With a remarkable ability to craft a diverse range of music, Rachel’s creations are rooted in relatable emotions, exploring themes of heartbreak, resilience, and hope. Her soul-stirring storytelling captivates listeners, drawing them into a world of raw honesty and vulnerability. It comes as no surprise that Rachel’s extraordinary talent has earned her the support and recognition of esteemed platforms such as BBC Scotland and BBC Introducing.
What or who inspired you to begin a career in music?
Honestly I always knew I loved performing and singing from a very young age and it wasn’t till I was around 14 years old when I realised I could sing.I grew up listening to a lot of 80s and 90s music because that’s what my parents listened to. So the proper Iconic pop bands and artists like the Spice girls, S Club 7, Phill Collins and of course the Icon Whitney Houston. I actually remember as a kid going into the hairdressers to ask for my hair the same way as ‘Rachel Stevens’ cause we shared the same first name! It wasn’t till around 2020 when I was stuck on a cruise ship whilst working as a singer out in Dubai that I fell in love with writing more and started to believed in myself.
What differs you and your sound from other artists in the music industry?
I come from a musical theatre background so I think specifically my tone of voice is brighter I am also making music that I enjoy listening too, that is honest and from the heart or situations I have been in, not just what is the ‘In song or sound’ at the time.
Your latest release, ‘FLY (First Love Yourself)’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the project?
This song almost fell together instantly in a few hours. I had travelled over to LA on a whim to work on some music, catch up with a old friend from the ship but mainly to get away from a toxic ex. I ended up writing the song on the last day I was there as I had only then realised my ex was continuously sending me gas lit texts and not really letting me forget about him throughout my trip. So when we went into the session I let lose on how I really felt about the situation and we spoke about how someone should never been manipulated or gas lit like I had. So as soon as I learnt to love myself on my own then everything would be easier.
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
You don’t want me anymore I think is the most meaningful song I have out at the moment. I wrote that not long after I got out of hospital from a ruptured appendix in 2021- A lot of things surfaced after that for me including the realisation that the person I was dating at the time wasn’t right for me and that perhaps I hadn’t processed a few things from my past.
How do you handle the balance between artistic expression and connecting with your audience?
I always like to write from a very honest place and when I first had people reach out to me about my music I was honoured and genuinely very shocked. People were telling me that I had helped them or that they related a lot to my lyrics. This gave me the drive to continue using writing as my own form of therapy but also the courage to open up and share so my listeners could continue to relate.
Can you share a memorable or defining moment in your career so far?
One thing for me that has been a really defining moment in my career was probably my first ever tv debut on CBBC last September or my first live gig I did in support of singer songwriter ‘Cammy Barnes’ in Edinburgh in 2021 (around 3 months after the whole appendix situ) It was my last song and I got the audience to sing back to me for the first time and I was could have cried.
What advice would you give to aspiring singer-songwriters who are just starting their musical journey?
There are no rules. Keep going, believe in yourself don’t just write music because you think its popular or will sell, be true to you and post on tiktok.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
Did someone say Fly music video? …I am hoping to do my first headline show this year or the early start of next year. I hope to visit LA again for a couple months and of course I have 2 more tracks to get out by the end of the year.
Thank you so much Niji Magazine for the interview and I very much hope you enjoy the track just as much as I do.
The single marks the first of three that Rachel will release in 2023 and has already caught the attention of Shereen Cut Celvin/Phoebe IH on BBC Introducing Scotland. During the debut of the song, they made notable comments: ‘It’s giving me Zara Larson, Shawn Mendes. Big soaring Pop choruses that get lodged in your brain forever,’ and ‘As soon as you hear that, it’s like woo, where has this girl been?!’ Their enthusiastic remarks highlight the captivating nature of Rachel’s music and the undeniable talent she brings to the industry. With the upcoming releases, we can anticipate even more incredible music from Rachel, destined to make a lasting impression on our hearts and playlists.
‘FLY (First Love Yourself)’ is available now via all major platforms.
Connect with Rachel White
Credits: All photography by Cara Davidson
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