*This article is in our September 2025 issue – scroll down to flip through the issue for free or order a print copy here. If you’re here for the bonus content – keep scrolling!*

Tampa singer-songwriter Frankie Raye is one of the hardest-working independent artists on the scene. She spends much of her time performing shows throughout Florida and takes pride in staying true to herself, writing honest lyrics with an uplifting vibe. Musically, she draws inspiration from ’90s indie rock icons like Alanis Morissette, Jewel, and Joan Osborne, though she admits her sound is difficult to pin down. If she had to describe it, she’d lean toward “adult contemporary,” comparable to artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Eric Hutchinson, and Sara Bareilles.

Learn more about Frankie in our exclusive Q&A!

How did you get started in music?

I come from a very musical family – both of my parents were in bands their whole lives, as well as aunts and uncles. Many of them still perform today. I grew up watching my mom and dad play guitar and sing together, and every family gathering turned into an open jam. My brother found success in the early 2010s as the lead guitarist in Foxy Shazam. I was lucky to see the music business in action through him. I tagged along to Foxy shows when they opened for bands like Panic! At the Disco, Hole, and The Used. It was a cool way to grow up, and I think it solidified my decision to do music myself.

What would you say is the biggest misconception about being a music artist?

A lot of people assume being a musician means you’re striving to be a big famous star. Some do, but many of us know this business is unpredictable and fickle. You have to do it because you love it, not because you want to be the next Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. People think if you’re anything less than the top dogs, you’ve failed. I don’t agree. I make a living performing and have fun releasing my own music, so even though I’m not well-known, I still feel I’ve succeeded.

Your last single, “Back To You”, was released last year. What was the inspiration behind that song?

I went through a phase where I was constantly comparing myself to others. I felt less-than, like I didn’t fit in the music business, and that I was spinning my wheels. I wrote the first verse on break at a gig:

“You can try to prove your worth to everyone else / Everyone besides yourself / Try on their clothes for size / You can compare the miles, the hours, to everyone else / Put your work on the shelf / Trade it all in for a new trend.”

The songs I was writing at the time sounded like I was trying to be something I wasn’t. I felt like I was sacrificing the music I wanted to make for what was more “in style” or what might get more Spotify streams. I ended up hating those songs because they weren’t me. I wanted to write a song about coming back to yourself and not following trends just to be popular. Trends change all the time — I’d rather stick to my own style than be something that I’m not.

Can we expect any new music this year or in 2026?

2026 definitely! I have a few songs I’ve been finishing, and I plan to hit the studio later this year to start working on my EP, hopefully done by summer 2026. It’s too early to say what the theme will be, but I’m excited to get new music out!

I also have a side project with my boyfriend (a bassist/percussionist/guitarist). We just got Logic Pro and have been recording at home. The project is called B Sides the Point — it’s full of “B Side” tracks we never used for our main projects. It’s way different from anything I’ve released before, so I’m excited!

I checked out your events calendar, and you play live 4-5 days a week around Florida. How do you keep up with your schedule? What drives you?

Sometimes I definitely get burnt out, if I’m being honest. Five to six shows a week is a lot, but if I didn’t love it so much, I don’t think I could keep up that schedule. There may be a day when I don’t feel like putting on my “performance face,” but once I get up there, I’m immediately happy to be there. I’ve made amazing friends at the venues, so it feels like a home away from home. It’s always fun catching up with regulars, bartenders, and servers.

I also play out of town sometimes, which feels like a vacation/work trip. And I make time for self-care — exercise, plenty of water, veggies, and lean protein. I stay on top of vitamins and immunity boosters, too.

What’s a Frankie Raye live show like for those who have never seen you?

If it’s just me solo, expect a laid-back, singer/songwriter type of show. I play covers ranging from pop, country, classic rock, and oldies, but in an acoustic, coffee-shop style. With my band, it’s a totally different vibe — energetic, upbeat, and closer to how the original songs sound. When I play originals, I always share a quick backstory so people can hear the stories behind the songs.

Any other upcoming news or events you’d like to share with our readers?

Last year I was the musical guest on a local variety show called Oh Yeah!, and my episode will be made public on September 25! The video will be on my website and socials. I’m also planning more NYC shows next year and attending the NAMM show in 2026 in Anaheim, CA. Hopefully I can book a few shows out there too!

What would you like to say to all of your fans and future fans reading this?

Thanks to everyone for reading! I hope you find something in my music that’s relatable. Feel free to check out my website and socials and drop me a line! Follow your dreams and believe in yourselves. Don’t let anyone tell you who you’re supposed to be.

Follow Frankie Raye on Instagram: https://instagram.com/frankierayemusic

BONUS CONTENT: 5 Fun Facts About Frankie Raye

✨Most people are afraid of rats, but I love rats so much! I’ve had them as pets before and I think they are the cutest little things.

✨I have a MA in Elementary Education, and a BA in Art History. (Obviously, I use neither of those degrees as a musician, haha).

✨I had meconium aspiration as a newborn. Luckily, the doctors were very quick to suction out my airways so I was able to breathe normally.

✨While in NYC last year for a performance at The Bitter End, I was approached by a producer of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. I did a quick interview with Michelle Wolfe, and played my guitar and sang. The episode actually kept part of my segment (Season 28, Episode 111). Just ignore the bags under my eyes, haha (I was running on two hours of sleep!)

✨Before becoming a musician, I was very into musical theater. I have been in many productions (my favorite being Miss Primrose in On the Twentieth Century).  I originally was going to pursue a career in musical theater, but I am not the most skilled dancer/actor, so I decided to stick with music instead.

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