Support Rachel's "Mi Vida" Album!

Who are you?

Hi, my name is Rachel. I’m a singer-songwriter living in Nashville, Tennessee. I’ve been doing music for 45 years and just celebrated my 50th birthday this month. 

Aside from creating, I am a mother of 2, a wife, a teaching artist, & mentor.

Where are you from?

I grew up in a small rural community in Michigan with 0 diversity. Growing up Chicana, I didn’t always embrace my roots, but now it is a big part of my life’s work. 

What got you started in music?

I started singing traditional Mariachi and Country music, in my father’s band in Michigan, where I grew up. We played honky tonks, family events, fiestas, and festivals throughout Michigan and south Texas, where my family is from. My dad was my biggest influence, and always encouraged me to embrace who I am and share that in my music.  After years of singing alongside my father, I decided it was time to branch out to find my voice, which brought me to Nashville, TN 24 years ago.  

What was Nashville like back then?

Moving to Nashville was a dream come true and a very exciting time for me. Country Music was what initially brought me here, but after a few years of pounding the pavement and going up and down Broadway to land a gig it became clear that there wasn’t a place for Latina artist like me in the Country scene. Because of the sacrifices I had made,  giving up was NEVER an option.  I realized I was going to have to alter my path, be open minded, and really prove myself. Through time and networking, I developed relationships within the music industry. These people are some of my dearest and closest friends today. In fact, I will be recording my album with  Many of them who’ve supported me throughout my journey.

Tell me more about your album.

I’m excited to say we are in the process of recording. This album is a reflection of my family history, the journey of motherhood, the twists and turns of marriage, my Chicana roots, and 50 years of experiences…I’ve lived a lot of life.

My style of music is a blend of Latin infused, Americana Rock, Country and Soul.  It’s rootsy with a lot of Tex-Mex influence. I’m really proud of these songs. They’re raw and honest. 

One of my favorite songs is “Whole Lotta Woman”. I call it my autobiography song. It was inspired by my car accident. The recovering  process was a challenging and emotional time, but truly was the catalyst that started my journey to Nashville. 

This project is all about sharing experiences that resonate with an audience that has grown alongside me – especially hardworking women seeking balance in their lives. These songs directly reflect my journey and growth as a singer-songwriter, and woman.

Not only that, I learned how to play the Autoharp, and used it to write the majority of the songs on this album. I also know my vocal instrument much better, and more intimately, and feel I’m singing  better than ever and with more authenticity.

I’m so blessed to have my friends be a huge part of this project. From the Musicians to the vocalists, and even my team behind the scenes, these are people with whom I’ve spent YEARS making music, and deepening friendships.

If I’m a fan of you, what am I a fan of?

I want to encourage others to be proud of who they are and comfortable to be themselves. I’m a “glass is always half full” kind of a girl and I try to seek the positive in everything in my life…. I believe It’s important to use your gifts to be of service. To use your voice to represent, build, and lift up your community.

Why should I fund your album? 

You’ll be a part of bringing art with purpose into the world.  You’ll be supporting a mompreneur, who’s trying to model for her children how to never give up and never grow old.  You’ll be promoting diversity in Americana and Country Music.

Your funding will help cover the recording and the people who make it all happen:  Studio time, musicians, background vocalists, mastering, mixing, promotion, photography, videography, you name it!

This isn’t just about the funding, but it’s also a celebration of my life through storytelling. From the highs and lows, personal growth, extraordinary moments, and the beauty found in our everyday, mundane experiences, that shape a beautiful life.

Why now?

Celebrating my milestone birthday got me thinking and taking inventory of my life. What are my goals and what do I want to accomplish in this next chapter?

I may be fifty, but I feel like I’m just getting started. And now that my children are older, that has opened up space to create more and focus on accomplishing those goals.

I want to help create a more age fluid culture in the music industry. I have a very talented daughter and I also mentor many creative female youth. I don’t ever want them to feel that their value decreases as they age, fluctuate in weight or have a few gray hairs. 

What are the rewards? 

I want to thank you for your contributions, with some fun rewards!  In addition to the album, other rewards include writing a song with me to sitting in on one of my recording sessions.  I'm so excited to also offer a performance and life coaching session!   I'll even perform an intimate concert at your home, troubadour style! 

For every milestone we reach together, I will release a live session cover video with some of the amazing friends and musicians who’ve been a big part of my musical journey.

Anything else?

I hope sharing my stories through song will be encouraging, supportive, and enlightening for listeners everywhere! 

Thank you for watching, and thank you to everyone who has loved and supported Mi Vida. I’m excited to share this musical journey with you!