Q&A with Singer/Songwriter Courtney Rau

Courtney Rau is a 15-year-old high school freshman who has been singing, playing music, and acting most of her life. She has had lead roles in many musicals and productions, and her passion for music keeps growing. In 2010, Courtney was crowned Miss Teen Potomac. Courtney has spent a lot of time in Nashville this past year writing and recording original music. Whilst there, she had the opportunity to perform at local writers nights, including the Commodore Grille, Loew’s Hotel, and Opry Mills Mall. She is also excited to announce that she just completed a music video with Jessica Harp of her latest single, “After the Storm.”

What are your favorite songs/singers that we hear on the radio today?
My favorite singers on the radio today are Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Fun, and Bruno Mars. Some of my favorite songs are “When I was Your Man” by Bruno Mars, “Blown Away” by Carrie Underwood, which inspired one of my latest songs, “After the Storm,” and “Heart Attack” by Demi Lovato. One of the reasons that I love Taylor Swift so much is because she writes her songs and always plays her own instruments during her concerts. I really like how complete her musical presentation is to the audience.

What was your favorite songs/singers as a child?
My favorite singers growing up were Hannah Montana, (of course!) Train, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Celine Dion, and Lonestar. Some of my favorite songs were “I’m Already There” by Lonestar, “Drops of Jupiter” by Train, “Imagine” by The Beatles, “You Are Not Alone,” and “Earth Song,” by Michael Jackson. All of these various artists and songs have been an inspiration to me and my music.

What is the most difficult, or challenging, aspect of being a young songwriter?
The most difficult thing about being a young songwriter is managing my time wisely and balancing my schoolwork with my practicing and writing schedule.  My breaks and my summer holidays are usually spent in Nashville writing, recording, and rehearsing songs and shows, which is a challenge for my whole family, especially my two younger sisters Kylie and Maddison. Though it’s hard, they always support me in everything I do and everywhere I must go and I am so grateful to all of them.