At only twenty-one years of age, Rachel Jane is a force to be reckoned with. Not only a singer/songwriter but also a budding producer, the songstress debuted her first project ‘Back of The Wind’ in 2015 to critical acclaim. Her first offering showcased a tenacious sense of conviction, not only in her music but also her message. In a time of fleeting singles, auto tuned vocals and more hype then actual delivery, her music is substance; it is crafted rather then generated, uplifting and inspired.
Her stunning track “Awaken” has been selected for the official BIMM 2017 Album. You can catch her at a host of major festivals this summer including; Big Church Day Out and 2000 Trees Festival, alongside household names such as Slaves and Nothing But Thieves.
UK-based independent label Orphan No More is excited to release the new single from Rachel Jane, ‘Waiting For A Change’ (produced by Joshua Luke Smith). This new, dynamic, high energy offering showcases an honesty from the young songstress that evolves into an anthem of courage, perseverance and strength, in the midst of frustration and delay.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Rachel about her new project, influences, the digital music world and more.
Full Q&A along with links and a stream of Waiting For A Change below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from Bath, England and I write and create Pop music with R&B, Soul, and Indie Rock influences. I don’t tend to box myself into one specific genre, I feel I take different stylistic influences of music and incorporate them under the umbrella of Pop. For example, some of the rhythms of my songs are tribal and percussive, and this was from growing up listening to an African music album that my Grandparents played to me all the time as a child, which I loved. It also comes from my love for different styles of music, I don’t have just one favourite genre, I have many – I love R&B, HipHop, Pop, Indie-Rock, Gospel, Jazz, you name it! It depends what mood I’m in. But that’s what I love about music, there are so many different styles and genres, and each are equally expressive.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
My Grandma brought me up singing songs and playing the piano, so I would definitely say she was the first influence that led me down the path of music. I then started dancing from age 4-16, and this was when I realised how much I loved the rhythms and beats of music. I started singing lessons when I was 12 years old, and it was after landing the role of ‘Sharpay’ in my School’s production of High School Musical! That was when I realised that I really enjoyed singing. But it wasn’t until I was 16 when I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in music. Before that I wanted to be a dancer, then it changed to wanting to do performing arts (singing, dancing and acting) and then it narrowed down to just music. Growing up singing in Church definitely played a big part in growing a passion for music. So I’ve always been surrounded by music, and have always loved expressing myself creatively, music just happened to be the outlet that I was most passionate about. I really want to impact people through my music, by conveying messages of empowerment, encouragement and hope through my songs. Creating music that sounds good is really fun, but there’s something so powerful about writing lyrics that resonate with people, and influence them positively in one way or another. I don’t want to be an Artist who regurgitates catchy songs without thinking about what I’m really singing about, I want to be an Artist that empowers people to believe in themselves and believe in the better, to find hope in dark situations and to encourage them to persevere and not give up in life.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
My new release is pretty different from my debut EP. Both musically and lyrically. Lyrically it’s different because this was one of the first songs that I wrote out of a place of negative emotions. Before this song, I hadn’t written songs when I was sad, I think this is because I’m a very positive person in general! So when I’m sad I don’t want to dwell on it, I always look for the good in bad situations. But this single ‘Waiting For A Change’ is about being in a tough situation where you feel so frustrated and let down, but what I learnt from being in this situation was invaluable. I learnt that I was in a season of growing in patience, despite the fact I felt so ready to do what I wanted to do, and for breakthrough in that situation. I knew that it would come, I just had to wait for it, and this sure was hard. I journeyed this for 2 years and I felt so strongly to write about it in a song. I knew that it would relate to people, and I wanted to show them that there is hope, because I had been there and had my breakthrough. Musically, I wanted the song to reflect both the negative emotive feelings and the positive sense of strength and empowerment that came with it. I think the song really encapsulates how I felt in that situation, and also how I felt as I finally had my breakthrough. So it definitely offers a slightly darker and moodier edge to my artistic sound, but a positively empowering one.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
I guess it’s definitely harder than being on a major label where you get a lot more digital promo with bigger audiences. But promoting my music on social media has played a big part in gaining likes/followers/listeners etc. You just have to work hard and put a lot of effort into, but I enjoy it because this is what I want to do, so I want to do all that I can to help reach my goals.
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
- Instagram – @racheljanemusic
- Twitter – @rachjanemusic
- Official Website
Anything else before we sign off?
I hope you enjoy the new music I have to offer, and that it empowers, encourages and strengthens you!
