TISDALE — For Tisdale singer-songwriter Gabi Rayne, music has always been more than a creative outlet. It has been a way to process life's challenges, connect with others and help people feel understood.
"I have always been a big feeler, so music is super important to me," Rayne said. "It's really important to me that I create something that makes people feel seen, and I hope it can help people the same way that it helped me."
Rayne said music has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.
"I think I was singing before I even spoke full sentences, so it's always been in my blood," she said.
The 21-year-old recording artist, who graduated in 2022, has been writing songs since she was 11 years old and grew up dreaming of a career in music.
"I loved musicals as a kid and was particularly obsessed with Hannah Montana," she said.
Rayne credits her hometown and surrounding communities for helping her develop confidence as an artist.
"I actually feel that growing up in Tisdale has created a huge amount of confidence in my music," she said. "My community and those surrounding have been nothing but encouraging and supportive of my dreams."
She added that the support has helped shape her outlook, regardless of where her music career may lead.
After spending a year in elementary education and taking time to consider her path, she decided social work was the career she wanted to pursue because of its connection to helping others.
"I make music to help people feel seen, so I decided that even if I don't have some record-breaking career, I still plan to help others as much as I can," she said.
Rayne's new album, Stargazer, emerged from what she describes as one of the most difficult periods of her life.
"It might sound dramatic, but in the time that I was writing and recording this album, I was going through the worst, most painful period of my life that I've experienced yet," she said.
The album was shaped by heartbreak, grief, anxiety and loneliness, experiences she transformed into songwriting.
"I'm so incredibly proud of this album," Rayne said. "I'm extremely proud that I was able to take such a dark, ugly, cold period of my life and create something beautiful."
The title itself underwent several changes before she settled on Stargazer.
"There were honestly a lot of changes to this album before it became what it is," she said. "However, I ultimately landed on Stargazer because it's symbolic for everything I learned throughout this time of my life."
In a social media post announcing the album, Rayne explained that the title reflects lessons she learned while navigating heartbreak, adulthood and self-discovery.
"A stargazer doesn't change the sky or force it to make sense. They simply observe it, find beauty in it, and accept it for what it is," she wrote. "That's what this album became for me."
She added that the project taught her "to look at my life with compassion instead of judgment."
Stargazer features eight songs, including seven written solely by Rayne. The eighth track, "From the Bottom of My Heart", was co-written with producer Ches Anthony.
Rayne said Anthony played a key role in bringing the project to life.
"My favourite part is absolutely working with Ches Anthony, my producer," she said. "He is beyond talented and my music wouldn't be anything that it is without him."
The album also features Carrot River musician Drew Derksen on one track.
"He's a super awesome guy," Rayne said. "I've known him for a few years now."
One of the album's most personal songs is "Bathroom Floor", which Rayne describes as the rawest track on the record.
"The song is about loving someone so much that losing them makes you sick," she said. "I think there are a lot more people feeling the same way and it's so incredibly lonely."
A common thread throughout Rayne's work is her hope that listeners will find comfort and understanding in her music.
"Like all of my music, I want people to feel seen," she said.
She believes vulnerability is especially important in smaller communities, where personal struggles can sometimes be harder to discuss openly.
"I'm pretty much trying to rip off the bandage for anyone else who feels alone," she said.
That message extends beyond Stargazer itself.
"I hope that if they take anything away from this album and my music in general, it's to feel, fearlessly," Rayne said. "There is no shame in chasing your dreams, believing in things that seem impossible, and feeling incredibly deeply."
Rayne performed on the album's release day at a local fair and plans to hold a concert in Tisdale later this fall.
Stargazer is available on all major streaming platforms, include here.
For young musicians pursuing their own creative dreams, Rayne's advice is simple.
"You really only do live once," she said. "You absolutely have to do what makes you happy, otherwise what's the point?"
She also encourages others not to let fear stop them from taking chances.
"I heard a quote once that completely changed my mind," Rayne said. "'Do it scared.' Every time I put out something new, or sing on a stage, it's terrifying … but I do it anyway, and I'm always proud of myself after. It's always worth it."
