RACHEL WILLIAMS: First Day Of The Truth

Rachel Williams

First Day Of The Truth

© 2004 Regaltone Records (182275000012)

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The debut CD from a world-class singer, a finalist on the Nashville Star 2 show on USA Network. Rockin' country with an R&B edge. Awesome singing, amazing songs, killer Nashville band and production.

notes

Meet Rachel Williams
You'll be glad you did!

If ever there was proof that big things come in small packages, it's Rachel Williams. There's more talent in this (almost) five-foot-two redhead than in a whole jukebox full of hits. When Rachel is delivering her brand of rockin' and R&B country, she has the audience on their feet and movin' to the beat, but she can just as easily wring their hearts with a ballad she seems to pull out of her very own soul.

Rachel credits her grandfather with introducing her to country music early on. He took her to a Judds concert when she was only two years old, and she was hooked then and there. For years, she wouldn't go to sleep unless a country cassette was playing. But during the day, Rachel was the one doing the singing.

Rachel graduated from singing at home with a hairbrush "microphone" to public performances in shows at school. (She says she learned to "ham it up"-pun intended-in the Three Piggy Opera in second grade.) It wasn't long before she was winning talent contests and singing professionally at fairs and other events. It must come as no surprise to those who heard and saw her sing as a child that Rachel has grown up to be the confident, exciting performer that she is today. There's just no holding back talent and drive like hers.

That talent and drive has certainly been evident to the contest judges who have awarded Rachel first prize in numerous talent competitions over the years. Most recently, Rachel won the Michigan title in the Colgate Country Showdown. Previous contestants in the Showdown have included Martina McBride and LeAnn Rimes.

But Rachel's talent has been recognized far beyond the borders of Michigan, or even the Midwest. In early 2004, she was one of the top 15 contestants nationwide in the USA Network's Nashville Star 2 television program. Anyone who saw her live performance for that show knows how she can light up a room and get the audience moving. Contest finalist Lance Miller says, "Rachel has the kind of pure voice and confident stage presence that just blow you away." Apparently, a lot of viewers agreed. Fans from all over the country and across the world sent Rachel e-mail messages after seeing her for the first time on the show. And she's been in even more demand for radio, TV and live appearances.

What's Rachel doing now? She's promoting her new CD on Regaltone Records, "First Day of the Truth." Recorded in Nashville at a top studio with A-list musicians, this CD allows Rachel to show off the kind of music that she likes best: rockin', in-your-face country that leaves no doubt where she's coming from. Echoing Gretchen Wilson's hit single, Rachel says she's not the "Barbie doll type." She lets her gutsy self show, and her audiences love it.

Large audiences have had a chance to show how much they love it when Rachel has opened for such national acts as Diamond Rio, Emerson Drive and Andy Griggs. Opening recently for Wynonna, Rachel and her band brought people to their feet with songs from the new CD. Kevin Cassidy, general manager of the venue at Freedom Hill in Michigan, said they had never had such a response to an opening act before. Little did the Wynonna fans who showed up early know that they'd be going home Rachel Williams fans, too.
Having folks lining up for her autographs and t-shirts was the icing on the cake for Rachel, who had finally met her first and always musical idol, Wynonna Judd.

Want to know more about Rachel? Let's hear it from her...

Last updated 10/04

Ask Rachel Williams...


Q. People are really sitting up and taking notice of you. They're asking, "Where did Rachel Williams come from?"

A. I come from a small town just outside Detroit, which gives me a certain perspective on music. We're already famous for Motown-I'm ready to put us on the map for country!

Q. You totally sell the song "Rebel Bride" [second track on the CD]. What does a girl from Michigan know about being a "rebel bride"?

A. I'm half hillbilly! I've still got family in small-town Tennessee. You know that line in the song about "chocolate gravy"? Well, my granny used to make it for us every Sunday, with biscuits. Trust me, you've got to try it if you haven't already!

