Kelly Rae
Senior music curator and cultural tastemaker
Signature Sound
Specializing in modern R&B, neo-soul, classic soul, jazz-leaning, lounge-forward, and hip-hop curation, with an instinct for mood, flow, and emotional nuance—seamlessly blending genres and eras to create cohesive, immersive listening experiences.
Selected works that reflect my approach to music curation—intentional, intuitive, and deeply considered.
Curation philosophy
Music is my language, and curation is my craft. For decades, I’ve moved between eras, genres, and moods with precision, shaping playlists and sonic experiences that honor both the listener and the music itself. Every choice I make—from the flow of one song into the next, to the balance of rhythm, harmony, and emotional nuance—is intentional. My ear is trained to detect subtle shifts in tone, phrasing, and energy, and I relish the work it takes to create moments that feel effortless, yet are meticulously designed.Curation is more than assembling tracks. It is storytelling through sound, sculpting emotion, and guiding a journey with care and intelligence. Whether drawing from the timeless soul of the 70s, the tender quiet storm grooves of the 80s, the modern elegance of neo-soul, or the expansive pulse of jazz, hip-hop, and indie, I think deeply about how music resonates, how it breathes, and how it lingers.I am deliberate about detail—the track order, the transitions, the tonal arc, the emotional weight. I listen closely. I reflect. I anticipate. A great playlist is invisible in its polish but undeniable in its impact. It invites, moves, comforts, excites, and leaves the listener with something they didn’t know they needed. That is the standard I set for every list I create.Music is not just what I do; it is who I am. My work is a blend of expertise, intuition, and devotion, rooted in the belief that thoughtful curation transforms listening into an experience, a space, a memory, and a moment of connection.
Behind the Music
I’m Kelly Rae, a senior music consultant and lifelong music lover. Born Raquel Patterson, I’ve gone by Kelly—my longtime nickname—since childhood. “Rae” was added later as my on-air name during my first professional radio gig at Carter Broadcasting, a nod to Ola Ray from Michael Jackson’s Thriller video.My journey in music began at Missouri State University, where I was affectionately known as “DJ Raquel” for my passion for mixtapes and radio. I created and hosted The Soul of the Ozarks, the first local show to feature hip-hop on the airwaves—an experience that showed me how music can shape experiences, connect people, and tell stories.After college, I continued my career in radio and music programming at Carter Broadcasting, CBS, Cox Radio, and 1720 Entertainment, where I worked closely with artists to build audience connections, coordinate promotions, and bring music to listeners in meaningful ways. I also hosted a nationally syndicated show, The Soul Lounge.Today, I work as a senior music consultant, bringing decades of listening, programming, and cultural fluency into thoughtfully curated playlists and sonic experiences that honor both the music and the listener.
Connect With Me
for inquiries, collaborations, or thoughtful conversation.
[email protected]