Actress and singer Rainey Qualley chatted about starring in the new movie “Off the Record,” which was written and directed by Kirsten Foe.
She stars alongside Ryan Hansen, Olivia Sui, Julia Campbell, Billy Gibbons, Will Peltz and Rebecca De Mornay. It is available on Demand and on Digital as of May 2, 2025.
Rainey Qualley stars as Astor Grey, a rising singer-songwriter whose life takes a dark turn when she enters a turbulent romance with washed-up rock star Brandyn Verge (Ryan Hansen).
What begins as a whirlwind love story unravels into a gripping tale of manipulation and resilience as Astor fights to reclaim her autonomy and music. It features cameos by Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Peyton Manning, and Edgerrin James – the film offers an exploration of the high stakes in the music industry.
‘Off the Record’ film
On being a part of “Off the Record,” Rainey exclaimed, “It was awesome! Olivia [Sui] is my real-life best friend so having the chance to work with her was so much fun, and just something that we want to keep doing again and again.”
Playing Astor Grey
On playing Astor Grey, Rainey remarked, “I am an artist myself outside of acting, and there are definitely some reflective experiences from when I was first coming up and trying to make it as an artist.”
“I was feeling so unsure in the willingness to trust someone else because they are older and more experienced. I felt that with Astor as well,” she explained.
“Also, having the arc of coming into her own, finding her power and finding her voice,” she added.
The digital age
On being a performer in the digital age, Rainey said, “I think it’s great. Personally, I love laying in bed and watching movies, so in a very personal sense, I am all about it.”
“Also, having the chance to personally share what I am working on in my social media pages is great,” Rainey added.
New music in the works
Rainey revealed that she has a new single called “Horse” coming out on May 16th.
“This is my first single from my debut album, which will be out at the end of the summer,” she admitted.
Music and songwriting inspirations
On her music and songwriting inspirations, Rainey shared, “I am inspired by so many things.”
“I use my music as therapy in a lot of ways. I write about my relationships and whatever I am experiencing. I am influenced by my friends, family, nature, and everything that makes me feel something,” she expressed.
Dream duet choice in music: Kate Bush
Rainey listed Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Kate Bush as her dream duet choice in music. “I love Kate Bush. Her music is so good,” she exclaimed.
Influenced by Andie MacDowell and Margaret Qualley
Rainey takes cues from sister Margaret Qualley and mother Andie MacDowell. “Everyone is influenced by their parents and their siblings. I am lucky to have them. My sister, Margaret, is my best friend in the whole world. I am lucky to have them both,” she said.
Stage of her life
On the title of the current chatper of her life, Rainey said with a sweet laugh, “Motherhood.” “I just had a baby five months ago,” she revealed.
“I am just so happy to be a mom and to feel healthy, mobile and be young enough to experience the world,” she added.
Favorite motto to live by
Her favorite motto to live by is: “Live, Laugh, Love.”
Superpower of choice
Rainey’s superpower of choice would be “teleportation.” “That would be super rad,” she admitted.
Closing thoughts on ‘Off the Record’ film
For fans and viewers, Rainey remarked about “Off the Record,” “First and foremost, I hope people enjoy the movie, and I hope they are entertained. I hope they leave with a sense of empowerment.”
Success
Regarding her definition of the word success, Rainey stated, “Success can mean so many different things depending on your priorities and where you are in your life.”
“Ultimately, being successful is being happy and being able to experience the things in your life that you most want to,” she concluded.
To learn more about Rainey Qualley, follow her on Instagram.
