For every Soca artist, the source of their drive and passion varies. For Rachel Purcell, known to the world as Rae, her inspiration stems from her love of music, devotion to family, and a commitment to personal growth. With several songs already in rotation ahead of Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago, Rae embraces her journey with gratitude and determination.
Her breakthrough came in 2019, a moment she describes as almost mystical. Having struggled to carve a path in the music industry, a chance call from a relative set the stage for her success. “I’ve always loved to sing,” Rae shared, reflecting on her beginnings. Her early years saw her learning music theory through the violin and honing her craft at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in New York. Shuffling between Trinidad, New York, and later Maryland, Rae’s journey was marked by uncertainty and moments of fear.
“I decided in high school to focus on music, leaning into classical genres, but it never felt like enough,” she admitted. Despite recording at Murder Inc. studios and auditioning for American Idol—only to withdraw at the last moment—Rae struggled to find her footing. It wasn’t until Darryl Gervais, a prominent songwriter, took her under his wing that her career gained momentum. With Gervais’ guidance and a bold collaboration with Motto for the Toatin Riddim, Rae shared the spotlight with established stars like Nadia Batson and Lyrikal, marking the start of her meteoric rise.
Five years on, Rae is thriving. The pandemic may have challenged her, but she adapted through virtual performances, keeping her momentum alive. Her latest track, Throw Waist, showcases her versatility. Known as the “Sweetheart of Soca,” Rae is determined to prove she’s more than just a groovy artist. “I don’t want to be boxed in,” she asserted, highlighting her ability to deliver diverse sounds.
This Carnival season, Rae is set to dazzle with hits like Wining Degree and Come Over, a duet with Azaryah. With a focus on connecting through strong visuals and authentic engagement, she is ready to dominate. “People want to connect with the artist behind the music,” she noted.
As she prepares to parade with Paparazzi on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Rae’s mission is clear: to empower and energise women while setting new standards for herself. Her tunnel vision for success leaves no room for doubt—Rae’s star only rises.
