She's a Grammy-nominated artist with 7.6 million Instagram followers but Bebe Rexha is also here to shine a light on mental health issues. The multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter is known for some of your favorite pop star’s biggest hits (think Selena Gomez, Iggy Azalea, Rihanna and Eminem) and now as she branches out as a solo artist, Rexha is riding a wave of success. But she’s not afraid to pull back the filter on social media and share her vulnerabilities too—the good days with the bad.
Despite all of her fame and fortune (she’s collaborated with major artists like Cardi B and Rita Ora) the talented musician has proven there’s plenty below the surface, too. Read on to learn why she is one of the industry's most promising musicians and how she’s changing the game, one truth bomb after another.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: You recently launched a minute long docu-series in which you share your life with your fans over Instagram. Why did you choose to start sharing more? Where did the idea for 60-second mini-documentaries come from?
BEBE REXHA: I'm so glad you saw this. This was an idea I had to share what some of my favorite and most hectic moments are like while on the road. When on tour for several months, I wanted to think of a fun way to connect with fans outside of quick social media posts, so we decided to make these mini-docs. They're actually a blast to make.
When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success
When I reach an obstacle, I push right through it. The only way to overcome fear, nerves, and hurdles to face them with strength and confidence. Anyone can do anything they set their hearts to.
“I say what I feel, I mean what I see, and I try to spread words that empower and/or make people think.”
You recently said your new song 'You Can't Stop The Girl' was inspired by Serena Williams. Where else do you find your inspiration? Who else inspires you and your work?
I find inspiration everywhere in this world. I am inspired by the stories from fans I meet on the road, I am inspired by fellow artists and musicians who also use their reach to help others, I am inspired by everyone who stands up against society's pre-constructed norms, and much more. I just returned from Albania where I visited those affected by a recent earthquake, and I met some families who lost everything, yet they greeted me with open arms and smiles on their faces—that is inspiring.
You preach (and practice) the idea of self-love. What does self-love mean to you? Why is it important for women to embrace this attitude?
I'm grateful to be surrounded by people who also practice self-love, and that has helped me learn self-love. I try to pay that forward with my music and messages.
The music industry is fairly cut-throat and competitive. What advice do you have for musicians coming up now? What do you wish you'd know when you were first starting out? Why?
It is okay to say ‘no.’ And if someone says' ‘no’ to you, it doesn't mean you cannot push forward in other ways.
You've spoken out about many of the problems with the music industry, especially those surrounding body image and sexism. What changes are you hoping to see in the industry in the future? How can we make it happen?
I'd really like to see people of all ages, all sizes, and all genders continue to prevail in the music industry. I feel proud to see diversity on the stage and by celebrating art for what it is, and not what the person who makes it looks like, is what we should continue to focus on.
You have had incredible success already but what does success mean to you? How do you measure success? Why? What characteristics make you successful in the music industry?
Thank you. I am proud of my accomplishments thus far, and I do not feel anywhere close to being finished. I actually feel like I'm just getting started. One of the things that I am most proud of is that I am afforded the opportunity to write the songs I perform. The songwriting process and art of collaboration is something that keeps me going.
“Even with all of the self-love and confidence I strive for, I do still have my moments of vulnerability.”
You come across so confident in both your music and your online presence. How have you developed this confidence? How can other people build this confidence in themselves?
I am proud that it appears that way but even with all of the self-love and confidence I strive for, I do still have my moments of vulnerability. And I'm not shy about showing my vulnerabilities on social media and embracing the good days and bad days. I feel so much love from my fans—they can turn my mood around in a heartbeat (love you all).
Social media filters have disrupted our sense of reality. How do you stay true to who you are and your voice and not follow what everyone else is doing or is popular on Instagram?
Oh, sometimes I receive suggestions to have a better filter on Instagram (keeping in mind the diverse age demographics of people on social media) but I just stay true to me. I say what I feel, I mean what I see, and I try to spread words that empower and/or make people think.
VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 MUSIC LIST HERE.
