Rachel Grae: The Story Behind Turned Into Me

Rachel Grae joins Tamara Dhia to unpack her debut album Turned Into Me, out March 6. She describes the record as “a hug to my younger self,” built in emotional pairs that contrast past and present — from codependency to independence, toxic love to healthy relationships, and the shift from shrinking herself to standing firm.

Rachel shares the turning point behind the empowering opener “Run With the River,” the vulnerable rewrite that became “Come a Day,” and the anger-fueled clarity of “Me and Your Ego.” She also talks candidly about dating as a songwriter, the promise she once made not to write a bad song about someone, and the lyric that captures the album’s core: “I’m sorry for her, but I’m grateful she turned into me.”

The conversation revisits the TikTok moment that pushed “Friend Like Me” into the spotlight — filmed casually while making eggs — and what that taught her about authenticity, audience connection, and letting go of perfection. Rachel discusses performing unreleased songs on tour in the UK and Europe, preparing for a move to Nashville, and why she believes the city’s songwriting culture hits differently.

She also reflects on “Outsider,” the early release that built her community, and how healing has changed the way she writes — and the way she sees herself.

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