AUTUMN PAIGE stopped by our HQ for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs where we get to know emerging artists nationwide. @klassikceo got the opportunity to chop it up with the up and coming artist. Check out their one-on-one down below and click here for more Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH AUTUMN PAIGE

What is your Name? Tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?

My name is Autumn Paige, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and for as long as I can remember, music has been the rhythm of my life. I grew up completely enchanted by musicals. Grease, The Wiz, Bye Bye Birdie, Annie—those weren’t just shows to me. They became worlds I escaped into. Creating stories that stirred something deep in my soul. I would rewind scenes, memorize every line, every lyric—completely obsessed with the magic of it all.

That magic followed me everywhere. From singing in the church choir to performing with Heights Youth Theatre, I was always chasing that feeling—the rush, the emotion, the storytelling. But the real turning point? It came in the most unexpected place: my college dorm room.

So when was the moment in time for you? When you knew this was the path you wanted?

It was a chill night, just me and some friends messing around with karaoke. I grabbed the mic like I always did, not thinking much of it, and after I finished, one of them looked at me and said, “Autumn… you can actually sing.” In that moment, it hit me. This wasn’t just a hobby. This wasn’t just me being a fan of music.

All those late nights digging into new sounds, curating playlists like they were sacred texts—that was me trying to find my place in something I was born to do. Music isn’t just what I love. It’s what I’m meant to do in life.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Who and/or what inspires you to create?

Honestly… it’s my childhood. Growing up, I was always different. I never fit into the mold. I was the kid who dressed a little bolder, dreamed a little bigger, and saw the world through a lens most people couldn’t understand. It’s because of that I got picked on…a lot. Being constantly told I was “too much” or “not enough.”

But even in those moments of loneliness and doubt, I had one thing that never let me go: music. I found refuge in the artists who dared to be themselves. The ones who made me feel like I belonged, even when the world said I didn’t. They created worlds I could escape to, and deep down, I knew—I wanted to be that for someone else.

MUSIC WITH A PURPOSE

It’s for the little girl sitting in her room. Feeling like she’s too different to be accepted. But it’s deeper than just me. I’m the oldest of four, and I carry that with pride. I want my siblings, my cousins, my whole family to see me chase the wildest dreams and know they can too.

I want them to feel unlimited. To know that being different is powerful. That there’s nothing out of reach when you walk in your truth. That’s why I create—to heal the past, inspire the future, and remind every outsider that their uniqueness is their superpower.

Words honestly can’t express how grateful I am for each and every one of you. The fact that you take the time to listen, to feel what I’ve felt, and to truly connect with my music… It means everything.

AUTUMN PAIGE

How would you describe your sound?

If I had to describe my sound in one phrase, it would be Stadium R&B. It’s not your typical R&B—it’s bigger. More cinematic. It’s powerful. The kind of music that fills the air, rattles your chest, and makes you feel everything all at once.

Think raw emotion wrapped in bold, anthemic production. The kind of sound that could echo through an arena, but still speak directly to your heart. It’s soulful and vulnerable, but it doesn’t whisper—it roars. Like heartbreak on a grand scale. It’s love, loss, growth, and fire—amplified. This isn’t background music. This is center stage, lights-down, smoke-in-the-air, scream-the-lyrics type of music. R&B made to move mountains.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process is therapy. I sit down, lay all my trauma, experiences, and the things that are weighing on me—everything that’s been eating at me—right out on the floor. No filter, no holding back. I tap into the emotion of it all, and then I create from that space. Whatever I’m feeling, whatever I’m processing—it becomes the music. The sound, the lyrics, the energy—it all starts with the truth of how it makes me feel.

SHIFTING GEARS

What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with—Doechii, Doja Cat, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Kehlani… and honestly, the list could go on and on. Each of them brings something so unique to the table—whether it’s raw emotion, fearless creativity, or undeniable stage presence. I’m inspired by boundary-pushing artists. Ones who create worlds with music. It would be an honor to build something powerful alongside them.

What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?

A talent most people definitely don’t know I have? I can bend my thumb completely the other way. Yeah… it’s giving contortionist energy. I’m double-jointed. Which basically means I’ve got freaky little party tricks up my sleeve. It’s not exactly Grammy-worthy, but it is great for weirding people out at random moments—10/10 would recommend.

What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?

If I weren’t doing music, I’d probably be a stylist or creative director. I’ve always had a deep love for clothes—putting them together, dressing others, and coming up with fresh ideas that make people feel their best. There’s something about turning fabric into self-expression that gets me every time.

Whether it’s curating looks or setting a visual mood, the world of fashion is just as inspiring to me as music. I’d be right there, behind the scenes, making people look and feel incredible.

WRAPPING IT UP

Who are some artists/people you admire and why?

One artist I really admire is Doechii. She’s so unapologetically herself, and I love how she says whatever on her mind without holding back. I find it amazing to see how far she’s come. Her journey proves that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s inspiring for artists like me, who have been grinding for years, to see her still going strong. It gives me hope that the hustle is worth it.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

The best advice I’ve been giving is it’s okay to say no !

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about the industry, it would be streaming. The whole thing has messed up revenue for artists. Making it incredibly hard for them to actually make a living off their hard work. The system doesn’t truly value the time, effort, and creativity we pour into our music.

What’s next for you? Where would you like to see yourself next year? In the next year, I see myself on every stage possible, reaching new heights with every performance. And I know the Billboard Top 10 is my next stop. I’m ready for it, and I’m coming for it.

STAY CONNECTED WITH AUTUMN PAIGE

What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?

You can find me on social media at @theautumnpaige—come join the journey! And my music? It’s everywhere. From your favorite streaming platform to the next track that’ll get stuck in your head. Don’t miss out—let’s connect and vibe.