Interview with Singer-Songwriter Rachael Cantu

AHC: What has this journey, this life in music been like for you, the highs and lows, and what life lessons do you feel you've picked up along the way?

Rachael: This journey was never one that I asked for. Looking back upon it now, I see that this is the journey I was meant to be on, but in the beginning I just went with it because I had no other plans. I can’t really say I’ve had many lows (stay with me), mostly because I wasn’t aware that I was supposed to desire the highs. I paid attention to the doors that opened and as long as they kept opening, I kept going. I’m just grateful that I kept going. Because now I’m in a place where I can appreciate the journey and acknowledge my worth and place in this industry. 


AHC: What first drew you to music and what was your early musical environment like growing up? Were there pivotal songs for you then that just floored you the moment you heard them?

Rachael: I played piano, clarinet, violin as a young kid. Piano was the main instrument I stuck with for 5 years. Lessons were a chore. I begged to quit. Years later (as a teenager) I was gifted a guitar, I locked myself up in my room and started learning the songs that I wanted to learn. Music that I chose. Music that was mine. I was free to be creative, free to feel my teenage feelings. There were so many pivotal songs but off the top of my head is Tori Amos' "Beauty Queen/Horses". So beautiful, so dark, so full of feeling. 


AHC: Do you remember the first song that you ever wrote?

Rachael: I think there was a song called “The River” that my mom swears to this day should have been a huge hit. (Let’s just say I’m glad I don’t remember it)


AHC: Who are some of your musical inspirations?

Rachael: It all started with Cyndi Lauper. That transitioned into a lot of punk rock and musical theater. There have been so many musical inspirations and this answer changes daily, but these are pretty tried and true and very important to me when I was discovering writing: Tori Amos, Bjork, Radiohead, Modest Mouse, Tom Waits, Patty Griffin. 


AHC: What do you think makes for a good song, as you're writing and composing, is there a sudden moment when you know you've found the right mix, the perfect angle of light, so to speak?

Rachael: Honestly, I think it’s just when it FEELS good. When it feels good to sing, and you yourself (as the writer) are not bored, feel it and believe it. If you can do that, it’s a good song.


AHC: What are your favorite on-tour, on-the-road memories?

Rachael: I have many cherished tour stories, but I think my most magical memory was touring with Tyler James (now of the band Escondido) in the Pacific NW and beyond. It was so beautiful. There wasn’t much social media in those days so distractions were pretty non-existent. We drove through the redwoods during a full moon listening to Tom Petty, talked at length about life and spirituality, played at cozy welcoming venues, and just enjoyed the ride. 



AHC: Do you have any words of advice for young musicians and singer-songwriters out there who are trying to find their voice and their way in this world?

Rachael: Just don’t ever stop. If you feel that this is what you’re meant to do, people believe in you (other than your family & friends) and you love doing it - then don’t stop. It took me about 15 years to get to the place where I’m comfortable in my career. The journey was my lesson/my school and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you want it now, then get out there - make friends with other musicians, play shows together, hustle, book a tour, reach out, and if you think you’re doing enough - do more. 



AHC: Do you have any new projects in motion you'd like to tell people about?

Rachael: I put out a studio project under the name “Little Brutes” - we have a few songs and a music video out there in the world. Right now I’m working on topline writing (writing for other artists/projects) and working on some personal secret projects. Hopefully I’ll be able to share some of that soon! 

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For more information visit www.rachaelcantu.com/#about