Our first Authentic Spotlight Feature is none other than singer, songwriter and recording artist---Rachel Walker.
Let the “The Ra[E]volution” begin....
(Photo by: Ellen Stagg)
"Being authentic means knowing who you are and knowing that you have
something of value to bring to the table". ~Rachel Walker
Me: First
of all, I would like to say it is such a pleasure to have you as our first
Authentic Spotlight Interviewee. I would like to first inquiry about your
artistry. What is your form of artistry?
Rachel: I am a singer, songwriter, recording artist, performer, and producer.
Me: I
always find music to be inspiring for me. How do you use your artistry to
inspire humanity?
Rachel: I
write songs about love and life. The goal is to express myself through music,
sound and words with honesty and creativity. I use my artistry to give people
music that they can enjoy with a message and sound that inspires joy,
happiness, movement/dancing, emotion, reflection, affirmation and love.
Me: Since
you have a great love for what you do as an artist what are some valuable lessons
you learned during the process of developing your artistry?
Rachel: I
have learned so much but I would have to say that the most valuable lesson I
have learned is that it okay to let go: let go of control both vocally and
creatively, let go of insecurities, let go the fear of judgment, let go of
trying to please everyone and let go of boundaries. So much of development
starts with not being so restricted and your willingness to step outside of
what is comfortable and familiar. It is so important to trust yourself and it
is okay to make mistakes.
Me: I
believe you just said a mouth full. This is such a profound statement. Since
you have learned so much what word would you use to describe your journey as an
artist?
Rachel: I
would say that the best word to describe my journey is “evolving”. I started my
journey with very little knowledge but a whole lot of desire and heart. Now I feel extremely knowledgeable but I’m
still I’m still learning and growing with my artistry. You can never really
know enough.
Me: My
blog is centered on being your authentic self, what does being authentic mean
to you?
Rachel: Being
authentic means being honest and not being afraid to speak your truth even if
it’s not popular. Being authentic means knowing who you are and knowing that
you have something of value to bring to the table.
Me: Since
you talk about speaking your truth, The Inspirational Corner tagline is: “Live
Bold, Live Loud & Live Authentically” in what ways has this concept been
implied in your artistry form or became your truth in life?
Rachel: This
tagline resonates so much with me. When I put out my first album “Walk With Me”
in 2009, I didn’t know a lot about the business nor did I know a lot of people
in the business. All I knew is that I had songs inspired by my life experiences
that I wanted to put out into the world and the album gave me a specific goal
to reach. It was a bold decision in itself simply because it was my first time
sharing my music publicly
I continue to “Live Bold, Live Loud & Live
Authentically” as I put the final touches on my sophomore project, “The
Ra[E]volution”, due for release in Fall of 2013. This album is the soundtrack
to many of my experiences over the last 2 years. Musically and lyrically, “The
Ra[E]volution”, captures the evolution of my sound and creativity in a way that
you have never heard from me before. As I said previously, letting go is the
hardest thing to do in a world where people strive for acceptance and
popularity. On this record, I am not holding anything back. I am fearless. More
importantly, the purpose of this record is to identify with the listener, and
to encourage the listener to also let go, embrace change, to be fearless and
enjoy how that feels.
I am so incredibly proud of this project and my team and
look forward to sharing it with the world very soon.
Me:
Rachel, I believe as an artist you have so much to give because you are passionate
about what you do. What would be your words of inspiration to inspire someone who
endeavors to live their dream?
Rachel: I
would have to say, love what you do with your whole heart; live it and breathe
it. It is surely your genuine love for what you do, that will ultimately carry
you through the challenges you will face along the way. I can’t tell you how
much disappointment I have experienced in pursuit of my dreams, but it was my
love for music that kept me going. I learned along the way to expect
disappointments but never let anyone or anything steal my love for music and
leave me stagnant. I would also add that you may not feel the support from
people in your circle or even family members but that’s ok. People are going to
convince you that your dreams are too far fetched. The key thing is for you to
NEVER tell yourself that. If no one else encourages you, encourage yourself. Now go get ‘em!
You can find more information about Rachel Walker at:
www.facebook.com/rachelwalkeronline
www.instagram.com/raemelrockswell
www.twitter.com/raemelrockswell
So Lovely-Rachel Walker