For centuries certain musical instruments have been linked to a specific genre of music. Times have changed and trends have been set and restored. From Stevie Wonder on the keys to Alicia, it’s safe to say we’ve come a long way from Bauch with our classic instruments breaking barriers. Something or shall we say, someone, new and fresh has entered the group chat and is bringing a melodic sound to change the way you hear the flute. That’s right, the flute. Recently. FEMI Magazine popped up on Ragan Whiteside, the young dynamic flutist taking the world by storm and we got a chance to take a glimpse inside her world.
FEMI Magazine ( Mo Clark): We love black girl magic. We especially love black girl music. You are an extremely talented flutist so we have to know just how you get into this.
RAGAN WHITESIDE: Thank you! I started when I was in the 4th grade (around 8 or 9 years old). I grew up in Mt. Vernon, NY and they had a parade every year where the school bands would march through the city. I REALLY wanted to be in that parade, so when the band teacher started recruiting, I was all about it! Initially, I wanted to play drums or trumpet but I guess the universe had other plans for me. I ended up with the flute and it has been with me ever since.
FEMI: When you were younger did you study classical music? If so, what were some of your favorite pieces?
RAGAN: Yes, I actually started out in classical and I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Music Performance before switching over to contemporary jazz. I loved playing pieces that had a lot of emotion in them, from Bach to Rachmaninov, solo or orchestral. As long as it was soul-stirring, I enjoyed playing it (and still do!)
FEMI: When you think of the evolution of music, where do you see yourself in the next few years?
RAGAN: I see myself writing and performing songs with large-scale arrangements that incorporate full orchestras, a DJ, electric guitars, and anything else that allows a full spectrum of creativity, beauty, and groove.
FEMI: We’ve seen several musical artists take classical instruments and intertwine them with hip-hop, jazz, funk, and more. What’s your favorite genre?
RAGAN: It’s hard to choose just one… I think I like a fusion of them all!
FEMI: What would you say is the biggest misconception of what you do?
RAGAN: The biggest misconception is that a live show would be quiet and sleepy since the flute is a “soft and quiet” instrument. However, my shows are high-energy and make you want to get up and dance. It’s actually more like an R&B or Pop performance.
FEMI: When you think about how you want to impact the world with your talent, what mark would you like to leave?
RAGAN: First and foremost, I want people to feel good when listening to my music. If they can get a few minutes of joy just by listening, then I’ve done my job. I also hope to forge a path for aspiring musicians, so they will have more opportunities and hopefully an easier journey to achieve their goals.
FEMI: If you had to pick a certain era to use your talent in, which would it be and why?
RAGAN: Musically, I would pick the 1970s. Skilled musicians were playing instruments and audiences enjoyed seeing them do it. Bands weren’t locked into one way of making music so the creativity was boundless.
FEMI: What’s your dream collaboration?
RAGAN: There are many, so I’ll narrow it down to three: Babyface, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé
FEMI: What’s up next for you?
RAGAN: Right now I’m finishing up my 7th album, hitting the road to support my new single “Steppin’ Out”, and expanding my new syndicated radio show “The Get Down with Ragan Whiteside”, all while handling mommy duties!
Well, we love a good manifestation, don’t we? So hearing this talented woman play her flute on a Beyoncé track would be a welcomed pleasure don’t you think? We know that anything is obtainable and at the rate Ragan is going it’s definitely in her grasp. We look forward to cranking up our radio volumes in the near future and having the pleasure of saying, “We know she would do it” real soon. Make sure you keep up with Ragan and all that she’s doing.
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