Seattle’s Ro'Nae on the Rhythms and Roots of Her Art
Photos by Cydney Stephens
By Emma Schwichtenberg
Ro'Nae Ruffer has been a part of Seattle’s musical landscape since her youth. She found her voice singing Mariah Carey covers, inspired by the rhythmic melodies filling her home. Music was a family affair, with her mother’s love for R&B and her father’s penchant for rap shaping her eclectic taste. This early immersion in diverse genres laid the foundation for Ro'Nae’s unique style, blending the soulful allure of R&B with the energetic cadence of rap.
Growing up in the SeaTac area, Ro'Nae drew inspiration from local artists, notably her relative Michael Johnson, known as E-Dawg. His influence and guidance were pivotal in her decision to pursue music professionally. After years of honing her craft through talent shows and dance, Ro'Nae made her official industry debut in 2019, a decision catalyzed by the introspective period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her debut single, “Waiting,” captured the anticipation and complexities of relationships, marking her entry into the professional music scene.
Ro'Nae’s music is a testament to her dedication to authentic storytelling and emotional connection. Her upcoming EP, a collaboration with renowned producer Dae One and Seattle’s own Funk Daddy, promises to explore new dimensions of her sound, with themes centered on love, empowerment, and mutual respect between men and women.
Beyond her studio work, Ro'Nae’s live performances are a dynamic fusion of singing and dancing, reflecting her early roots in dance. Whether opening for iconic artists like Faith Evans and Raheem DeVaughn or headlining local festivals, Ro'Nae’s stage presence is magnetic, drawing audiences into her world with every performance.
As she continues to carve out her place in the music industry, she remains committed to her Seattle roots, advocating for the city’s R&B scene and collaborating with local talent. With her infectious energy, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering passion, Ro'Nae is not just a rising star; she’s a beacon of Seattle’s rich musical tapestry.
Converge Music recently spoke with Ro'Nae, as she prepares to release her new EP.
How did you start in music?
Music started at a young age listening to the radio at home. My mom was cleaning and cooking and we're all just singing in the house. I discovered that I just love the joy of music. In and of itself. And so then I started to, like I said, sing along with other artists who cover elementary school and do talent shows. And then I moved to dancing. And so once I started to dance, the art of it kind of came in a little bit more. Which then brought me back to singing and writing. I discovered that it was still a passion of mine and just felt the need to realize that it was a part of my life, a part of my purpose, and so I had to go back to it.
So, at what point in your musical career do you consider yourself officially into the industry?
That was in 2019, right around the time of COVID. Actually, I think it was during the period when everyone was reassessing their lives. Music, dance, and writing were always things I loved and continued to do throughout my life, but I hadn't pursued them professionally. I had lost the "you can be famous" idea as I grew older. You start thinking, "Well, I'm getting older now, maybe that's not a thing." But once COVID happened, it made me reassess my passion and purpose. So, back in 2019, I did my first official studio session after writing my first song called "Waiting." It was the first full song I ever wrote, based on being in a relationship and waiting for that person to be on the same wavelength as you, kind of pushing them a little to get there.
So I'm curious because you said that it was dancing that brought you back to singing and songwriting. How do you return to dancing now that singing and songwriting are your primary focus?
I make sure to include dancing in almost every performance I do. I usually hire local dancers and choreographers from around the city, and I incorporate dance into my shows. I also take dance classes myself. It's just a part of my performance, and I love it. It's probably always going to be a part of my show until I can't dance anymore.
How do you think dancing influences your songwriting? Do you gravitate towards songs you can dance to because you love dancing so much?
No, I wouldn't say that. Every once in a while, because I love dance music, I will write a song specifically for dance. But usually, when I write, it's more based on a feeling or an experience I've had. As I'm writing, I realize that cadence-wise, as a dancer, you're going by the beat, so really, you can dance to anything as a dancer.
Your song "Humblebrag" has been quite successful, especially on R&B and college radio charts. What inspired this song?
Oh, great. "Humblebrag" is one of my favorites. It was literally inspired by a moment when I was looking in the mirror, feeling a bit down on myself. I was questioning whether I should still be doing music, a question many artists face at some point. I was doubting myself, and then it was like a switch flipped in my mind. I realized that I should be excited and proud of my music. No matter where you are in life, you can do what you love and be okay with talking about it with others. The song is about being okay with bragging to your friends and family about doing what you love and being proud of it. It's about uplifting and empowering people.
When did you write this song?
