The world is her oyster, and she's the only... Girl.
Addison Rae, the social media powerhouse who captivated millions on TikTok, is now venturing further into music, and it’s clear she’s aiming for longevity beyond viral videos. With her two recent singles, Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine, Rae takes a bold step toward pop stardom, redefining herself and challenging expectations that she’d remain just an influencer. Released in October 2024, Aquamarine reflects Rae’s growing confidence in her unique voice and vision, signalling her shift into the niche mainstream of pop music.
Her journey from TikTok to recording artist has been gradual, starting with covers and lip-syncs before her debut EP AR in 2023, where she collaborated with major names like Charli XCX. But it’s with Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine that Rae is defining her style, moving away from catchy, throwaway tunes to something with more depth and individuality. Diet Pepsi, released in August, embraced a vintage Americana aesthetic, blending synth-pop with nostalgic, laid-back vibes. It received praise for its unconventional pop appeal and landed Rae on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, reaching No. 23—a significant achievement for an artist transitioning from TikTok fame.
While Diet Pepsi showcased her softer, more playful side, Aquamarine reveals a bolder, Eurodance-inspired edge. Co-created with producers Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd, the song layers Rae’s airy vocals over twinkling synths, deep club beats, and a nearly hypnotic chant, which evoke underwater themes that are at once dreamy and intense. The sound is reminiscent of Madonna’s Ray of Light era, drawing from the late ‘90s while also infusing a fresh, contemporary pop sensibility. Rae has said that Aquamarine is about “transforming and finding what message you want to tell and what story you want to tell through your life,” adding a personal layer to the track.
The accompanying music video, directed by Sean Price Williams, brings the song’s themes to life with a surreal, Gatsby-esque masquerade scene set in Paris. In the video, Rae initially appears in a sequined dress among masked partygoers, only to eventually shed these layers, revealing a stripped-down look that symbolizes her shedding old personas and embracing authenticity. Styled by her longtime collaborator Dara, the looks channel vintage icons like Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, with an effortless blend of glamour and comfort, underscoring the message of self-liberation. The video, a visual departure from the black-and-white minimalism of Diet Pepsi, reflects Rae’s versatility and willingness to explore different creative territories.
Her shift into pop music isn’t just about aesthetics or catchy beats—it’s about Rae’s commitment to redefining herself and proving that she’s a serious artist, not just a TikTok personality dabbling in music. Rae has noted that creating Aquamarine was part of her own journey of growth and self-discovery, aiming to evolve and realign with her true self. In interviews, she’s expressed that this process of breaking away from social media expectations and asserting her individuality has been both challenging and exhilarating, but ultimately necessary for her long-term vision as an artist.
As Rae steps into the pop music scene with Aquamarine and Diet Pepsi, she’s not only testing her musical range but also positioning herself alongside established pop figures. Her work with high-caliber collaborators and her inclusion in Charli XCX’s Brat remix album have added credibility to her career, showcasing her ability to evolve and adapt. If Aquamarine is any indication, Rae’s future in music may continue to defy expectations and carve out a unique space where she’s known not just for her TikTok origins, but for her artistry. Her dedication to self-expression and her willingness to experiment with new sounds and visuals are shaping her into a pop icon who could be here to stay.
