For the first time in years, the summer missed out on something very important that sets the tone: a summer anthem. That’s probably because you didn’t turn on ‘Lowkey Highkey’ radio.
Listening to singer-songwriter Autumn Rainwater’s latest project “Lowkey Highkey” sends you back into the airwaves. The 12-track album has something for everyone and every vibe, taking you on a journey.
“It’s how I describe myself. I’m ‘lowkey highkey,’ and I always said that was the statement I would want my album to make,” the Charlotte native told THE BLOCK. “It’s a mood really.”
And it’s an album that takes you from one mood to the next. Like the song ‘Homebody,” which alludes to that feeling we all get sometimes. Just being in the house, binge watching Netflix and sipping something nice. Or ‘Another One,’ where Miss Rainwater gives you early 90s rapping flow, while reminding the ladies there are always more fish in the sea. And then there is ‘Throat’ … enough said. Tell your boo to thank her later.
While the music sends different messages throughout, one is very clear, and it’s that her friends mean the world to her. Autumn’s beloved tribe can be heard on several tracks, something she says was an easy decision to make.
“It’s always easy; they get me. Sometimes I feel like I think outside of the box and they jump right in,” she boasted. “My homies don’t make it feel like work, they make it feel like we’re just hanging out—and that’s the type of energy I wanted on the project.”
Starting this project back in 2018, the east Charlotte native wanted to honor the city she loves by working with some of the Queen City’s finest. The smooth sounds of singer Dexter Jordan can be heard on tracks like ‘Take Me Home.’ Then there are heavy hitters like rapper Cuzo Key that skate on ‘What You On?’ and Dreamville recording artist Lute, sending love notes on ‘Baecation.’ Paying homage to her favorite era of music, the early 2000s, Autumn reminisces on the time she felt she understood what loves feels like.
“The radio was a heavy part of my childhood. Now a days, everything is so digital,” the 31-year-old said. “‘Lowkey Highkey’ reminds you of how it felt when you heard [your favorite song] on the radio like, ‘That’s my jam!’ Being nostalgic.”
Before you press play, the cover art reminds you of one of the greatest summer anthems of all time. Back in 2002, singer Amerie dropped her debut album “All I Have” and gave us “Why Don’t We Fall In Love?” while scrolling through the streets of New York City. As one of Autumn’s favorite singers, it reminded her of a time when summer gave you that feeling.
“Being from the Eastside of Charlotte, I lived in a neighborhood that didn’t have a pool, so we would go over to those apartments and swim. It was one of those tight-knit Black communities,” Autumn recalls. “I talk a little bit about gentrification on one of my songs ‘Eastside Blues.’ I can see it changing, and it’s hard to stomach when that’s an area you’ve been in your whole life. It’s an Eastside staple.”
Staying close to her 704 roots on this project is something Autumn is proud of. Produced by Charlotte masterminds, FLLS, Mattmadethebeat, CJ Chat and Simonsmthng, Autumn says she wanted to give those who aren’t from Charlotte an “aspect” on what’s here and remind them not to sleep on it.
As the largest city between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Charlotte can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to music because there is no distinct sound. And that’s a good thing. From artists like Autumn Rainwater and the others featured, the future looks insanely bright.
“I used to be really frustrated because someone would come out of another city and be confused,” she laughed. “But I feel like because there is such a melting pot of sound, we don’t sound like other places.
“Charlotte has a lot to offer. I’m in good company.”
Taking a few days off after an intense rollout weekend, Autumn is now planning for some shows to perform her album the whole way through. She’s ready to see her fans and hear the “Lowkey Highkey” sound sung back to her. Coming up on listening to albums all the way through, Autumn says it was important for her that listeners felt that vibe.
“There were no skips. I spent more time making sure that was something that everyone could do than I ever have on a project, and it benefitted me in the end.” That’s that rainwater, baby.”
