If you like songs by Lianna Lahavas, Valerie June, Lauryn Hill, Tracy Chapman, then you'll like this EP from Memphis-based artist: Rachel Maxann
About Rachel Maxann:
Rachel Maxann is a singer-songwriter based in Memphis, TN, she possesses a rare and unparalleled vocal talent that is truly once-in-a-generation. Along with being a singer-songwriter, Maxann is a a therapist and activist to the music she makes and the people she inspires along the way. In an article from the Daily Memphian, the Memphis resident recalled that Maxann's performances was "amazing” at Porchfest and says, “Rachel Maxann has this soulful tone; she’s just up there raw with her guitar, that’s it. That says a lot about somebody.”
About the EP:
This 11-track EP has a lot of meaning's. Rachel states that "Each song explores dark thoughts and feelings that I have confronted in my life, and how all the hurt and love was never wasted, but instead transformed. The fear of loss, and the fear of continued loss is a focal point as I open up past wounds. Black Fae does not put shame around these scars, but instead invites them in to sit together in reflection. There are moments you can hear the tears flow, because I went back to the mental state I was at the time, and the result is a cathartic release set to sweeping tones and raw, soaring vocals".
INTERVIEW
Q: Congrats on releasing this EP. My first question is: What inspired you to create the EP “Black Fae”?
A: Black Fae is really a collection of songs I’ve written over time, some more recent and some I had written years ago and while they had been performed had never been recorded in a way I felt truly converted their intent. The way the album was ordered actually reflects what it feels like to have a depressive spiral. There is an incorrect misconception that the journey to mental health is a straight line, when in actuality we go through phases…some intrusive thoughts we might have dealt with before can pop up, and some healing methods or coping mechanisms that worked before don’t hit the same way. Black Fae goes through hope, despair and other difficult emotions in between-all in all it was a very cathartic experience for me.
Q: As a singer-songwriter based in Memphis, TN, What was your inspiration for getting into music? A: My family to begin with definitely-they’re all musical in their own ways and that really inspired me to take it in as my own form of expression. Traveling had also had an impact on how and why I write, I gain a lot of different influences from the places I’ve lived and people I’ve met.
Q: Favourite Musical Memory? A: It feels impossible to pick just one, so I’ll go with my most recent favorite. I’ve been to the International Folk Alliance twice now, and each time I go I’m left with beautiful memories and new friendships. This year I got to spend time and sing with musical heroes of mine such as Valerie June, Ben Kweller and Janis Ian. Music leads me in so many directions I couldn’t have planned for and I love the journey.
Q: How do you find inspiration to write your songs?
A: Often times, the inspiration will hit me through heartbreak or difficult emotions. I’ve written songs about losing a friendship, about feeling distance from my hometown,and of course romantic relationships. However I’ve also written music about embracing feminine energy and respecting the environment. I get inspired by whatever moves me.
Q: Do you Have any future projects that you can hint about?
A: Well, for Christmas I was gifted a banjo and since then I’ve been writing on it! I’ve also delved back more into piano which is my original instrument. I find that writing on different instruments opens up new possibilities for me. I will say I plan on recording one of these songs sometime in the Fall!
Q: If you had to choose an artist (dead or alive) who would you collab with and why?
A: Oh, that’s another hard one! First thing that comes to my mind is Amy Winehouse - she was an amazing artist and writer, but also I would have loved to been able to be a friend to her.
Q: If you could describe yourself in 3 words & your music in 3 words, what would they be and why?
A: Empathetic, honest, vulnerable. I think empathy is really how we connect with people, and connection is my favorite part of being a musician-bring able to say “hey you’re not alone in this”. Honesty and vulnerability go together in that to be vulnerable you have to be honest with yourself as well with others.
Q: What is your favourite song at the moment?
A: L’enfer by Stromae. I’ve known about him for a little while but during my last tour I played his discography and really got into him! He’s so eclectic, and has a style that you can either chill to or dance to.
Q: What is it like being a woman in the music industry?
A: Difficult in many ways, but through that there is a strong comradery. I think most women in Memphis will be very quick to inform each other of what men, venues, sound engineers, etc to avoid. It’s horrible that it has to be this way, and hopefully it will be change, by right now men are often in those positions of power so we really rely and look out for each other. More often than not I make it a point to book with other female-fronted bands, and more than once I’ve had to call out misogyny. I think some of us more experienced women really do step up as leaders and don’t take any BS, especially when it comes to other young women staring in the music scene.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: Just that I appreciate every like, follow and listen I try not to get too invested in social media but seriously when I see someone support my music by giving it a heart or comment the endorphins in my brain do a little happy dance so-thank you
You can check Rachel's Socials Here:
You can check Rachel's Discography Here: