After spending the last few years turning out a wealth of warm and invigorating releases, London-based singer-songwriter Blake Rave is back for 2024 to deliver his vibrant new single 'Be Mine'.
Capturing more of that bright and uplifting folk-pop aesthetic he is known for, 'Be Mine' makes for a wonderfully rich and illuminating return from the frontman. With his sweet and supple vocals layered across a buoyant production from start to finish, he is continuing his rise as one of the more enchanting names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Can I call the voice an instrument? I remember watching The Little Mermaid when I was a child and falling in love with the music from the film, but also the character of Ariel and her voice. Now that I mentioned it, The Little Mermaid was probably my greatest musical influence! Haha, that’s crazy…
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
All of the adults in my life listened to different genres, so I got a lot of musical variety when I was young: classical, 70s and 80s, country western, hymns. I really liked 90s female country and early 2000s alternative rock.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My first album was Belinda Carlisle “Heaven On Earth.” My mother gave it to me for Christmas- I must have been very young, but there was obviously a reason I received music as a gift.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I’m sure there are loads of songs I wish I’d written… ‘Freebird?’ Lol: people are always requesting that song.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I like to be alone when I write lyrics. I will literally go off on my own to write lyrics when working with a musician or producer, then come back to present it. I read an article once on how our brains detect others’ waves… Makes sense to me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I tend to fall in love with songs, not artists. I have my favourite artists, but the songs I’ve been obsessed with recently have been: ‘Red Wine Supernova’ by Chappell Roan, ‘Seventeen’ by Sjowgren, ‘I Wanna Get Better’ by Bleachers, “Mama I Don't Wanna Play the Blues Anymore’ by Marina Elezovic and ‘He’s Fine’ by The Secret Sisters… I have a Spotify Playlist called ‘London Streets”.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for Brandi Carlile or Jewel. I admire both as songwriters (and Tim Hanseroth, who writes a lot of Brandi’s songs). I feel like their fans would appreciate my music.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I think it’s most rewarding when someone has an emotional connection to my music: when they tell me that my song made them cry, or felt like I was talking about them/a situation they’ve been through.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Without a doubt, the most frustrating part of being a musician is having to do all the crap that has nothing to do with creating or performing! I don’t care to spend my time on my computer or phone… Sadly, all that stuff takes up more time and energy than the fun stuff.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Sign on the line…” Wait, that was the worst advice I received lol. The best was from Justin Townes Earl - I got to speak with him after a show he played in Omaha, Nebraska. He recorded with the producer who did my album “Dreams & Fears.” He told me, “Just make your music. Doesn’t matter what anyone thinks about it…not even you.” His passing was a shock and a tragedy.
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Blake Rave's new single 'Be Mine' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.