February 6, 2023. Interview conducted by Arielle Longo.
Rachel: Growing up, I was surrounded by music and stories, despite not having a musical family. My mother and grandmother used to play Jackie Evancho CDs every night when I was a kindergartener. I remember being fascinated by her music, and it was the only thing that could help me sleep. Then, at around seven years old, my dad would sing “Spanish Train” by Chris de Burgh at my bedtime. When I watched Alvin and the Chipmunks for the first time and saw them writing songs in the studio, I decided that I wanted to write my own music that would have the same impact on others as “Spanish Train” and Jackie Evancho did on me.
With all this in mind, I wrote my first full song at nine years old after asking for some guitar lessons for my birthday. After this, I just couldn’t stop writing. I was hooked. My parents didn’t find out about my ability to write songs until the fifth grade, when they received a call from my principal saying I was invited to record an original song halfway across the globe by a choir who came to visit my elementary school.
Rachel Dara by Jenni Fellegi.
My music is inspired by many genres. Currently, two of my big musical inspirations are H.E.R.and Noah Kahan. Though their genres vary, they are both very authentic artists. I admire their songwriting, performance abilities, and their versatility as well as their talent. Growing up, I was particularly inspired by Grace VanderWaal. Seeing a kid who was only a few years older than me on the America’s Got Talent stage with her original songs inspired me to keep writing and to pick up the ukulele. My vocal coach, Michelle Treacy, is a true inspiration as well. Her music is so expressive and her vocal range and performance abilities blow me away. She’s a great person to learn from. She inspires me not only as an artist, but as a person as well. Michelle is one of the kindest, most down-to-earth and badass people I’ve ever met.
While I was recording my album with Mark Howard in Nova Scotia, he sat me down and told me that I write like a 40 year old woman with life experience. He then compared my lyricism and storytelling to Joni Mitchell, whom he’s made records with. This was an honour, as Joni Mitchell is one of the most experienced and versatile Canadian songwriters. People tend to be more intrigued when they find out my age, as I enjoy writing beyond my own perspective. Growing up, I was always treated much older than I was, as I have always looked older physically. I would say that had an impact on my writing and my artistry, as I don’t associate my age with my ability. Most people can’t tell my age from first glance or from first listen. This has both advantages and disadvantages. I love being a young artist, as it helps me develop an audience who not only enjoys my music, but who also enjoys watching me grow as a musician and as an individual.
Rachel Dara by Rob Licandro.
I’m currently in the process of releasing my debut album “The Next Big Invention”, which is an 8-song live-style folk-rock album produced by the legendary Mark Howard. Five songs from the album can be streamed on all platforms now! The album will be released in the summer, while I’m in Atlanta, Georgia at the 2023 International Singer-Songwriters Association award ceremony celebrating my six award nominations. ‘The Next Big Invention’ was written entirely in my room, during the pandemic. Though it’s my first album, expect to see many more records as I’m constantly writing and creating. I’m also currently working on filming a music video for my most recent single ‘Broken Friendships’, and I’m looking forward to putting out other surprises for the world to hear! Stay tuned for more exciting news by keeping an eye on my website, racheldara.com. The links to all my socials are on my website as well. Thank you Ambré!