Rayanne Ottenbreit is a familiar face in the City of Yorkton. The GX94 Star Search winner has been singing at many events and has toured for a few years already. Most recently though, she has released her very first CD, Play These Games.
While Ottenbreit has been singing for a long time, she says song writing has been a new experience for her, as she's been writing her own material for a couple of years now.
"These songs were really easy to write and really hard to write at the same time. I just have to find things that I'm really passionate about," she detailed in a recent interview with The News Review.
Hearing her music for the first time, Ottenbreit says that it's been strange to hear her songs played and performing them in front of crowd. Saying they're like thoughts that would normally go in the diary, she admits to feeling a bit vulnerable at first.
"It's been a pretty private thing before... I'm really glad things have taken this turn, and I have been able to share my song writing with people and grow in this way," she states. The GX94 Star Search winner says that performing on a the stage has been a huge benefit in her life and in her career. She remembers when she first went on stage at 14, she was very nervous and a bit shy. The chance to perform has allowed her to overcome some of those nerves and to become more confident in her craft.
"I have to give GX94 a huge thank you whenever I have an opportunity. They have really been my outlet to grow as a performer, from the first time I got on stage," Ottenbreit notes.
Performing is something which she says is important for growing as an artist, whether it's just playing for friends and family at home or opening for a big act like Johnny Reid.
The new EP contains three tracks, two of which were written by Ottenbreit and one cover of a '50s song which she describes as a "yodeling song". The last track was included after a positive reception from people during performances.
While she says her arrangement differs greatly from the original, it's still a unique, old school country sound that not everyone would have heard before.
"I'm glad I put it on there because it's something that sets me apart from other people," Ottenbreit says.
While her recording career is just beginning, Ottenbreit says she wants to stay grounded, even as more people hear her music.
She loves that her songs are getting out there, however, and that she's getting more opportunities to share her art.
"I never want to be seen as something other than a regular girl, but it's cool," Ottenbreit says.
Play These Games is available at Shear Bliss and at Fuzztone Music. People can also find Ottenbreit on Facebook.
