist is birthed from many different experiences and emotions. Although my own personal suffering in my life has inspired me to create music, it is not the main driving force. The suffering and pain in my life has created opportunities for me to learn who I am on so many different levels and creating music is a way I connect to myself. Art can be a way that I get intimate, honest, and vulnerable with myself regardless of what emotions may be present.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

It has had a huge influence in how songs get discovered, monetized, and shared as well as being platforms for artists to create music business connections and/or fan bases that may have not been present before.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

One thing I would change is the music industry is not tolerating and normalizing discriminatory messages in music.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with many talented artists, maybe even celebrities. Please share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us.

One of my favorite artists that I have performed with is a local artist named Ruby Baegay. Not only is she an amazing musician but our shared performances stand out to me because of our shared love of free-styling during shows and being in a collaborative and spontaneous space to merge our different yet complementary styles.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

Kala by Trevor Hall, The Jungle Is The Only Way Out by Mereba, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill, Acoustic Soul by India Arie and Mama’s Gun by Erykah Badu have been influential albums for various reasons. They all in one way or another have inspired me to get in touch with the strengths of who I am as a person, to love myself as a Black woman in this world, and to keep my head up even when life feels challenging.

What is the best advice you have received?

Some of the best advice I have recently received has been not to underestimate who I am and remember what I have been through, what I bring to the table, and my own power to actualize my dreams into reality. Remembering the totality of who I am motivates me to show up through all the ups and downs life brings.

What’s next for you? New Music?

I am currently working on releasing new music and collaborating with some amazing artists in the process.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?

You can find my music on Spotify, Soundcloud, and Apple Music as well as stay updated with my musical content through my Instagram.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hhQHKW3aSNlT21kmPAX8g

https://soundcloud.com/rebeccahartt

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rebecca-hartt/1438259878

Photo by @jackie_nunnally