Breakout country artist RAYNE JOHNSON mixes a little soul, and a little pop, with a whole lot of down-home goodness.
The Loveland, Ohio native has been taking the country world by storm with his hit single “Front Seat” which is now being played on multiple radio stations nation-wide including WNSH New York, WSOC Charlotte, WKLB Boston, WUSN Chicago, KMNB Minneapolis, KKWF Seattle, and many others.
The “Front Seat” music video was World Premiered on CMT. “This song & video makes our job so easy – it’s an instant smash! Rayne Johnson just became a contender for country music’s next generation of superstars. CMT was proud to world premiere the video for “Front Seat” on all of our platforms,” said CMT SVP of Music Strategies Leslie Fram
Rayne has performed at CMA Fest, Live in the Vineyard, and has shared the stage with Brad Paisley, Hunter Hayes, Jimmie Allen, Mark Chestnutt, Runaway June, and Walker Hayes among others.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Rayne on the road as he headed to the Southeast for radio shows to talk about his music, challenges he’s faced throughout his career, and plans for 2020!
LEG: Has music always been a big part of your life? Was there a specific moment when you realized that you wanted to pursue a career as an artist?
RJ: Yes, music has always been a big part of my life. I’ve always been that person that when thinking back on a memory there is usually a song/songs that I relate it to. I just don’t really remember a time that I didn’t feel drawn to performing.
LEG: Who were your early musical inspirations?
RJ: I grew up with Elvis, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra playing during the holiday seasons. I was always amazed how they could make you feel what they were singing. As I grew up I kind of went through fazes of music...in high school I listened to a lot of classic country, Merle Haggard, Cash, Willie, that list is endless! Also listened to a lot of soulful R&B, Boys II Men, Brian McKnight, Babyface…that list is pretty long as well! Lol. I’ve kind of been all over but I think that’s where my vocal style came from.
LEG: What obstacles have you faced throughout your career and how did you overcome them to get to this point? Is there a moment that you consider your first big break?
RJ: I don’t know if I’ve had obstacles per say. I’ve definitely had my share of let downs along this journey. I think most of that is timing, so if timing can be considered an obstacle that’s the one. In this industry I’ve learned that it’s not just believing in yourself, you have to have people around you that believe in you just as much as you do and sometimes more. It’s all timing! Right songs, right people, right timing.
Being approached by my now manager in my eyes way my first big break.
LEG: Your sound has been described as modern country music. How and where do you hope to fall within the country music world?
RJ: In my opinion you can’t really label country music today. It’s really a matter of opinion so it varies from one person to another....I doesn’t really matter to me where I fall in country music as long as the country music fans enjoy what I’m doing. I think trying to fit somewhere is a bad idea. Just doing what I love and hoping people love it too is a risk I’m whiling to take.
LEG: Talk about your songwriting process for your first two singles?
RJ: I enjoy songwriting and have written plenty of songs but I enjoy co-writing the best. I’m a people person and enjoy that process.
LEG: What advice would you offer another artist just starting out? Is there something you wish you had known in the early days of your career?
RJ: My advice would be to just do you....absolutely listen to advice but at the end of the day if something doesn’t rest well with you, go with your gut. Always be kind to folks even if they aren’t kind to you. Relationships are what this journey called life is about.
LEG: Aside from performing or working on your music, what would we find you doing on any given weekend for personal enjoyment?
RJ: I’m a man of the outdoors, so doing something outdoors. I love waterfowl hunting and that’s a huge part of my life. Love fishing, kayaking, hiking, camping, and being at the lake. I definitely do all the normal kids ball games and the stuff that comes along with family. But any free time we have you’ll find me and my family doing something outdoors.
LEG: You’ve had an exciting year! What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far or perhaps a moment that made you stand back in awe? Are there any goals you’ve set for the remainder of 2019 and heading into 2020?
RJ: Biggest accomplishments this year has been “Front Seat” making it onto one of Billboards Charts. Also becoming a part of the William Morris “WME” family!
I’d say biggest goal for the rest of 2019 and heading into 2020 is getting Front Seat in the Top 40 and landing a record deal!
