There’s a track on Miranda Rae’s new album that hits different once you learn about her 2022.
It’s called “sure,” one of the silky layers of For What It’s Worth, the Boston artist’s new project (released June 2). “I’m sure of it / I need more of it,” Rae implores as she cozies up to a new lover. Even though the song begins with a nod to past heartache — “I’ve been broken twice before” — her admission melts away as Rae sinks deeper into her own desire.
Well, when you know, you know. And while “sure” may not be a metaphor for the entire record, it damn well could be, given Rae’s own internal struggle over its release.
“I just wasn’t in the headspace to release anything,” she tells Vanyaland, looking back at 2022. After suffering serious injuries to her ankle last year, the R&B singer found herself lacking surety and a vision for a proper album rollout. As the gap between the present and her last project — 2019’s Excuse My Baggage — widened, Rae’s bandwidth and creative spirit dwindled. Even with a hard drive full of songs about old flames, the hardships of 2022 has snuffed out her creative passion.
“27 was the hardest year of my life because I was physically incapable of doing simple tasks for myself, which led me to a deep depression,” Rae explains. “I didn’t think I would allow it to affect me greatly, but it did. I didn’t create, I didn’t release, I didn’t post as often to keep me ‘relevant.’ I did everything the bare minimum. I only showed up to perform because I knew I would receive instant gratification as a reminder that this is for the moment.”
At career highs in 2022, her injuries followed Rae in lockstep, chipping away at the rewarding sheen of accomplishments like performing at Boston Calling. “As you can see, I wore a boot,” she says, recalling her set.
“I felt out of touch with the idea of what music meant for me,” Rae elaborates. “I wanted to find myself again because I was so lost.”
Looking to reignite her passion, Rae enlisted Boston composer, producer, and pianist Shane Dylan to busk with her in the city. She hoped the low-key set could cultivate the sense of community she craved. Sparks began to fly when strangers gathered to hear the duo’s informal performance on the corner of Newbury and Exeter Streets. Positive feedback from passersby only fanned Rae’s newfound flames.
“The words from the listeners inspired me again,” she says. “I found myself in love with music again. Not doing it for money or ego, just me and my voice.”
From that moment forward, releasing For What It’s Worth finally seemed possible — and more importantly, it felt like worthy cause again.
“I won’t allow four year gaps to happen within my releases anymore,” she concludes. “I wanna share the music that I create. I do have more music in my drive, but I do plan on releasing again before the end of the year. This is the year to release and cleanse.”
Rae’s sure of it.