Chat Session 94 with Rae Santos
Topic- Rae's remarkable resilience amidst challenges has not only opened doors to new opportunities but also fuelled his creativity in songwriting, allowing him to connect deeply with a burgeoning fanbase that appreciates his journey and artistry.
Monday 10th February 2025 1pm https://rppfm.com.au
Podcast 🎧 https://megaphone.link/LCRUI1159674292
Rae’s current journey revolves around using his music as an act of defiance in the face of adversity, heartbreak and tragic loss. The last few years have been a true test of his mental strength and ability to adapt to the only constant in life; change.
A well-established artist on the Mornington Peninsula’s bustling music scene, Rae has paved a great career so far. From performing in front of family, friends and assemblies at school, Rae has spent years honing his craft as a writer and performer. He has been lucky enough to perform at some of the most esteemed venues that Melbourne has to offer. In addition, Rae currently has 2 EPs and 4 singles to his name.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic which started in 2020 put the whole world to a temporary stop. Though every industry was undoubtedly affected, full-time creatives like Rae struggled in these times. The inability to play shows, entertain live crowds and book studio time meant musicians could not carry out their passion and livelihood, at least not in the conventional sense.
Rae immediately took to the online platform ‘Twitch’ as a means of performing live music from his bedroom. His setup was modest, consisting of only a camera, microphone and guitar. Though there was no visual appeal to his first stream, Rae’s onscreen charm slowly started to attract viewers worldwide, who were similarly confined to their homes. These impromptu bedroom jam sessions acted as a beacon of hope for music lovers from all walks of life.
At that time Rae was mainly taking cover requests from his viewers, but when this newfound fanbase discovered his original music, his streaming career really sprung to life. The constant request for original songs gave Rae his confidence back, not only to perform his own songs, but to write and release new ones.
This act of resilience in the face of adversity has blessed Rae with countless opportunities. Songwriting inspiration and a whole new fanbase (who he affectionately refers to as the ‘Panda Party’).
The end of a committed long-distance relationship in December 2023 took quite a toll on Rae’s psyche. Ultimately, a supportive network of family, friends and fans brought back his creative drive and zest for life. International and local adventures were a great pairing with songwriting for Rae, as he let his experiences shape new music. Rae’s March 2024 solo trip to Japan was a breath of fresh air. Taking in the picturesque sights and getting lost in Tokyo’s dazzling cityscape did wonders for his mental health and songwriting. Rae brought a guitar, laptop and microphone to Japan which allowed for the best of both worlds, business and pleasure. He brought the Panda Party along for the ride, managing two live streams from his hotel room before the laptop broke for good.
A subsequent family trip to Rae’s home in The Philippines was a dream holiday, reconnecting with family at a huge reunion in Manila. He and his family even enjoyed some warm, sunny rest and relaxation at the most popular holiday destination The Philippines has to offer; Boracay. The white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue water revitalised Rae. Absolutely no work was done here! This trip allowed Rae to clear his mind and rekindle his love for what’s most important, family and friends.
This is when all that felt right in Rae’s world took an unexpected turn for the worst. On June 19, 2024, two months removed from this dreamlike holiday, Rae’s 20-year-old cousin Marielle was sadly killed in a motorcycle accident. The sudden nature of Marielle’s death casted a cloud of anxiety over Rae and his family, challenging their ability to enjoy the things that bring them happiness. For a few months, Rae was anxious to push for musical goals and was even anxious to stream or play gigs.
Despite this insurmountable grief, the ever-reliable network that supports Rae acted as a safe place for him to make peace with the situation. Grieving is a slow uphill battle with no shortage of setbacks. Though this loss will be deeply felt from now on, Rae leans on his family and friends for support as they all try to pick themselves back up and find joy in life again.
In October 2024, Rae was fortunate to tour Australia with his brother in music Lachie Gill (The Voice winner, 2022), which helped him regain the confidence he worked so hard to build just a few short months prior. The wholesome, loving ‘Panda Party’ from Twitch have seen the highs and lows of Rae’s life since 2020. Their unwavering love for Rae and his music has been a fount of strength and hope, especially in moments where it seemed like there was none. Rae harnesses this strength to keep pushing for his goals, tackling life and its unexpected twists, and turns, in a ‘no bullshit’ way, much like his cousin did.
In summary, the past few years have come with a plethora of challenges for Rae, such is the normal flow of the human experience. Through his own resilience and the unconditional support of those around him, Rae finds himself working to continue the career he’s paved so far. Outside of songwriting, these challenges have taught Rae to pay more attention to his physical, emotional and mental health. It is inspiring to see how these life experiences have shaped Rae and his songwriting. The love and support he has received from his family, friends and fans have helped him in ways he can’t even begin to express.
With a bond strengthened by music and love, this beautifully crafted sentiment encapsulates Rae's emotional state, where the universal language of music and the unconditional nature of love have harmonized to create an unshakeable foundation, allowing him to step into the future with a heart full of promise, confidence, and joyful anticipation.
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‘The Daily Mirror’
YOU SMILE
EMBRACE BEING YOU
AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!
To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com
'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
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