1. Hi Rachel, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country artist? I grew up in St. Louis Missouri and lived in Missouri my entire life until this past year. Growing up I played lots of sports, focusing more on cheerleading and dance when I got to high school. I have always loved performing and being the center of attention! I took piano lessons for a few years and then taught myself guitar. That then grew into singing and songwriting. In high school I had a job working at a doggy daycare, so I decided to pursue a veterinary path in college. I went to the University of Missouri and majored in Animal Science. I loved it at first, but after working as a vet assistant for a few years I felt very burnt out. I then decided to focus more on my music, which had been more of a side hobby my whole life. I got a new job working at a local concert venue and started performing at the bars in town.

2. What made you want a career in country music? Country music has been my favorite genre of music for a long time. I think it stemmed from listening to Taylor Swift’s early albums and then being introduced to Dolly Parton when I saw her on “Hannah Montana.” I love how country music is so diverse. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s sad, but it usually tells a great story.

3. Who are some of your musical icons? Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Reba, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood

4. What is the background story behind your latest single “Maybe I’m Crazy?” I wrote it a few years ago when I decided that I really wanted to pursue music as an actual career. I felt like everyone was giving me a side eye and acting like I was crazy for wanting to give it a shot. I also was aware that pursuing a dream like this is really difficult so maybe I was a little crazy. It’s better to just embrace it and make a song out of it.

5. How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words? Way too honest!

6. What is your recording process like when making and creating new music? I usually start by recording a worktape on my phone of me singing and playing the guitar chords to a song I wrote. I then send that recording as well as the lyrics to my producers and they get going doing the instruments. We pay professional studio musicians to record the guitar, drums, piano, bass, or whatever we need for that specific track. After that, I go into the studio and do the vocals. I also usually have someone else singing background harmonies to give it a little something more. It’s very subtle, but makes a huge difference in the long run.The producers then mix and master everything and make it sound amazing. They’re honestly doing way more of the work than I am.

7. What are a few of your favorite venues to play live at? In Nashville I love to play at Casa Rosa and Jason Aldean’s. In Missouri I love “The Honkytonk Stl” and “NashVegas Honky Tonk” in Columbia.

8. What is one of your favorite quotes? “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” -Dolly Parton

9. Is there anything else you would like to share? I just got done recording a new song that I’m hoping to have out around the end of 2022 or early 2023!