“Evidence is mounting that there is a link between social media and depression…” -Child Mind Institute. This is the final message that appears in today single’s video. Singer-songwriter Rae Radick seems to have released the song every musician/artist/human being on social media has been waiting to hear, “Circle Game“. The realities and difficulties of keeping up the social media game, where you can easily spiral out of control if you’re not careful… Anyways, don’t forget to like this article.
Wether you’re an artist, musician or simply a human being, playing the social media game can be pretty difficult if you plan to stay authentic and true to who you are. Specially if your career demands that you constantly post content here and there. Today might be a picture, tomorrow an interesting or funny video. Thinking of what will get more likes or what works best, at the end of the day, are you still you?
Rae Radick has been a songwriter since she was 9 years old and she describes herself as “the love child of Kacey Musgraves and Keith Urban with a dash of NYC”. She is a prime example of finding the balance of women’s struggles today: being fierce, yet vulnerable, classy yet authentic, free thinking, and finding your path in a technology-based world.
She believes in authenticity, highlighting your differences & embracing your flaws. She’s the kind of artist who wants you to focus on the lyrics, themes and emotions centered in her work. Influenced by the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, and Kacey Musgraves, different colors can be found between her songs in different layers. “I have been told my sound has a “classic, timelessness about it” which I highly appreciate.” – Rae
Circle Game is about the journey of someone who’s caught up in the social media “game” and spirals out of control trying to escape. It explores how technology can overcome the user in a way that he/she/they become fixated on a filtered version of themselves, instead of embracing the beautiful flaws that make them real.
It tackles some of the harsh truths most artists and musicians struggle daily with social media. Wether it’s not being happy with how they look or how many likes and followers they get, its easy to fall into addiction, which then leads to depression, which then leads to eating out one’s feelings. This is exactly what Rae went through, with her depression leading her to low self-esteem and body dysmorphia.
“After watching the Netflix show, The Social Dilemma, I was amazed to learn there are professionals at Instagram and Facebook specifically hired to keep people engaged and addicted to their platform. I realized the root of my depression was caused by social media, and poured my experience into this song.” – Rae Radick
With a soulful voice and rock and roll elements, Rae seeks to put a stop to the unhinged speed and unreal promises social media wants their users to believe. When everything seems fake, it becomes more and more difficult to stay authentic, and where everything seems to be at palm reach, the tide can easily drag you down in a never ending loop of no return.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned about this experience is: self worth is not measured in the amount of likes and followers you have.” – Rae
Nothing could be more true, and Rae hopes to deliver her message to as many listeners as possible, encouraging them to evaluate their relationship with social media, and to stop living their lives for the “likes”, which is actually robbing them of joy.
Another topic Rae wishes to tackle is flaws. Flaws are what make you unique, but nowadays everyone seems to be held up in the use of filters, not remembering that they aren’t real. “I’ve personally seen people get injections and/or plastic surgery to look more like their favorite filter, and I want to address this topic.” Rae hopes that this song also encourages their listeners to find beauty and self-esteem within themselves, not through “likes”, filters or technology.
The song is accompanied by a very well made music video portraying Rae’s struggles with social media, schedules and her body. A colorful palette seems to counter the harsh black and white realities of its themes. Circle Game is an outstanding song with an outstanding message and we hope it delivers as much as needed.
Don’t forget to support this project and to follow Rae Radick on Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud, Youtube, and Spotify.You can also check out her official website. If you enjoy her music and are able to provide monetary support, you can download it on Bandcamp.
It also helps to stream and share their music; you can obviously find it in the following Playlists: : Less Than 1,000 Followers, Fresh Singles, Female Rising Stars, Alterindie State Of Mind and Debut Bands (Off The Radar).
P.S. If you enjoy discovering new artists and fresh new music you can subscribe to this blog Less Than 1,000 Followers and follow the Playlist with all the artists that we have presented here!!!
This coverage was created via Musosoup #Sustainablecurator