Issa Rae, the multifaceted writer, actress, and producer, has always been known for her versatility. She’s graced our screens with the groundbreaking show Insecure, made waves as a producer with projects like One of Them Days, and recently appeared in Barbie alongside Margot Robbie. But in a recent interview with ELLE, Issa revealed a new ambition: going on tour as a musician.
While Rae has conquered the worlds of television and film, she confessed that one of the things she would love to explore is the life of a musician. The idea of traveling the world, performing for passionate audiences, and living the tour life has always intrigued her.
The Allure of Being a Touring Artist
In the candid interview, Issa shared her enthusiasm about the idea of going on tour. “Man, I want to go on tour as a musician so badly. It looks so fun,” she said with excitement. The thrill of being an artist on the road is something Rae finds incredibly appealing, especially when it involves the larger-than-life experience of performing for thousands of people each night.
She pointed out the unique appeal of touring artists: “Artists go around on a sick-a** tour bus or a decked-out private jet and perform for thousands of people who, in most cases, know their songs word for word?” Rae’s eyes seem to light up at the thought of this kind of fan connection — the feeling of being a part of something much bigger than oneself. The idea of seeing her own fans singing along to every song they love is undeniably a dream for many musicians.
Issa even playfully reflected on how sometimes, during a performance, the audience might end up doing more of the singing than the artist themselves. “And sometimes, when you get lazy, you can just point the mic to the audience, and they’ll do the work for you?” she joked, showing her trademark sense of humor.
A Unique Perk: The Physical Benefits of Touring
As someone who is used to being active in her career, Issa also pointed out one of the more unexpected benefits of being a musician on tour: the exercise. “Also, the choreography that probably fulfils anyone’s daily cardio goals?” she added. Performing live shows, often with dance routines, is a great way for musicians to stay fit while entertaining their audiences. For Issa, who has never shied away from being open about her health and fitness journey, this aspect of touring is something that resonates with her too.
Even though she doesn’t have the musical talent necessary for a tour, Issa jokingly wishes she could partake in this aspect of performance. Her comment reflects a playful acknowledgment of her talents outside the world of music — acting, writing, and producing — but still, a desire to step into another exciting realm.
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Breaking Out of the Traditional Career Box
One of the most defining elements of Issa Rae’s career has been her resistance to being boxed into one specific category. She has always been outspoken about her belief in not being “limited” to one industry. “The phrase ‘stay in your lane’ has always triggered me,” Issa admitted during the interview. It’s clear that Issa does not believe in restricting herself to one creative pursuit — she is constantly exploring new avenues and taking risks.
Her desire to try different things stems from a natural curiosity about what else she can do, saying, “What if I like switching from time to time? What if I get restless in one space?” This restless energy is what has driven her to jump from acting to producing to writing, and perhaps one day, even performing. Issa’s ability to navigate multiple creative spaces is one of the reasons why fans adore her — she’s never content staying in one lane, and that mentality makes her stand out.
As a producer on the new comedy One of Them Days, starring Keke Palmer and SZA, Issa continues to break new ground in Hollywood. Her willingness to experiment with different creative roles and to push beyond the traditional boundaries of her career is a testament to her passion for trying new things.
Issa concluded the interview by sharing a sense of freedom she finds in her career: “I want to know what I can do, and I want to know what I can add value to, and it’s fun. And when it’s not, then I won’t do it.” This spirit of experimentation, of trying things out until they don’t feel fun anymore, is what keeps Issa Rae so dynamic and inspiring.
Looking Forward: The Possibility of a Musician’s Dream
Issa Rae’s wish to go on tour as a musician may not be on the horizon yet, but it’s clear that she would relish the experience if the opportunity presented itself. Whether or not she’ll take the stage one day, her enthusiasm for exploring new creative outlets is inspiring to anyone with a passion for trying new things. She’s proven that staying curious, open-minded, and willing to step outside your comfort zone is key to a fulfilling career — and it’s exactly that approach that continues to endear her to fans.
