IN CONVERSATION WITH RAEGAN

interview by JANA LETONJA

New York artist RAEGAN is carving out a space that feels entirely her own. Blurring the lines between musical theatre, alt-pop and performance art, she approaches every release as a fully realised world, where cinematic visuals, razor-sharp songwriting and unapologetic drama collide. Following the viral success of TIM BURTON and her debut EP FCK RAEGAN*, she’s entering a bold new era with RAEGAN CORE, arriving this September. Led by the striking new single Crying Is A Girl’s Best Friend, RAEGAN continues to redefine what pop performance can look and feel like—equal parts spectacle, satire and emotional honesty.

RAEGAN CORE feels like both a title and a manifesto. What does “RAEGAN CORE” represent to you?

RAEGAN CORE is me and the world I live in. It’s a world where the theatre kids, queer, cry babies, drama queens and camp can co-exist and be unapologetically themselves. 

Your music sits somewhere between Broadway, pop and performance art. Did you always imagine those worlds existing together?

I guess so, but it’s always been a bit more subconscious to me. I think that's just who I am as a person and an artist, and it manifests through my work as it is self-expression. 

Crying Is A Girl’s Best Friend balances vulnerability with wit. What inspired the song, and what emotions were you hoping to leave listeners with?

Crying Is A Girl’s Best Friendwas inspired by feeling alone after the show is over and everyone leaves. I wanted it to be a reminder that as long as you have yourself, you're never truly alone. 

Your visuals are just as important as the music. Which usually comes first, the songs or the world surrounding them?

It really depends on each song, but usually they're pretty cohesive, and I think of both aspects simultaneously. 

You’ve described every track as a scene in your own show. If RAEGAN CORE were adapted into a stage production, what would the audience experience?

It actually is being adapted into a stage production right now for the RAEGAN CORE TOUR. I don't want to spoil too much, but all I'll say right now is that you will leave entertained, inspired and feeling more diva than you came.

You write, produce, perform, choreograph and oversee the creative direction of your projects. How do you balance wearing so many creative hats?

I think it’s inspiring to do it all. I have a very precise vision, and it feels very satisfying to be able to see it come to life. 

There’s a strong sense of theatricality in your work, but it never feels like you’re hiding behind a character. How much of RAEGAN is performance, and how much is autobiography?

I would say it’s a perfect mix. RAEGAN is me completely, but I also find so much confidence from her and dramatise myself. But I wouldn't say that I’m two different people and she's a complete character, I would just say she's me when I’m on stage.

Fashion has become another important extension of your creative identity. How does getting dressed influence the way you step into a performance?

I think of fashion as expressing how I feel and how I want to be perceived. So, it's very important to me in my everyday life, let alone in my artist self. It makes me feel confident in who I am and gives me the extra push to be who I want to be. 

Social media helped introduce your work to millions, but your artistry feels designed for much bigger stages. How do you navigate creating for both the phone screen and live performance?

I try not to overthink it. Social media can be hard for artists when they just want to create, but I started approaching it like an extension of my art and just an online portfolio. Once I began with that approach, it all sort of clicked for me. 

Is there a dream collaboration—musically, theatrically or in fashion—that still feels on your vision board?

I would love to be on Broadway one day. I've manifested that since I was born.

You’re creating what you’ve called “musical theatre pop.” Where do you see that genre going over the next few years?

I see it growing and evolving in so many ways. Where and how? I don't know yet, but I am constantly striving to grow as a person, let alone as an artist, so I know it will follow. 

As you enter this new chapter, what does success look like for you beyond numbers and streaming statistics?

Success to me, looks like being consistently inspired and creative. I want to always be able to express myself and explore my identity through my art.