Feautured Songbay Artist Rachel M Starr

 

This week we interview Rachel Star. Although relatively new to the art of lyric writing, she is already a popular artist on Songbay and clearly very talented.

How did you get in to songwriting?

“I started writing lyrics about six months ago as a creative outlet. I was going through a really tough time after my Mum passed away and needed to channel my energy into something positive. Now that I’ve started I couldn’t stop if I wanted to. It’s like something has been triggered inside my soul. I jot down every creative thought I have and clever little thing I hear, then spend all my spare time massaging my notes until I have an original product I’m happy with. I have a tendency to think about things in ways that others might not. I also never, ever truly switch off which serves me well with my writing.

Where did you study songwriting?

“I am self-taught although I did double-major in English at college which has certainly helped. I love literature and have dabbled in a few types of creative writing. I have actually just finished writing my first children’s book Jack, the Vampire Bat which is currently with a publishing house. Combining my creative writing with my love of music seemed to come quite naturally.” Your musical influences?

My Mum has by far been my biggest influence. She really loved music and a good spin around the dancefloor! As a result, I was exposed to a wide range of music during my childhood. As a lyricist, I tend to draw inspiration from many different artists because my taste is so diverse. I wrote ‘Stardust’ listening to Katy Perry, ‘The Greatest Love’ listening to Lily Allen, ‘No Getting Over You Yet’ listening to Regina Spektor and ‘Laughter Is The Best Medicine’ listening to old lindy-hop tunes. Music impacts heavily on my emotions, energy and thoughts which definitely influences my approach to writing and, of course, the finished product.

I also love to travel and engage with people from all walks of life. Everyone has a story to tell and I want to hear them all. In doing so, I feel as if I’m always changing and growing, becoming a better person and a better writer.

What would you say are your achievements as a songwriter?

I wish I had a long list of achievements to showcase but the truth is I am only just starting out. I have been quietly sitting in the background, pulling together my little lyric library, in preparation of putting my work out there for the world to see. I’ve chosen Songbay as my preferred platform and today is the day I emerge from my shell!! Make sure you check out my full catalogue because each song tends to be different from the rest.

Who have you performed or collaborated with?

I am by no means a performer but hope to partner with other creatives and produce some incredible tunes. To be honest, I am bursting at the seams, thinking about potential opportunities! Definitely drop me a line if you’re keen to collaborate. Working with others really brings out the best in me and I have been told I have a knack for bringing out the best in others too.

Who are you favorite artists and why?

I love contemporary pop, EDM and hip-hop but the music I enjoy most is the really emotive stuff that brings back memories, the bulk of which was either written when I was little or before I was born. I love Bowie, Floyd, Zeplin, INXS, Blondie, Queen, The Beetles, The Doors, MJ… all of the music I was brought up on. I listen to a lot of ‘non-commercial’ music too and love following Aussie home-grown talent. If you haven’t checked out Tash Sultana yet, you need to!

 

What are your thoughts about Songbay?

Although I am new to Songbay, I am really impressed with it. This platform provides everything an emerging lyricist needs to forge a career in the industry. On top of that, the support I have received from the team has been excellent. If you’re unsure about Songbay, don’t be.

Take a look at Rachel’s work on Songbay today. Feel free to get in touch with her with any work offers or collaboration requests: Rachel Starr Artist Page at Songbay