Singer songwriter Ike Rhein is ready to “Break It Down” with his latest single. The Michigan native has released his second single of 2021 called “Not for Me,” and it shows off his versatility as an artist. The song differs from his remixed February single “Break It Down,” for which he enlisted the help of rapper YN Jay. “Not for Me” is much more stripped down vocally and sonically, and shows off Rhein’s smooth vocals while sharing a story of accepting heartbreak through knowing the love wasn’t the right fit.
“Many people in the world are enduring mental and/or emotional pain due to a significant other,” Rhein said. “This song is about the realization that sometimes someone who you believed was the one turns out not to be. One day they love you, the next they’re gone.”
Rhein has four singles available on Spotify, but has an impressive catalogue of tunes to check out on SoundCloud. And with more than 30,000 Instagram followers paired with his deep passion for music, fans can expect to see more from the rising artist. Sarawhitmanythoughts.com caught up with Rhein ahead of his song release to get to know more about who he is as a musician. Check out our interview below.
Sarawhitmanythoughts: You discovered your musical talent at a young age. What first got you into music?
Ike Rhein: I first got into music after I was adopted at age 11. I started playing many instruments along with taking vocal lessons and writing songs!
SW: Was there ever a time you doubted your talent and future as an artist? If so, how did you overcome that?
IR: I think every artist has doubts at some point. I would say when I first started releasing my music, I would listen to the negative feedback when I doubted myself the most. The way I overcame it was by simply blocking out the hate and leaning on my friends for support. My good friend Grant Baker once told me, “They will always mock you before they mimic you.”
SW: How has the pandemic affected you as an artist?
IR:The pandemic really helped and hurt me at the same time! Since I had tons of time, I was able to basically live in the studio. What hurt is that no one was able to do shows!
SW: You have a growing online presence. How do you think social media has impacted you or your career as an artist?
IR: I think social media is such a great tool for artists. To be able to make something special and share it with the world with a single button is crazy. I’ve personally really used social media to not only propel my career, but it’s also a great way to connect with fans!
SW: How would you describe the music that you typically create?
IR: I would describe my music as not only energetic, but sad and relatable in some songs.
SW: What is your creative process like?
IR: I typically start with just meditating and getting in touch with my emotions. From there, I write down lyrics, then add them to music.
SW: Your new song “Not for Me” is different from your last single “Break It Down.” When it came to “Not for Me,” where did you find your inspiration?
IR: Yes it is. Break it down is more of an energetic party song. For this song, I really wanted to show my fans that I can connect with them on a personal level. We all are going through things whether it be a breakup, like in my song, or just hardship in general.
SW: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
IR: If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be Justin Bieber. He’s always been a role model for me, and I know we would make a hit! Another person is 24kGoldn. I think he has such a unique sound and would love to make a hit with him as well.
SW: What’s next for you?
IR: Right now, I’m working on some new projects along with some different type[s] of sounds. I know my fans are going to love it!
Check out “Not for Me” on Spotify and learn more about Ike Rhein on his socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikerhein/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ikerhein23
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ikerheinmusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7dlyStAFUqK9b0U5ASZMp5
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1k7QWcZQMZP4bNTuhD6b6Q
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ikerhein
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ike-rhein/1478197994
sarawhitmanythoughts 
Interesting-how and under what auspices did you arrange the interview?
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