In the hustle and bustle of New York City — taxi cabs, skyscrapers and billboards — up-and-coming musician Rachel Lynn resides.
Rachel Lynn is a singer-songwriter whose dreamy lyrics feign similarity to profound, soulful pop. Her recently released single, “Didn’t I,” showcases her strong vocals paired with an undeniably memorable riff and chorus to match, proving to be the start of her rising career as a musician. Having performed in some of the most renowned venues in the Big Apple, including Webster Hall, Rachel Lynn is ready to reach more people with her music.
Photograph via Big Picture Media
I had the chance to speak with Rachel about her rise to fame, podcasts, Sia and more.
Kaycee Wilson: Where did your love for music originate?
Rachel Lynn: I come from a very musical family, so music was definitely a significant part of my childhood. I have great memories of singing along to 60’s pop music in the car with my dad, listening to my mom and uncle play piano and flute duets in the living room, recording my very first original songs in another uncle’s home studio and hearing stories of my grandmother’s choir-directing days and my grandfather’s experience as a trumpeter in the Army band during WWII. I remember my mom fostering my love of singing from a young age; she encouraged me to audition for children’s choirs and enrolled me in voice lessons. I fell in love with it and it grew from there.
KW: Where do you find the inspiration for your sound?
RL: Generally, I’m really inspired by old soul and 90’s pop alternative music. I love the grit, the emotion, and wow do I love a good background vocal! Lately, I’ve been drawing inspiration from emerging artists I’ve stumbled upon through platforms like BalconyTV and SoFar Sounds — artists who are embarking on and developing their careers while finding a sweet spot in their own sound. I really dig Donna Missal, Sweet Crude, Lawrence and Jackie Venson, to name more than a few. Important to note that they all involve badass women, and that, in itself, is very inspiring.
KW: If you could describe your music to someone who has never heard you, what would you describe it as?
RL: I would describe my music as organic, emotional and melody-driven.
Photograph via Big Picture Media
KW: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
RL: I feel like I could list 1,000 names here, but Sia comes to mind as someone at the top of that list. She’s a powerhouse writer, she’s insanely versatile and she’s a wild vocalist.
KW: What is the number one thing you would like people to take away from your music?
RL: Connection. I know what it’s like to hear a song and feel like the melody, the lyrics, the energy — something inside the music — is being pulled right out of your soul. If any one person felt that level of connection while listening to one of my songs, I would be on top of the world. Literally, I would climb Everest.
KW: When you aren’t playing music, what else do you enjoy doing in your free time?
RL: I love listening to podcasts. A few of my favorites are Savage Lovecast, The Bearded Vegans, and This American Life. I also do hot yoga — mostly to stay sane and non-violent. My new hobby is making inappropriate amounts of sushi.
KW: What’s next for you? Perhaps an upcoming album for fans to look forward to?
RL: My new EP is in the works! “Didn’t I” is the single off the project, so there’s definitely more music to look forward to and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
Haven’t listened to Rachel Lynn’s recently released single “Didn’t I” yet? Click here to listen to it now. Be sure to follow Rachel Lynn on Instagram to follow her on her journey to fame.
Featured Image via Instagram