I believe I wrote "Humblebrag" in 2021. Yeah, it was about a year or two ago. But it’s exciting now, because that's the song I perform last every time because I love the way it connects with people. They usually stand up, sing along, and you can tell it’s an uplifting song. It's my thing at the very end, and I love it. I feel like it empowers people. Every time I look out in the crowd and see their excited faces, it makes me love it even more.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Usually, I like to sit in a corner if I can, or even in my car if there's no private space at the venue. I drink water and tea, warm up vocally, and say a prayer. If I'm alone, I pray by myself, but my older sister, who often attends my shows, usually prays for me. So, I need a prayer, vocal warm-ups, and water and tea before I perform.
Has this changed at all since you started and where you are now? Do you still get nervous butterflies before going on stage?
You know what? No, because I don’t usually feel nervous. I’m usually excited, not nervous, when I go on stage. I think that’s why I knew I was supposed to be an artist. I've never been nervous to be on stage, even as a kid. I was the kid who would run up on stage when they asked for volunteers. So, the nervous part isn't there—it's more about excitement and anticipation.
Now that you've shared the stage with artists like Faith Evans, do you have any memorable moments or lessons from those experiences?
Those experiences were amazing. I was kind of fangirling and just enjoying the moment. I was so grateful to share the stage with them and meet them. They're both really nice people. It was like a dream come true, something I always wished for as a kid. I was careful to stay in the moment and enjoy it. Local promoters here in Seattle know about artists around the city, and when major artists come into town, they reach out to managers and industry people. My cousin, who was managing me initially, knew the local promoters, and that's how I got on the lineup.
Can you tell me more about your creative process in writing and composing music?
For me, it always starts with a beat from different producers. Whatever I feel, I write it down—words, phrases, whatever resonates with me at the moment. I build around that word or phrase, usually writing out a verse. Writing is therapeutic for me, whether I'm in a great mood, a bad mood, or even inspired by a friend's story. I write based on that feeling, then make it fun and catchy with a hook to reel people in. Then I go into the studio, record it, and edit it to become what you hear on the radio.
What music styles do you like to emulate the most in your writing?
I would say R&B and rap have a huge influence on me. As a kid, my dad listened to a lot of rap, and I liked rapping along with him. I have a bit of a rapper's style in my writing, and then I sing it.
Are there any specific artists you look up to and take inspiration from?
In the R&B space, I definitely look up to Chris Brown, Beyoncé, and Janet Jackson. These three incorporate dance and performance in their shows, which I gravitate towards. In rap, I would say Tupac, Drake, and Lil Wayne. I love writing metaphorically, and these artists inspire that.
Can you tell me about your song "Real" and how the collaboration for this project came about?
Dae One sent me the beat for "Real," and I started writing the first verse before he came to Seattle for the recording. The song uses sports language, like "putting on a clinic" in basketball, to convey being great in a relationship. When Dae One arrived, we wrote the hook and the second verse together. He suggested making the second verse about what the man can do for the woman, emphasizing mutual greatness. The collaboration in the studio was fantastic, and even though it was our first time meeting in person, we created a catchy, engaging song.
I'm interested in why you focus on uplifting men in your music, which is uncommon in the industry. How did you come to this path?
It's something I do in my daily life. I'm married, and I've seen many women, understandably, protect themselves because of past hurts. But I believe men should protect us if they're doing it properly. Highlighting their role in our lives encourages positivity. I think people are happiest when we uplift our men, allowing them to protect us, fostering a cohesive unit rather than being pitted against each other. We need each other at the end of the day.
Is that the message fans should take away from this song?
Yes, absolutely. The message is about positivity and uplifting each other, supporting each other through successes and failures.
Tell me about your upcoming EP.
Dae One, a super producer from Los Angeles who has worked with major artists like Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg, is working on the EP with me. My management team, Left Coast Media Management Group, introduced me to him, and he's now like family. We're also incorporating music from Funk Daddy, a major local producer who has worked with many successful artists here. The EP will explore my sound and showcase my songwriting. It’s full of joy, uplifting messages, and encouragement, especially for men. It's going against the grain by showing love to our men while elevating women. We're aiming to release it this summer.
Can you tell us more about what to expect from the EP?
The EP explores my sound and showcases my songwriting at its best. Dae One has helped develop my vocals in a way that will be new to most people. The EP is joyful, uplifting, and encourages men while also empowering women. Both men and women will be able to relate to and appreciate it.
To keep up with Ro'Nae online, find her on Instagram @sheisronae.
