Album Notes

Fighting stereotypes and resisting societal pressure, Aisha Raine is striving to shake up the world of rock. The DC area native has had to fend off criticism and fight expectations in an industry where few black females dare to venture into other genres. Now with the release of her debut album, Never Broken, Aisha Raine has declared that, “Black Chicks CAN Rock!”

Always striving to be herself and never afraid to venture into the unknown, Aisha Raine releases an alt/rock album that defies conventional expectations for a young, black female artist. She has kept to what is true to her—a style that embraces a sharp edge, hard truths, and a more-than-once broken heart. “I’ve always tried to do what’s right by me and not what others believe is best,” says Aisha. “With rock, I found a way to truly express the difficulties that I’ve had to struggle with in life.”

The album title, Never Broken, says Aisha, “represents my soul. There are cracks and scars, but I’m still standing.” The fervently concocted sound, blended with often edgy but always strong lyrics, creates a sound palette with different shades of rock. Ranging from nu-metal to pop/rock, pushing on hard rock, and fused with the modern rock flare, Never Broken is an open window into the heart, mind and soul of this singer/songwriter.

Though she’d gladly welcome fame and fortune, her main focus is creating music that matters and can help strengthen the souls of those who listen. “Connecting with others who have been through similar pain and letting them know they aren’t alone would be the greatest success,” says Aisha. And Never Broken does just that. Each of the 11 songs is crafted to connect with the souls of others. “Too many of us go through stressful situations and feel that no one understands. A lot of music out there speaks of love and happiness, but what some need are songs that let us know we are not alone suffering with life’s battles,” says Aisha. “Sometimes knowing someone else understands and can relate is just what you need to keep you going.”

Aisha’s songs convey themes that resonate in everyone. Songs that advocate never letting anyone keep you down because they think they’re better than you (“D.O.G.”) and to standing up and always being yourself (“Who I Am”). “Wicked” and “Break Away” allude to escaping relationships gone bad. “Let Go” and “Losing Grip” speak of the unavoidable strains of the world and the people that surround and affect you no matter what you do.

Never straying from her way—sometimes edgy and aggressive, yet always brutally honest—given the chance, Aisha Raine will assist in changing the design of the music world. Influenced by artists like Linkin Park, Evanescence, Breaking Benjamin, and Paramore, Aisha Raine is proving “Black Chicks CAN Rock” and hopes to aide in dissolving stereotypes and establishing that music truly is color blind.