After listening to Journal No.1, we knew we had to pick Rachel Grae’s brain! This record truly does feel like the listener is getting an inside look at Rachel’s experiences in the most beautiful and poetic way. Each song on this record is so expertly crafted and truly digs into every section of the emotion spectrum. We were lucky enough to get to chat with Rachel about Journal No.1, future music, and so much more! Let’s jump in!
Stream Journal No.1 here!
Hi Rachel! Thank you so much for joining us! To kick us off, how would you describe your sound to someone who is about to tune in for the first time?
Thanks for having me! I would explain my sound as organic, soulful pop. My music tends to be very vulnerable and lyrically deep, but it can also be fun and light-hearted 🙂
We are about two months post-album release, take us back the day of, what were you feeling leading up to putting the record out into the world?
This album release brought such a rewarding feeling. It felt like I was closing a chapter of my life in the best way possible. I feel like that body of music described who I was, and I’m so excited to share who I am now with everyone very soon.
And not only was it an album, it was your debut album!! What is the biggest growth you saw in yourself as an artist while crafting your debut record?
This album was interesting because it included most of my prior releases. Listening back to all the songs felt really nostalgic in a way. It brought me back to who I was when I started writing and showed me who I was becoming by the end of that chapter. It feels like every song is a page ripped out of my diary, and I’m glad I can finally share so many of the other diary entries I had been holding onto.
There are so many incredible songs on the tracklist of Journal No 1., with ‘Love I’ve Been Jealous Of’ being one of our favorites! Is there a song for you that you’ve noticed become an unexpected crowd favorite Thank you!! I noticed my song ‘Half of Me’ resonated A LOT with people. I wrote that song about my dad’s and my beautiful relationship. It’s so cool to see people connect to this song and their own relationships in life. I’ve also received so many messages from fathers who have told me that they are inspired to become even better fathers. Such a special feeling!
The concept of Journal No. 1 implies that possibly this could be a theme for future projects. Is the plan to continue on with the concept?
Maybeeeee. I guess you will just have to wait and see. I definitely have some cool plans in the works for the future with my music.
And on the topic of the concept of Journal No. 1, which song on this record feels the most like a personal journal entry to you?
I would say ‘If I’ll Ever Win’ feels the most personal to me. That topic took me a bit to feel comfortable writing about. It was something I struggled with for a while but was too scared to share. I’m glad I did after seeing the reaction of other people who seemed to need the song as well.
Tiktok has been such an incredible platform for you to connect with your audience, and for new fans to find you! Has there been an artist that you have found because of TikTok that you would recommend our readers check out?
I have found SO many incredible artists on that platform. It’s so hard for me to point out just one, but I have to go with Olivia Dean. She’s incredible and now has some of my favorite songs.
Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us Rachel! Before we let you go, as we venture into the second month of 2025, is there one resolution within the music realm you’re hoping to accomplish this year?
In 2025, I want to put out music that feels true and authentic to me as a person and as an artist. I’m excited to show everyone what I’ve been working on. I’m really proud and excited for the next batch of songs to come out!
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We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite song off of Journal No.1 by Rachel Grae? Let us know by commenting down below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
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