Terra Ranae Is Manifesting Her Moment — New Album, Lead Single, and European Tour Incoming

For Terra Ranae, music isn’t just a passion—it’s a calling she spent years pushing aside, only to find it waiting patiently for her return. Now, with a bold new album on the horizon and her biggest tour to date just weeks away, the rising pop artist is finally claiming the spotlight that’s been hers all along.

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Terra’s upbringing was rich with cultural influence and spiritual foundation. Her Filipino mother’s love for music and community encouraged Terra’s early interest in performance—first in church choirs, then in school plays. But life took her on a winding path: from modeling to academia, culminating in a doctoral degree. And while success followed her in every direction, the stage always called her back.

It wasn’t until the world paused during the pandemic that Terra listened to that voice inside—loud and clear. Music wasn’t a side dream anymore—it was the dream. That shift led to a life-changing encounter with Macy Gray in 2022. The connection was instant. Not only did Macy take Terra under her wing as a mentor, she also stepped in as executive producer for Terra’s debut album All I Have—a stunning introduction to her rich vocal presence and unshakeable message of empowerment. The album quietly caught fire, earning over 300,000 streams and setting the foundation for something much bigger.

Now, Terra Ranae is entering her next chapter—and this time, it’s on her terms. Unveiling “Manifest It,” the lead single from her forthcoming album, the track marks a sonic and spiritual evolution: shimmering pop production meets deeply personal lyrics that reflect Terra’s journey of reclaiming her voice and owning her power. Produced by a powerhouse team with credits alongside Colbie Caillat, Avril Lavigne, and Dua Lipa, the track is as polished as it is raw—an anthem of self-belief that’s both intimate and universal. But this isn’t just a one-off. Terra’s new full-length album, set to drop later this year, is a full-body expression of survival, reinvention, and feminine strength. “It’s about learning to listen to myself again,” she says. “To not shrink. To take up space and be proud of the woman I’ve become.”

This new era will hit the stage in a major way as Terra joins Macy Gray on a 15-city European tour from May 20 to June 8, with stops in Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Prague, and more. For an artist who once questioned if there’d ever be room for her in this industry, Terra’s story is now proof that sometimes the right time is your time.

You’ve lived so many lives—model, scholar, now rising pop artist. How does your past inform the stories you’re telling in this new album?

For a long time, I felt like I was hiding behind my education, almost using it as a safe space. But with this second album, I’ve let go of those shields and allowed myself to truly embrace the artist I am. Academia definitely played a role in shaping my songwriting. The wide range of writing I had to do in my studies helped me develop a keen sense for both structure and creativity. Whether it was the precision needed in research papers or the freedom to be more expressive in opinion essays, I love bringing that balance of clarity and nuance into my lyrics.

Modeling has also shaped how I approach my artistry, particularly in the ability to step into different characters. Just like how I’d embody a specific persona on a shoot, I’ve learned how important it is to connect with the version of myself that’s telling the story in each song. Now, I draw from all of those experiences and use them in a more vulnerable, authentic way. I’m no longer hiding behind anything; I’m fully embracing every part of myself.

“Manifest It” feels like more than a title—it’s a mindset. How does this song represent the theme of your upcoming album?

"Manifest It” truly embodies the mindset that has guided me throughout this journey. It was inspired by my belief in manifestation, the idea that the best version of yourself is always within reach, waiting for you to step into it. For me, making the leap from a secure, established career in medicine to pursuing music required a lot of inner work. I had to remind myself constantly, “I can do this,” pushing through the fear and doubt that tried to hold me back.

As you listen to this upcoming album, you’ll hear a clear shift in my confidence. Keep in mind, the work on my debut album started over two years ago, so by the time I began working on Album 2, I had fully embraced the identity of Terra Renae the artist. Over time, I’ve grown not only as a musician but also in my mindset. I’ve learned to trust myself and quiet the intrusive thoughts that once held me back. Album 2 is a reflection of that growth, my journey toward self-acceptance and the confidence that comes from stepping fully into who I am, free from fear of judgment or failure.

Your debut album, All I Have, was executive produced by Macy Gray. How did that collaboration shape your approach to this next body of work?

Macy has always encouraged me to stay authentic and true to myself, whether it was in the way I sang, the lyrics I chose, or how I presented myself. She’s been a huge advocate for me embracing who I am as an artist. Everything I wrote on All I Have was based on personal experiences, and Macy helped me stay grounded in that authenticity.

As I worked on this next body of work, I felt a natural evolution in my artistry. It’s a reflection of the growth and maturation I’ve gone through, letting go of any lingering doubt or fear, and embracing the unknown with confidence. This new album marks a deeper level of self-expression, showing how I’ve expanded as an artist while still staying true to my roots.

You’ve described this new album as an act of reclaiming your voice. What were some of the biggest internal battles you had to overcome to get here?

One of the biggest internal battles I had to overcome was accepting and embracing that I am not just “Dr. Terra,” but I am also an artist. We, as humans, are multifaceted and not defined by just one label. It took me a while to fully believe in myself and my artistry enough to share it with the world. I knew my story wasn’t the typical one, and I had to move past the fear of being judged for fully committing to my art later in life, after completing my education. A lot of self-work was needed to push through those doubts and convince myself that I truly belonged in this space.

What does success look like to you now—not just in streams or shows, but as a woman, a creator, and someone finally stepping into her power?

To me, success is about being authentic in my music and, more importantly, being an inspiration to others. I want people to hear my story and realize that they can always hit the reset button and change their path. We’re all on different journeys, and there’s no single timeline we have to follow. I hope my journey shows others that despite the adversity I’ve faced, they can break free from doubt, step into the unknown, and fully embrace who they are and who they want to become.