Love, light, and triumph—Portland-based Dutch singer-songwriter and life coach, Loraine, is set to release “Starlight,” the lead single from her upcoming EP, “Power From Love” an embodiment of these themes.
Loraine shares one of her favorite quotes by Leonard Cohen: “There’s a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.” This quote inspired the premise of the song “Starlight” and encapsulates both a personal journey and a challenging chapter in her love story that she and her partner overcame against great odds. Beyond that, the song reflects why it’s so important to fight for what your heart wants.
Growing up, Loraine was immersed in music from a young age. She attended music school, played the clarinet in community orchestras, and was influenced by a musical family. Despite her love for the clarinet, she often found herself in her room, singing, dancing, and performing the likes of her own mini-concerts. Ultimately, what her heart wanted and had always dreamt of was to be a singer.
While at first she believed that pursuing this passion seemed unattainable, her desire for it never faded. Despite her hesitation and resistance, she continued taking steps toward her dream. She started taking vocal lessons in college and then attended a songwriting workshop in Belgium with Milow, one of Europe’s best-selling platinum artists. This experience really catalyzed her passion for singing and songwriting. She began learning piano, guitar, and music production software. She expresses her enthusiasm for how technological advancements have made it possible for anyone to create music anywhere. She also shares that this access has allowed her to delve into electronic music, which she enjoys due to the genre's limitless nature.
As Loraine worked through her doubt about pursuing a singing career, she realized it was about continuing to move forward. This journey of not giving up also inspired her to become a life coach. From a young age she always felt like something was off with the phrase “that’s just how the world works”. “So much powerlessness in that way of thinking. Go to school and get a good job rather you like it or not. Nothing wrong with that if you like it, but if you desire something else you are basically screwed”, she says. The unwillingness to except this way of thinking guided her towards a path of learning and new discoveries of teachings and authors that confirmed the instinct she always had as a child. Elements of her coaching now uniquely incorporate music; for example, through singing circles, she brings people together with songs and affirmations, creating a supportive environment for growth and self-love.
Loraine’s own journey in personal growth and staying determined in her relationships parallels her upcoming single, “Starlight.” On a personal level, the song highlights the challenges she faced trying to be with her husband, who had secured a job in the U.S. For those who may not know, obtaining a visa to live here, even with marital or family status, is an absurdly challenging and restrictive process that varies from country to country. This barrier, however, pushed them to strengthen their relationship in other ways, focusing on communication and holding onto the light at the end of the tunnel. The chorus line in her song “starlight, you see it in hindsight” suggests that love serves as a powerful force for growth, strength, and perseverance, but its impact often goes unnoticed in the midst of hardship. This sentiment is further symbolized by the lyrics “we could have never been broken; now our hearts are wide open,” highlighting the resiliency in their relationship and that their hearts drove them to overcome obstacles.
"Starlight" captures this story with a textured sound that blends classic and contemporary styles. Initially written as an acoustic ballad, the song evolved with electronic pop elements and complex harmonies that inspire happiness and determination.
Reflecting on Loraine's favorite sentiments from her mom—"never give up"—“Starlight” aims to remind listeners to stay true to their hearts, for love will triumph.
Connect with Loraine below to hear “Starlight,” coming out November 1st. Be on the lookout for the rest of the EP, "Power From Love."
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