On the tour bus: Ines Rae

Currently touring the UK, rising artist Ines Rae has performed in Manchester, London, Plymouth and Portsmouth with shows coming up in Birmingham, Brighton and Newcastle.

Ines talks to Portal North about life on tour, supporting Bastille and her connection to Paris.

How did you get started in music?

Music was always a big part of my childhood. Jack Johnson was a big soundtrack for me. Looking back, I think that’s where my love for storytelling through music began. I loved watching the TV show Nashville, which centred on country music and featured the work of some great songwriters. Its stars included siblings Lennon and Maisy Stella who were a huge inspiration because they made songwriting and performing feel so real and exciting.

I was obsessed with Hannah Montana growing up too, the Miley Cyrus character of a schoolgirl with a secret life as a popstar.  I wrote my first song, Clouds, when I was just seven years old. That’s not on the album! As I got older, I kept writing songs and started sharing them online, slowly building an amazing community (shout out to my Baby Raes). That eventually led to playing live shows, releasing my own music and turning something I’d loved since I was a little kid into my career.

Where does your inspiration come from?

It’s always from real-life experience. I don’t think you can beat a song that’s written from a genuine place. Whether it’s something I’ve been through, a conversation I’ve had, or things I’ve watched my friends go through, that’s usually where every song starts.

It’s really important to me that people – whether they’re younger than me, my age or older – can hear something in my music that makes them feel understood. If someone can take a bit of comfort from a song because they realise they’re not the only person who’s felt that way, then I’ve done my job.

Your music is described as alt-pop, indie-pop and pop-rock. What’s your definition?

I normally call it alternative pop. It sits somewhere between indie and pop-rock. I grew up listening to singer-songwriters and bands, so I love real guitars and live instruments but I also love massive pop choruses. Avril Lavigne meets Billie Eilish. I just make music that feels like me.

The tour is called Loud But Lonely. Is that a reflection of life on the road?

Loud But Lonely is actually a lyric from one of my songs, Heavier, which I released earlier this year. It’s one of my favourites and it launched me further into the indie pop-rock world.

The lyric means a lot to me because I think it sums up not only touring but also the music industry. You have to make so much noise to be heard but at the same time it can be a really lonely industry. You’re constantly putting yourself out there while also spending a lot of time travelling, writing or being away from the people you love.

What’s the hardest thing about being on tour and what do you love the most?

The hardest thing is probably making sure we don’t sell out of merch! I want every show to feel like an experience and I love seeing people leave with something that reminds them of the night.

My favourite part is seeing the audience. Nothing beats being on stage and connecting with the crowd. I stay after every show for a meet and greet as I love getting the chance to meet people afterwards. Those conversations are one of my favourite parts of touring.

You supported Bastille on their UK tour and have even joined them on stage. How did that collaboration come about?

I actually wrote with Woody, the drummer from Bastille, when I was 18, and he’s been such a loyal supporter throughout my whole career. I owe him a lot. He’s always been a real advocate for me as a songwriter and artist.

Getting the opportunity to support Bastille and join them on stage in Plymouth was incredible. It was one of those moments where everything suddenly felt very real. I’d happily do that every night for the rest of my life. Standing on stage there made me realise exactly what I’m working towards and where I hope this career can take me.

Some of the Bastille members were involved in your single Never Get It Right which featured on hit Netflix show Emily in Paris. Tell us more…

I actually co-wrote Never Get It Right with Bastille’s Woody, so it made the whole experience even more special when the song took off on Shazam, reaching its global Top 10.

It was really unexpected. Netflix messaged me on Instagram about using the song. Then my grandma, who loves Emily in Paris, was the first to tell me she’d heard it! Hearing my music in a show like that was incredible.

Tell us about the cities you’ve performed in so far this year?

London is home for me, so every show there is incredibly special. This was my fifth headline show in London and nothing beats a hometown crowd. Every time I get to play a sold-out show in my own city, it feels like I’m living my dream. Hoxton Hall was a venue I’d always wanted to play, and it’s the biggest headline venue I’ve played to date, so that night will always be really special to me.

Portsmouth was a much more intimate show in such a cool venue at South Sea Common for the Victorious Festival. The walls lit up with animations throughout the show, creating an amazing atmosphere, and it felt like I was right there in the room with everyone. It was also my first headline show outside London, making it even more memorable.

I’d never played up North before but Manchester completely blew me away.  I genuinely didn’t know what to expect but the crowd was unbelievable. Hearing them singing my lyrics back to me at Band on the Wall was such a surreal feeling. It made me realise the extent of the music’s appeal.

And then of course, supporting Bastille in Plymouth was a bucket-list moment and one of those “I’ve made it” memories I’ll never forget. Walking out onto the arena stage was surreal but what surprised me most was how at home I felt. Despite the sheer scale, it somehow felt really personal. It made me even more excited for what’s hopefully still to come.

Of the cities you’re still to visit on the tour, what are you looking forward to?

I’m really looking forward to visiting Newcastle. I’ve never been there, so it’ll be a completely new experience for me. I’m especially excited to meet fans who’ve never been able to come to one of my shows before. That’s one of the best parts of touring – getting to bring the music to people instead of expecting everyone to travel to you.

What would be your dream festival to play?

I love festivals because they’re a great way to discover new artists. Reading and Leeds would be very special to play because so many of my favourite artists have been on those stages. Glastonbury would obviously be the dream. I don’t think there’s a bigger bucket-list festival for a UK artist. But I’d also absolutely love to play Coachella in the US.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Stop waiting until everything feels perfect. Release the song, post the video, play the gig. You’ll learn so much more by actually doing things than by waiting for the perfect moment. Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter 20. Everyone’s journey looks different, and that’s what makes it special.

What don’t you travel without?

Snacks! I always have to have emergency snacks with me. My bag is full of snacks at all times. I definitely couldn’t tour without them!

Want to see Ines on stage? Portal North is giving away a pair of tickets to the Newcastle gig. Keep an eye on our socials to find out more.