Los Angeles–based multihyphenate artist Rainsford, also known as Rainey Qualley, released her debut album Before Blue this past Friday, marking a major milestone in the versatile career of the musician, actor, writer, creative director, and model.
Although the music on Before Blue was written over the past few years, the album takes listeners on a personal journey—from insecurity and navigating the uncertainties of adult life, to a woman who is confident in who she is and where she stands.
Among the standout tracks is the single “Ghostwriter.” A lyrically vulnerable song that highlights Rainsford’s range and artistry.
Her evolution is evident throughout the track, which features poignant lines like: “Feel like I’m a ghostwriter, I don’t want the credit. I never put it this way, but somebody said it. I think the pain’s gonna end, I buried the limit.”
While “Ghostwriter” blends indie pop and alt-pop sensibilities with threads of Americana, it provides the perfect backdrop for Rainsford’s vocals to deliver reflective, introspective lines.
The song explores themes of self-worth and painful past memories, acknowledging that while we can’t rewrite the past, we are in control of ourselves—picking ourselves up, moving forward, and easing the pressure we place on our own shoulders.
It’s a beautiful track with a cinematic sonic edge, making you feel as if you’re journeying through Rainsford’s library of moments against a nostalgic, new wave–inspired backdrop.
