What got you hooked on music in the first place? Who did you listen to growing up?
I have a 20-something year massive obsession with music, all kinds of it. I grew up in a tiny town in Tennessee as a preacher’s daughter and all my musical inspirations were homegrown and pre-Internet. My first cassette tape was Ace of Base. I was grounded for a year straight after playing hooky from school & illegally driving a few towns away to get Choirgirl Hotel by Tori Amos the day it was released. TOTALLY worth it.
Where and what was your first music industry gig?
My first music industry gig was in the early 2000’s working for Superfly at Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN. Back then it wasn’t as tight of an operation and I remember watching Sigur Rós for the first time with only a few people in the audience.
How did you get involved with ReverbNation/CONNECT?
As long as I’ve known Simon Perry, he’s had incredible creative direction and been involved in so many amazing projects. When he asked about getting involved in ReverbNation, I didn’t think twice.
Aside from finding new music on ReverbNation, where are you finding new music these days?
My favorite way of finding new music is always the old fashioned way of going out to see live shows. In the interim when I’m not scouting on Reverb, I check on music blogs like The Wild Honey Pie, Paste, Daytrotter, etc. Word of mouth and social media are always great for discovery as well.
You recently moved to Nashville! What’s your favorite part about the music scene/scene in general there?
Nashy! I’m so happy to be here. I love how the scene here is constantly evolving into something even more amazing than it already is. I love the diversity in genres of the music it has now. And the songwriters…the talent in some of the songwriters here is so good it’s incomprehensible.
Tell us a little bit about some of the artists you found for ReverbNation CONNECT? What struck you about these artists and made you think they would be interesting to work with?
Our team has found a gold mine of talented artists, it’s difficult to pick a favorite. I have a special affinity for Emily Earle, Celeste Buckingham, and Thomas Fiss. Aside from being incredibly talented, each of their sounds and styles as artists have characteristics that are truly unique.
Who are you listening to these days?
Some of my favorites right now are Elle King, Dawes, Labrinth, Kaleo and Maren Morris.
Check out some of Rachel’s favorite ReverbNation artists below!