Q. Your say your grandfather introduced you to country music, and you give your family a lot of credit for your musical successes. How's that?

A. My parents and siblings have sacrificed a lot to give me a chance to sing. They've driven all over the country to concerts and contests. They've had to step over boxes of t-shirts and CDs in the living room. It's been crazy. But more than anything, my family taught me to stand up for myself. We are all hard-headed and know what we want. It can get pretty lively when we're all in one room, but it sure is good training for the music business.

Q. Now you've got a professional team working with you. How is that different?

A. For one thing, my family can finally relax and enjoy the ride. As for me, I'm still working hard, but I now can devote my energy to the music. It used to be me making all the calls to radio stations and newspapers myself. And I'd be up till two in the morning burning demo CDs and slapping on labels. Now I can spend more of my time on the songs-picking them out, writing them and totally getting into them.

Q. So you were involved in choosing the songs for your CD?

A. Oh, definitely! I knew the direction I wanted to take this album. I was able to choose songs that fit me as an artist and as a person. When people hear these songs on the radio, they're going to know that it's Rachel Williams they're listening to. I'm singing songs that say what I want to say, the way I want to say it.

Q. What do you want to say and how do you want to say it?

A. If I had a musical motto, it would be "No Fluff." I like real songs about real emotion, like "As Far As You Know" [fifth track on the CD]. I bet everyone has felt what that song says at least once-wanting to smash things to bits after a breakup. When I sing a song like that I am totally out there. On the other hand, I can be close to tears myself on one of those heart-breaking ballads. Whatever the song, I live it.

Q. It could wear a person out going through those emotions from song to song. How do you handle it?

A. First of all, I've never sung a song I didn't love. And just when things might be getting too emotional, I can rock out. That'll pump anyone up. I'm dancing and waving right along with the audience for the up-tempos. It is absolutely the best high to see people on their feet, singing along, clapping to the beat... And at the end of the show, the applause, the hootin' and hollerin'-there's nothing like it.

Q. Your audiences are tremendously enthusiastic. People hearing you for the first time are instant fans. Why do you think that is?

A. I think country music is ready for a change, ready for someone who is totally herself and not trying to conform to an image just to win over a certain audience. I believe even people who thought they didn't like country like what they hear from me. I'd love to have that younger audience listening to country like I did.

Q. You have amazingly loyal fans. What makes them take to you that way?

A. They must know I'm one of them. I mean, I was once that girl in the front row waving a sign at the stage. I'll never forget where I come from. That's one of the reasons I try to take photos of my audience at every show. I'm their biggest fan!

Q. If you could talk personally to each one of your fans, what would you say?

A. Be confident. If you second-guess yourself, the rest of the world will second-guess you, too. Don't do anything half-way-have the conviction and heart to go after what you want. Listen to your inner voice. You won't be disappointed.

reviews

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  • Wonderful CD
    author: Rick (Levi) Amburgey

    I WAS IMPRESSED. I found this CD to be absoulutely wonderful. I was totally impressed with the voice of this very talented and beautiful young lady. I recommend this CD to have in your collection. I'm glad I have it in mine.

  • Superb
    author: Nicki

    I bought this having heard the beautiful 'That Was Me' on the radio. This is still the stand out track for me, but the album is full of great songs. Rachel has a fabulous voice full of emotion. A very welcome addition to my cd collection.

  • What a tremendously powerful voice Rachel has
    author: Diane

    Must be catching this-seeing Rachel in Nashville which is what I did at the Bluebird Cafe Sept 06. Very good set. For such a young woman she has a strong deep voice. Tried to buy the CD on the night, but guess what, ALL SOLD OUT so ordered it via CD Baby instead before I flew home to the UK. Excellent songs.

  • WOW!!! CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF RACHEL!
    author: Don & Nancy Johnson

    Absolutely love this CD. Listen to it constantly, music is pure. Never heard of this artist before we saw her live in Nashville. Can't wait for her next CD!

