Interview
1. Hey Rachael, super nice to have the chance to chat with you again! First and foremost what got you into music?
I've been playing piano since before I could read. I was just super lucky that my (non-musical) parents had a piano in our living-room, and as soon as I could climb up on the bench, I started playing by ear. I wrote my very first songs about friends in school, being bullied, imagined romance based on things I saw on television or in movies...I just loved everything about being able to create magical sounds and stories seemingly out of thin air, and by the time I was 11 I was making demos on a four-track and performing in local talent shows. I became obsessed with The Beatles, and virtually everything on the radio or that I heard in ballet class - my other youthful passion - became a lesson in the craft of songwriting. I knew at a very young age this was what I wanted to do with my life!
2. Can you describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
Real life situations inspire me all the time, but when I was going through my cancer experience, I was continually inspired by the courage and patience I witnessed during my treatment, at various hospitals along my journey. Some of those observations made their way onto my prior album, "Character".
3. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
"I'm alive and so grateful to live another day! Let's make this one really count, woohoo!!" (Yes, I really do think like that, even in the morning and on generally too-little sleep lol).
4. What do you dislike about the art world?
I don't dlslike anything about the art world. But then again, I'm not sure I've penetrated the art world enough to have made a judgement about it. Let me know when I get there! Maybe then I can finally relax, ha. Until then I'll just keep creating, doing my best to put my heart into my live performances, and to hopefully uplift audiences through my songwriting, spoken-word, and ridiculously colorful wardrobe!
5. What are you focusing on right now?
I'm finishing my acoustic album, "Another Side", and continuing to tour behind my current recording, "The Other Side" which was released this past July. I'm also running my label MPress Records and helping to promote a variety of other artists including James Mastro and Grace Pettis. Life is wildly busy, but I wouldn't change a thing because it all keeps me on my toes, and it's never boring!
6. Do you like “All Star” from Smash Mouth?
Hmm - I don't like to hurt anyone's feelings but let's just say it's not my favorite ear-worm. Respect to anyone who writes a massive worldwide hit though, always! I'm still working on that...
7. Are you usually listening to any 2023 record?
I listen to a lot of different kinds of music including artists we've worked with at MPress Records – Seth Glier's latest album is fantastic – and also try to keep up with mainstream pop and record records because ultimately that's what got me into this business, even though my own work is much more organic and live, these days. I'm enjoying Hozier's latest record, along with jazz composer Todd Sickafoose and my latest discovery, Americana singer Jeremie Albino. I live in a very artistic community in upstate New York and in a couple weeks I'll be participating in a local arts festival with hundreds of musicians, painters, dancers and more. Most of the music I come across is pretty under the radar, DIY and may never find a massive audience, but I'm constantly blown away by how much talent there is in indie music, and it really inspires me!
8. Do you listen to podcasts?
Not often, but I enjoy Mayim Bialik's and Sandra Bernhard's from time to time. I'm always moving and running around and it takes a lot of focus for me to really digest them so I have to be in the right mood - or sometimes when I'm painting or crafting it's fun to listen to them. I was on one recently that was exciting, with Abby Lee Miller form "Dance Moms", called "Leave It On The Dance Floor". She asked terrific questions and it was fun to look back on all the routines they did on the show, using my songs!
9. What’s your favorite sport?
I'm not really into sports, but I like playing ping-pong occasionally. My Dad is a table-tennis champion though, so I always lose! My favorite Olympic sports to watch are gymnastics and figure skating, because they're more artistic and expressive - and incorporate music.
10. Do agree with the Pigeon?
I'm an agreeable sort of person, so I'll say yes - even though I'm not quite sure what I'm agreeing with!
Review
Check out the original album "The Other Side" by Rachael Sage! "The Other Side", the single that has the honor of giving its name to this loving work by Rachael Sage stands out with an intimate performance complemented by rustic refinements. She really shows her vocal chops on this one! "Whistle Blow" opens this original album in a very atmospheric way and sets the mood perfectly for the acoustic melodies and tranquil solos of "Flowers For Free" that transport us to a romantic afternoon in a garden. "Only You" wins us over with super catchy melodic interjections worthy of being sung in unison and lyrics disenchanted with love. The lament continues in "The Place of Fun", which stands out with its simple organic instrumentation and extremely effective way of fulfilling its sad purpose. After a string prelude, "Rebecca" is angelic. The nostalgia of "Regrets" takes us back to her childhood skipping stones. "Deepest Darkness" is at once the most mellow and cozy performance Rachael has to offer and "Breathe" gives us the most emotional moments here as it hits powerful vocal notes that demand genuine bittersweet emotion. Last but not least, Rachael closes this intimate album by teaming up with Howard Jones for a duet: "I Made A Case" where the chemistry between the romantic pair, when accompanied by luxurious orchestral strings, is simply off the charts!!!
The Pigeon added the new single to his Weekly Gems playlist on Spotify. You can check out the released music below. If you like what you hear, make sure to follow along so you can stay on top of future releases!
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
This coverage was created via Musosoup
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