Breakout pop artist Terra Renae is stepping into her moment. Following the release of her empowering new single “
Manifest It” and ahead of a
major European tour with Macy Gray, the rising singer-songwriter sat down with Music-News.com for an in-depth conversation about her creative journey. From her unconventional path into music to the mentorship that’s shaped her growth, Terra opens up about the real-life inspiration behind her songs, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what fans can expect as she prepares to launch her second album.
Manifest It” is such a powerful anthem. Can you share what inspired the song and what the message means to you personally? “Manifest It” was inspired by my own personal beliefs in manifestation and truly believing that the best version of yourself is attainable. I think the mind is a powerful magnet, and we attract what we believe. We hold the power to change our lives by shifting our mindset and how we speak to ourselves. Manifestation isn’t about attracting “a thing” but rather, it’s about fully believing in the highest version of yourself, whatever that looks like.
For me, stepping into the music industry required a lot of inner work. I had to constantly remind myself, “You can do this.” I didn’t let fear or self-doubt win.” That journey helped me step into my most authentic self, healing others through music.
How did your journey from modeling and academia back to music shape your approach to songwriting and your artistry? Both academia and modeling have played huge roles in shaping how I approach music and songwriting. My academic background really strengthened my writing skills over the years. I've had to master so many different styles, from clear, factual research papers to more expressive, opinion-based essays. That range taught me how to play with contrast in my lyrics, balancing vagueness with directness depending on the emotion or message I want to convey.
Modeling, on the other hand, taught me the power of transformation. Whether it’s on the runway or in a photoshoot, you learn to embody different characters and energies based on the vision of the brand. That’s something I carry into my music. Each song feels like stepping into a new version or chapter of myself. Even if I’m feeling joyful in the present, if I’m writing a sad song, I have to mentally go back and connect with that emotional space. That authenticity is what makes the music real for me and hopefully, for the listener too.
Your voice is incredibly soulful and unique. How have your vocal influences evolved over the years, and who are some of the artists that inspire you the most? Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! I’m a ’90s baby through and through, so my love for music started with icons like Alanis Morissette, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and No Doubt. I was also definitely a huge Britney Spears fan growing up. P!nk was one of the first artists I connected with vocally, her range and tone felt really aligned with mine, and she showed me how powerful a strong, emotional belt can be.
Then came Adele, and I was completely captivated. Her ability to deliver raw, heartfelt vocals while still being technically flawless really inspired me. What I love about all these artists is how distinct they are, no two of them would ever sing the same song the same way. I've learned so much from studying their unique stylistic choices and the way they bring emotion into every note. They’ve all shaped the way I approach my own sound.
The song feels like a declaration of self-belief. How do you stay connected to that sense of confidence and inner strength, especially in moments of doubt? Confidence and inner strength are definitely a journey, an ongoing evolution. Some days I feel grounded and empowered, and other days are much harder. But I’ve learned that positivity has a cumulative effect. The more often you plant those little seeds, whether it’s through affirmations, gratitude, or just choosing hope, the easier it becomes to lean into that strength when you need it most.
On the darker days, I try to remind myself of everything I’ve already overcome. I think about the version of me who kept going, even when it felt impossible. Sometimes I imagine my future self looking back, what would she thank me for? What would she encourage me to keep pushing through? That perspective helps ground me.
I also try to hold onto the simple truth that every day is a gift. Our circumstances or health can change in an instant, so I try to honor the present moment and make the most of the time I’ve been given. That thought alone brings me back to my center.
Macy Gray has played such an important role in your career, both as a mentor and executive producer. How did your relationship with her start, and what have you learned from her along the way? My relationship with Macy began right after my wedding in 2022. As a surprise gift, our best friends, who happen to be mutual friends with Macy, took us to Revolver Recording Studio in Los Angeles to meet her. It was totally unexpected, but such a memorable moment. While we were there, her producer, Mikal Blue, asked me to sing something on the spot. After that, they also wanted to hear a few original songs my husband Praveen and I had written together.
That impromptu session turned into a night out, and we all instantly clicked. A few weeks later, we got a surprising call from Mikal, he let us know that Macy wanted to be a part of our project. Not long after, she reached out directly and took me under her wing.
Since then, Macy has been an incredible mentor. I like to call it the “Macy Gray Bootcamp,” almost a full year of hands-on guidance where she helped me grow in so many ways. She pushed me in piano performance, songwriting, and even helped me understand the business side of the industry. Her mentorship really prepared me for this transition into music, and I’m beyond grateful for her continued support on this journey.
With Macy’s mentorship, your music has a distinct balance of vulnerability and power. How has she helped you refine your sound and vision for your debut album and “Manifest It”? Macy has always encouraged me to lead with authenticity and stay true to myself, whether it’s in how I sing, the lyrics I write, or how I show up as an artist. She’s been a constant voice reminding me that my power lies in being unapologetically me.
