Feature: Terra Renae Decodes “In My Dreams”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "In My Dreams" and the story it tells?
"In My Dreams" was inspired by the loss of my father. He passed away when I was just 7 years old, and I was so young that I didn’t fully grasp the finality of death at the time. In the months that followed, I remember seeing him frequently in my dreams, almost as if he were trying to help me find closure. "In My Dreams" is about the loss of someone you love, but also about finding healing in the idea that they are always with you. If you’re lucky, you might even get to visit with them in your dreams.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for this song?
Creating "In My Dreams" was an incredibly cathartic experience. It was the first time I’ve really tackled the deeply personal and sensitive subject of death in my music. I started writing the song during an Uber ride on New Year's Eve in 2023. The holidays are always especially emotional for me since my father passed away on Christmas, and that rainy night I found myself reflecting on life and loss. I felt a deep, almost spiritual inspiration in that moment. This song went through many lyrical revisions because it was so important to me to get it just right. At the same time, I wanted it to be vague enough that anyone who has experienced loss could relate and hopefully find their own healing through it.
How did you work with the producer or engineers to bring your vision for "In My Dreams" to life?
During the Uber ride, I immediately sent my lyric ideas to Macy Gray, who was my executive producer at the time. She loved what I had so far and suggested we put the song’s concept over an uplifting beat. She even mentioned that “Purple Rain” by Prince was a source of inspiration for her. The more we worked on it, the more the lyrics and instrumentals seemed to align perfectly, and I loved the creative energy we brought to the project. While the song's theme stems from a deeply emotional place, it ultimately carries a sense of positivity despite the sadness, which is something I’m really proud of.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
I’m a singer/songwriter from Louisville, KY, creating soulful alternative pop music. Although I officially began sharing my music with the world in the summer of 2024, music has always been at the core of who I am. My mom loves to remind me how I would belt out every word of every song on the radio as a kid. In grade school and middle school, I was always involved in choir or school plays, and even as a little one, I was writing lyrics in notebooks and making up songs in the shower. I met my husband, Praveen, while in graduate school, and I soon discovered that he shared my love for music. Together, we began creating music in our living room, playing whenever and wherever we could. Our journey took an unexpected turn in 2022, right after we got married, when we had a chance encounter with Macy Gray. She and her producer, Mikal Blue, heard some of our original songs and were immediately drawn to what we created. From that moment on, Macy stayed in touch and offered to mentor us, which became a pivotal turning point in our musical journey. Shortly after, I graduated with my doctorate and made the life-changing decision to fully pursue my dream of becoming a singer.
How do you approach the process of creating a new song or melody?
Over the years, I’ve experimented with different songwriting techniques. A couple of years ago, Macy recommended that I start a document where I can jot down various song ideas and lyrics whenever they come to me. This way, when it’s time to sit down and write, I’m always inspired. Typically, when I hear a new beat, I try to tune into the emotions or story that the instruments convey. Then, I’ll go through my song sheet and pick a concept that resonates with me, which helps guide the lyrics and overall direction of the song.
