Remember the last time you looked for new songs to download? Well, look no further! Rachel Platten, talented singer, songwriter, and pianist, has created whimsical tunes that’ll invigorate you and lift your spirits. We had a chance to catch up with her and ask her a few questions about herself and how she got started in her career.
When did you start singing, and did you ever take any voice lessons?
I started singing when I was very little. My mom would sing nursery songs to me and I would try to sing them back. I started taking voice lessons when I moved to New York. I had hurt my voice on tour and so I started taking them to correct what I was doing wrong the hurt my voice.
If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?
I would probably do counseling actually. My mom is a therapist and my dad is a psychologist so I think I’d like to do that. I like to help my friends a lot and I’m a good listener.
When did you start writing songs?
I started writing songs when I was in Trinidad studying abroad. When I was there, I was interning at a record label and working along side an amazing artist named Andre Tankard. He really took me under his wing and helped me shape my ideas into songs.
How many instruments can you play?
Proficiently, I can play the piano, of course. I can play the guitar a little. If beatboxing counts as an instrument, I can do that! I also just started taking drum lessons from my drummer, Craig. I can play a total of 3.5 beats.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Also, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians and singers?
I got the best advice from my Mom when I was younger – to ignore everything else and go after what i love to do and don’t be scared. I’d say to make sure you’re doing what you love. Work harder than you think is possible. Believe in yourself and give back. I try to balance all of the good things I’m doing by doing charity. I get involved with Musicians On Call as much as possible.
It’s so cool that you wrote the theme song for Jane by Design! How did you land this amazing opportunity?
Thanks! Well, the producers of the show heard my single, “1,000 Ships” on the radio in LA and they felt it connected with what the show embodied. So they reached out to my manager and asked if I could do a song for the show that is similar – upbeat and optimistic without being cheesy. I had a songwriting assignment! It was fun!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Here’s what today looked like… I woke up at 6:30AM, showered, went to a TV station for a morning show, did that, went back to bed until about 2PM, went to work out for a half hour, and went to a vegan place for lunch that we found on Happy Cow. Then we got to the venue, did load-in, and now I’m waiting for the oil change I had to get for our band. After this I have another interview, a meet and greet, and then I play. After that I have a three hour drive. Usually my day either begins or ends with one of those. Crazy.
What kind of music do you like?
I like everything. Right now I’m obsessed with Motown. I grew up with my Mom having me listen to Sam Cook, The Supremes, Four Tops and after going to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame last week, I got really excited again and went on a huge Motown kick.
Who are your musical inspirations/favorite artists?
I’d probably say a mix of California singer/songwriters. Joni Mitchell… I love Tori Amos and Regina Spektor. And some hip hop. I’ve been in love since high school – Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Jurassic 5, WuTang.
What are five words you would use to describe yourself?
Hmm. I’d say energetic, passionate, Silly, Optimistic, and Honest.
What are you most proud of?
I think what I am most proud of is this single and what it did. It got into the top 25 on the Billboard Charts. It is so incredible to me and beyond what I ever thought could happen with this record. I just can’t believe it happened and I just think it is very cool that my record label’s radio campaign really worked. It’s beyond what I ever expected.
1,000 ships
If you are interested in going to Rachel Platten’s show at the Canopy Club in Champaign on March 14, you can purchase tickets on her website: www.rachelplatten.com