Every song on my debut album is rooted in real, personal experience. Macy really helped me lean into that vulnerability without fear. “Manifest It” is a perfect reflection of that growth, it represents the moment I let go of doubt and fully embraced the unknown. Her mentorship gave me the confidence to trust my voice and vision, and to create music that’s honest, intentional, and deeply personal.
You’ve worked with some incredible producers and songwriters on “Manifest It,” including Mikal Blue and Epic Mazur. What was it like collaborating with them, and how did they help bring your vision to life? Working with Mikal and Epic was such a gift. I really appreciate how both of them consistently pushed me to say exactly what I wanted to say, without holding back. Like Macy, they championed my authenticity and encouraged me to fully embrace my artistry.
In moments of doubt, or when I feared being judged, they were always there to remind me that this music is mine too. That it’s okay to take up space, to let it out, and to let it go. Their support created such a safe, empowering space for me to be vulnerable, and that freedom played a huge role in shaping the sound and spirit of “Manifest It.”
What was your experience like performing alongside Macy on the Reset Tour, and how has it prepared you for your own stage presence as you take on the upcoming 25th Anniversary European Tour with her? Performing on the Reset Tour was truly one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I had never sung in front of a crowd that large before, so my nerves were definitely in overdrive, but it ended up being such a powerful learning experience. It pushed me to face that fear head on and step into my identity as Terra the artist.
What I realized is that nerves don’t have to be a bad thing, they’re just energy, and it’s all about how you channel it. Once I shifted my perspective, I was able to tell my story honestly, even through the fear. That experience gave me so much confidence and taught me that performing for big audiences isn’t something to dread, it’s something to embrace.
The Reset Tour gave me a real glimpse into what it takes to perform on bigger stages, and I definitely feel more grounded and prepared heading into the 25th Anniversary European Tour. I know it’ll be another incredible opportunity to grow, connect, and keep learning along the way.
You’ve recently been recognized by Music Connection Magazine as one of their “Hot 100 Unsigned Artists.” How does that recognition impact your confidence and your outlook on your career moving forward?Honestly, I’m still processing it, it feels surreal to be recognized in such a meaningful way. I spent so much time working on the first album that I sometimes forget people can actually hear what I’ve poured my heart into now. To receive this kind of recognition, especially during a time when I was still finding my footing and navigating a lot of uncertainty, is incredibly validating.
It’s a reminder that even when I wasn’t totally sure of myself or the path ahead, the art still spoke for itself. That gives me so much confidence moving forward. I find myself thinking, “If I could create that in the middle of so much doubt, imagine what’s possible now that I’ve grown and continue to evolve.” It’s deeply encouraging and it fuels my excitement for everything that’s still to come.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for your upcoming sophomore album? How will “Manifest It” set the tone for the new music you’re working on, and what can fans expect from your next chapter?On my sophomore album, I think fans can expect a shift in my comfort level and a deeper openness in the topics I explore. I definitely get more vulnerable this time around. With Album 1, I was still transitioning from the medical world into music, so I admit I held back a little. But by the time I started working on Album 2, I had fully embraced my identity as Terra Renae the artist. I’m ready to say exactly what I want to say, no holding back.
I’ve grown so much as an artist, and I’ve learned to silence the intrusive doubts and fears that used to hold me back. Album 2 is really a reflection of my growth, my self-acceptance, and my willingness to embrace the full spectrum of who I am. It’s a tribute to the journey I’ve been on, and I think it will resonate with listeners who are on their own paths of self-discovery.
Macy Gray 25th Anniversary European Tour – Featuring Terra RenaeTuesday, May 20 – Kaufleuten Club – Zürich, Switzerland
Wednesday, May 21 – Folies Bergère – Paris, France
Friday, May 23 – The new wave – Saint-Malo, France
Saturday, May 24 – Le 106 – Rouen, France
Monday, May 26 – Admiralspalast – Berlin, Germany
Tuesday, May 27 – Laeiszhalle – Hamburg, Germany
Wednesday, May 28 – KulturCenter Limfjord – Skive, Denmark
Thursday, May 29 – Odeon – Odense C, Denmark
Friday, May 30 – Vasateatern – Stockholm, Sweden
Sunday, June 1 – House Of Culture – Helsinki, Finland
Tuesday, June 3 – Palladium Riga – Riga, Latvia
Wednesday, June 4 – Kongresu rumai – Vilnius, Lithuania
Friday, June 6 – SaSaZu – Prague, Czech Republic
Saturday, June 7 – Cavatina Hall – Bielsko-Biala, Poland
Sunday, June 8 – Klub Stodola – Warszawa, Poland
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Photo Credit: Andi Hall