As the Grand Prize winner in the Ourstage (MTV Partner) Artist Access Competition in July, Shining Rae’s hit song “Dreaming” has landed her an opportunity to perform live in New York City and meet music industry giant Bruce Tyler. Her blend of acoustic, pop, and soul music has made this Magnolia, AR native’s music stand out amongst artists across the nation. After fans voted her song to #1, Rae was hand-picked by music industry experts as the recording artist deserving of the opportunity to “experience what so many strive for but so few accomplish in the music business,” according to Ourstage Magazine. Bruce Tyler, former EVP of both Sony Music and Columbia Records, currently uses his expertise to advise some of the most influential artists and companies in the world. As stated in Ourstage Magazine, “Shining Rae is about to join the ranks of artists privy to his highly sought after advice, including Beyonce’, John Mayer, John Legend, Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz, The Fray and many more.” Shining Rae defines music as an extension of her soul that she plans to share with the world. She is a guitarist, pianist, & flute/piccolo player. With influences such as Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, & Anita Baker, Rae writes music that is described as “Soul/Pop” with the “life’s lessons” of Folk music. She attributes her inspiration to write uplifting songs to God and her loving family. Rae notes, “my parents always taught me to make the best out of any situation so I try to write my songs with that message.” After graduating from college, Rae moved to Baltimore, MD where she worked as a Scientist at Johns Hopkins Hospital and as a background singer for a TMG Records recording artist. Her most notable accomplishments as of late include singing at President Barack Obama’s 1st “National Christmas Tree” lighting ceremony in Washington, D.C. (2008) and showcasing as a semi-finalist in Atlantic Records/Andre’ Harrell’s Superstar Soul Search competition (2010). In May 2011 Rae unexpectedly caught the attention of Ourstage Magazine which featured Shining Rae’s single and described “Dreaming” as the “Breakup Anthem” for every girl to “unleash her inner diva.”