Who says quitters never win? After independently releasing her acoustic debut E.P., "What Day is It?" Rachel McGoye finally woke up and realized it was the day to quit waiting tables and become a full-time singer/songwriter. Five years in Los Angeles, several recycled and unsuccessful relationships, and a repeatedly stolen bicycle inspired her new full-length release, "Beautiful Disaster"(10Spot/Universal), which will be available digitally in December and instores Jan. 08. Written from the heart of a small town, Florida beach girl, these self-penned songs are, actually, far from a disaster. This Sophomore release attracts comparisons to today’s most established and admired singer/songwriters, while having original flavor all of it's own. Rachel describes it like one of her favorite treats, a fruit smoothie. "Full of surprises, all natural, good for the heart, and refreshing." How could you not like it? The tinge of Folk, Pop, a little Rock, and touch of Soul is sure to have you addicted.
Early eighties, in Stuart, Florida Jean and Michael McGoye had just arrived from Louisville, Ohio, and Rachel Leigh McGoye was born. Jean and Michael were teens of the 70’s who followed Tom Rudgren, Elton John, The Police, Rod Stewart and other rockers of their time. Jean was a nurse and Michael was a construction worker, who moved to Florida where there was more and better paying work for constructors at the time. In 1984, just 4 days after Rachel’s third birthday, her father died in an onsite construction accident.
That same year would be the first time Rachel began packing in an audience. She spent her youth at The Center for the Arts of Stuart, studying ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop dance, and performing across the state of Florida in the dance company, Contempra. When Rachel was eleven, her mom remarried Jordan Fields, a laid-back surfer and attorney from the West coast. At their home in Jensen Beach, Florida was where Rachel discovered the ‘Record Stash.’ The combined collection of records ranged everywhere from Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, Phil Collins, and Stevie Wonder to Tom Petty, Steve Miller and Van Morrison. Combine that with Whitney, Mariah, Mc Hammer and other music of the 90’s and you get a melting pot of musical influence.
At age 16 Rachel began classical training with former opera great, Rita Vallis. Her high school days were spent competitively singing across the U.S. in the re-known show choir, O.P.U.S.
Having obtained a B.A from the acclaimed Berklee College of Music, Boston, Rachel then headed to L.A, to pursue her dream of being a Singer/Songwriter. After a few years of writing, and playing several shows a year, solo and with a band, Rachel independently released her first acoustic E.P titled “ What Day Is It?” With the release of her E.P came the attraction of several Indie labels. In January of 2007, Rachel signed with 10spot Records out of Encino, CA and started recording her first full-length release titled “Beautiful Disaster.” Produced by Steve Harvey (The Temptations) and recorded at Studio at the Shores in Malibu, CA, Rachel had the astounding opportunity to record with some of L.A.’s most sought after studio musicians who have been playing for artists such as The Temptations, Chaka Kahn , Rufus Wainwright, Lauryn Hill and several other amazing artists
In November 2007, Rachel opened up for American Idol runner-up, Kellie Pickler, at the Pineapple Festival in Jensen Beach, Florida. She was also selected as a main stage artist for the 2007 NACA Regional West Conference where she showcased for hundreds of colleges. January 8,2008 "Beautiful Disaster" was officially released everywhere music is sold, and that same day Rachel had her first Radio play on 101.3 The Coast in her hometown of Stuart. Rachel has joined up with the Florida Oceanographic Society of Stuart, which provides amazing opportunities for education and research aimed at increasing the knowledge of the unique coastal environments, on the 56 acre community. $1 of every autographed CD sold is donated to the society. Rachel is currently on tour across the U.S to promote her new album, so look for her in a city near you! UPDATES:
Rachel's debut album is now available at Itunes, Amazon, Amoeba Record stores, Borders and her website RachelMcGoye.com. She is currently on tour. Look for her in a city near you!
Read more...