Addison Rae: How a TikToker became the most interesting pop star of her generation

Is it possible for a TikTok influencer to crossover into the music industry and achieve success? Addison Rae seems to have done just that. She recently dropped one of the most thrilling pop albums of the year, shattering all preconceived notions about influencers.

However, this is an exceptional case. So, Greek labels looking to replicate this overseas trend should bear in mind that it’s not as straightforward as it appears.

The 24-year-old’s debut album, simply titled “Addison”, stands apart from recent pop releases. It skillfully sidesteps the traps of current trends, including the country music wave. She penned all the songs herself, a rarity in itself. What’s even more unusual is that the album was produced by two women, Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser from Sweden, who trained under renowned pop hitmaker Max Martin. This bucks the trend of having inexperienced, mostly male, producers listed in a track’s credits.

It’s always refreshing to discover there’s more to an artist than meets the eye. The 24-year-old didn’t venture into music to cash in on her TikTok fame; she had a unique sonic message to share.

First and foremost, “Addison” is a distinctly female endeavor. Perhaps that’s why it exudes such an ethereal and sensual vibe, making it the perfect summer album.

So far this year, the only other star who has managed to score a hit while remaining true to her authentic voice, and not succumbing to prevailing trends, is Lady Gaga. She chose to revisit her musical roots and emerged victorious.

Meanwhile, Rae, who is just beginning her musical journey, draws inspiration from the ’90s and the artists she admired growing up, like Britney Spears and Madonna, during a time when pop was unpretentious and enjoyable. As a result, “Addison” isn’t weighed down by a heavy or “serious” theme, which can sometimes detract from the music. It’s as if we, as listeners, have forgotten the days when pop music didn’t need to make a grand statement or wave a banner for us to enjoy it. Instead, Rae chooses to experiment in order to create the perfect ambience that stimulates the senses.

Spencer Kornhaber of “The Atlantic” describes him as a master of good pop, which, by extension, equates to good music.

Returning to the comparison with Lady Gaga, one might attribute their shared sonic divergence to their ability to express themselves through dance, using their bodies in harmony with the music.

Born Addison Rae Easterling, Rae grew up in Louisiana, where she began dancing at the age of six and competed in contests nationwide. Her rise to fame was far from manufactured. In fact, when she released her debut single, “Obsessed,” in 2021, she faced harsh criticism from social media users and music critics alike, who dismissively referred to her music as “gymnastics music.”

While the track may not have been a hit, much of the skepticism surrounding Rae stemmed from her pre-existing fame on TikTok. With more than 88 million followers, she ranks as the fifth most popular personality on the platform. She began her journey to fame by uploading dance videos set to popular songs, sometimes posting seven or eight videos a day. Rae focused meticulously on viral choreographies and music trends. Eventually, she was paid $20 to create exclusive choreography as part of song promotions, and in 2021, she secured a leading role in the Netflix film “He’s All That.”

When Rae initially ventured into music, many didn’t take her seriously or believe she was worthy of the industry, leading to a dismissive attitude towards her work. Personally, without knowing her backstory or how she got her start, I had dismissed her as a mediocre pop artist. I found her uninteresting until I heard her song “Diet Pepsi,” a catchy pop number that successfully channels the style of Lana Del Rey – who, incidentally, is a fan. It’s always a delightful surprise to discover there’s more to an artist than meets the eye. The 24-year-old’s shift to music wasn’t a calculated move to leverage her TikTok fame, but rather a desire to express herself through sound.

Addison Rae – Diet Pepsi

Despite the initial failure of her first track, the setbacks didn’t end there. In 2022, dozens of her unreleased demos were leaked on YouTube, jeopardizing her budding career. However, this apparent disaster ultimately proved beneficial. The leaked tracks gained a cult following, and the narrative surrounding her began to shift.

When she approached Columbia Records for a deal, she didn’t have a demo in hand. Instead, she presented a mood board filled with evocative words like “intense”, “loud”, “dance”, “glitter”, and vibrant colors such as teal, fuchsia, purple, and yellow — elements that would later grace her album cover. The board also featured clips from iconic performances by artists like Britney Spears, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. Somehow, her vision won them over.

Recently, she gave a candid interview to the New York Times, a rarity for such a young, emerging artist. This speaks volumes about her perceived potential. Reflecting on her TikTok days, she said, “I realize how much of a luxury it is to have choice and personal taste.” Her debut album is a testament to this sentiment, offering a unique sound often missing in contemporary pop.

Addison Rae – Headphones On

“Addison” is now available on Columbia Records.

This article was originally published in the print edition of LIFO.

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