FINE GOLD UK  

RACHEL INNES: MUSIC, COLLABORATIONS AND HOMECOMINGS

From The Sound Of Music to the magnificence of her sound, Rachel Innes talks us through her creative journey from ballet and classical piano to the release of her debut CD, Open Face, and her forthcoming book of poetry, Red As The Fire In Me.

True artists need the support of friends and family to nurture hidden and gifted talents, and Rachel was no different.

"My family has always been my strongest connection to music," said Rachel.

"My Parents opened the doors to music appreciation at a young age. I can remember vividly listening to Classics like The Sound of Music, along with Bach and Mozart. I also started Ballet at age five followed by Classical Piano at age seven.

"My parents didn't have a TV so we used to sing and dance and have family Jams.

"I never remember music being a chore; rather it was part of my life and a way to express myself.

"I trained as a dancer for five years. This encompassed all theatre forms from singing and dancing, to understanding lighting designs and the studying the history of Dance.

"It wasn't until I left college that I realised that my passion was really in creating art rather than studying it.

"I began to write poetry and songs and developed my craft by trial and error. Writing and recording and learning from each song until I have arrived at a point where I want to be listened to!

Rachel joined Illusion, a Brighton-based band, in 1994, performing nationwide.

“I loved the atmosphere of being with a full band,” continues Rachel. “When the lights are on and the musicians play their first chord it is an amazing rush. When I moved to the USA in 1996 I formed my own band and did gigs in the around the Salt Lake City area.”

With regard to dancing Rachel performed both as a soloist and part of a group, equally enjoying the two very different disciplines ..

“Both have their good and bad sides. In a group you are protected somewhat - if you mess up then there are others to carry on. If you are alone all eyes are on you!

“Seriously there is a great sense of accomplishment about performing alone. You can really get in to your material and have room to improvise. Performing in a group made me more precise as you cannot do your own thing too much.”

To promote her music and get it heard, Rachel stumbled across mp3.com and decided to give it a go .. being surprised by the results!

“I have been totally humbled by the amazing response I have received. It is so lovely when someone hears your song and is touched by it.

“Being able to connect with other musicians and listeners globally has been the best part of mp3.com for me.

“Aside from getting into the top ten I believe you have to love what you do and want your songs to influence someone somewhere on the planet.”

Recently Rachel has branched out and formed an alliance with three fellow mp3.com artists.

“I am collaborating with three independent artists from mp3.com.

Mike Bell aka: Enigmation/Feedlefump, is a very talented composer. His dance music is fresh and inspires me to write for it. I met him on one of the message boards at mp3.com.

"Lastly, Jeff Gold, a film Composer, also heard my material on mp3.com and asked me to collaborate on a film track. He is based in Utah."

And there you have it. There is an alternative to the album/tour/album merry-go-round so treasured by record companies and their associated machinery.

“Whatever medium you choose to promote yourself in,” offers Rachel by way of advice, “strive to achieve your best. Work hard and you will improve. Stay true to your own talent and the world is your oyster.” Amen to that!

www.geocities.com/rachinnes                                   www.mp3.com/rachelinnes