Theatrics, Camp, Drama - That's So Raegan Core
Updated: 21 hours ago
Written and Photo by Rebecca Rowe | RAEGAN steps into the spotlight, bringing her latest EP RAEGAN CORE to life on tour
Theatrical pop singer-songwriter RAEGAN brings “drama, whimsy and camp” with her latest EP, RAEGAN CORE. Now on the road and fully embracing her theatre roots, RAEGAN elevates the listening experience and immerses the audience into her world of whimsy.
Following 2024's FUCK RAEGAN, an EP documenting her teenage self, RAEGAN CORE transitions the singer into adulthood. As she navigates life in her twenties her sound evolves from dark pop into theatrical pop - a place she says was inspired by her inner child and theatre kid.
We caught up with RAEGAN before her Los Angeles performance at the iconic Bob Baker Marionette Theatre to chat about her evolving sound, bringing RAEGAN CORE to the stage and what her 11 o’clock number would be.
For listeners hearing you for the first time how would you describe your music to them?
I would describe it like musical theatre inspired pop music. I would say that all the pop elements are there, but it's very theatrical, very over the top, very campy. And then we actually have musical theater elements sonically in the music as well.
Your earlier music has more of a dark pop vibe. Now leaning into theatrical and camp, what inspired you to make the shift? And does this sound feel more authentically you?
My first project I made when I was in high school, so it was very young me finding my footing. Who am I as a young adult? Really finding my identity at the time. So that's really what resonated with me then. After the release of my first EP, FUCK RAEGAN, that dark pop phase, I took some time off of music and I really reflected “who am I now?” as a twenty something year old. “Who am I? Because this doesn’t feel like me.” So I took some time and I came back and was really reminded of my inner child, and the theatre kid in me. And I was like “wait, I lowkey miss that” and I want to do that.
I was at a spot where I was like do I want to pursue theatre, do auditions, do Broadway? Or do I want to keep making music? Ultimately I will always fall into this place of I can never stop making music. Because that is literally how I express myself. I would say that’s my sole purpose. So I was like “why am I trying to pick between them?” I can just blend them together and make theatrical pop.
Where do Raegan the person and Raegan the performer intersect?
It’s me! It’s the same person, I just curl my hair! (Laughs)
But I would say, obviously, day to day I can be a bit more shy. When I’m doing my art and I’m in my craft, that’s when I feel the most confident. So it’s the most heightened, best version of myself.
As you bring RAEGAN CORE on tour, what is most exciting to you, in being able to bring the visual element to life?
This project is so theatrical. So it’s meant to be on stage. And I think it not only comes to life with the instruments, sonically, but the performance of everything. The lyrics get to be acted out, the dance gets to be performed. So it elevates the experience of being able to listen to this project, being able to see it happen. Also, I’m a very visual artist, I would say, so I think having those together is ideal.
Even among theatrics and camp, your music has a lot of emotional impact. What is your 11 o’clock number?
“It’s So Hard To Be Me”. That’s definitely my 11 o’clock.
Which Broadway character do you think would be adding your songs to their playlist?
Allie from Burlesque, She is definitely listening to my music, she’s getting hyped up, she’s going to an audition.
You have the lyrics “Didn’t bring money but I have lipgloss and Ibuprofin” -
Cause it’s the truth.
Have you tried that as currency?
No, but I should. I really should. If I don’t bring money, I just look at my girlfriend like "I don't know what to do!"
We want to play a quick rapid fire - if you were to create a mood board of all things Raegan Core.
Season:
Winter and Spring
Accessory:
Necklace, bracelet, ring. Like literally every and any accessory on your body at the same time
Color Palette:
Pink and Blue. Light! And light purple. Sometimes, it can be a pop but it can’t be the main base. This is my thing!
Film Genre:
Probably comedy. And Musicals, duh. And Romance sometimes.
Flower:
A tulip. And sunflowers.
Lastly, do you have anything you’d like to say to your fans as you embark on this tour and continue to listen to your music?
Get ready for the next phase.
Check out RAEGAN’s final performance in New York on October 7th.
RAEGAN
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