  • I met Rachel before I even knew she could sing. I have been so impressed by her
    author: Chelsea Curtis

    I too, grew up on the Judd's and my mother imparted her love for them on me at a young age and while it took a leave of absense during my rebellious young teens, it came back in full force and I guess on some level never really left. It is very nice to sing a young country star doing something... well country. Rachel is a great woman with a powerful voice that gives me chills and I have been very impressed by her and the CD. I can't wait to see what come next. Good Luck Rach!

  • Awesome CD
    author: Erwin G Filiciana

    I ordered this CD, since Rachel was part of the NashVille Star competition ... to tell you the truth, her name didn't sound too familiar to me, even though I have watched all seasons of NashVille Star ... when the CD arrived, and I put it in my car ... it hasn't stop playing ... it's one of the best CD's I have heard in a while and I truly recommend anyone to buy it ... Rachel Williams is an amazing artist who has got a great CD to back her talent up ...

  • author: Jessica

    we got to hear Rachel in concert it was so cool, she has a very good voice we loved very minute if her singing she cd i love it

  • Great Voice
    author: Tari B.

    I had a chance to meet and hear Rachel at SUNY Canton this summer. I bought her CD there. I was very impressed with the strength of her voice, and I loved all of the songs. I will let my friends hear this CD and I hope she records more.

  • One of those once-in-a-lifetime voices
    author: Ruth G

    Imagine you were cool enough to know how great Bonnie Raitt was before she was old enough to vote. Imagine a singer with that kind of range and depth. Maybe even more power. This CD has terrific songs, and Rachel's voice has so many different colors that she uses to paint each one. "As Far As You Know" is giving me goosebumps right now...after who knows how many hearings. I am very picky about singers....but she's got the goods times a hundred. Buy it!

  • Rachel joins the ranks of feisty redheads
    author: Richard Amery, Kenora Daily Miner and News

    You may recognize her from hot country talent show Nashville Star, but one thing is for sure, you will recognize this feisty firebrand red-head’s powerful pipes. Rachel Williams, who finished in the top 15 of Nashville Star 2 last year, has just released her debut CD, First Day of Truth. Any one of the dozen tracks on her debut, one co-written by Williams herself, would be at home on contemporary country music radio. Willams’ debut fits nicely alongside your favourite CDs from other feisty redheads like Bonnie Raitt and Reba McEntire and dances on the edge of Gretchen Wilson, who she actually resembles. Williams can belt out a gutsy rocker like Broke Down, but nicely croons poignant lovelorn ballads like Somethin’ I Never Thought I’d Say which would top the charts if country music radio pushed independent artists. Williams also shows a nice R and B influence on the catchy There’s Love. Williams belts out a little blues on As Far As You Know. She has excellent taste in the songs she chooses to sing and has a delivery unparalleled. The result is an upbeat and thoroughly enjoyable CD. Hear the future of country music— check out Rachel Williams on cdbaby.com.

  • A talent to reckon with!
    author: Don Webber

    This woman is destined to be bigger and better than any female we've had in country music! This CD is absolutely breath-taking with the journey it takes you on as you listen track by track. You can tell this is no mediocre, local album but instead, an A-list crew of musicians, production staff, and of course, vocalist. Looking through the CD jacket, I am amazed as to how many accomplished, hit songwriters there are that contributed music to this CD. Its incredible! Bob Diperio, Bekka Bramlett, Mike Reid?! They know talent when they see it, and this girl is going to take these songs to the next level for all of them! From "First Day of the Truth" to the gospel-tinged "Going Through Hell"...a remarkable CD from an even more remarkable talent! Do your ears a favor and buy this CD!

  • Kick'en CD
    author: Kathy I

    I absolutely love it!! Everyone that has heard me play it wants to know where they can buy one. I know all the words to very song, even my kids are singing them. Rachel has such an amazing voice. I can't wait till the next CD comes out.

  • Fan-FREAKING-tastic!
    author: Raye F

    This is by far the best independent release I've ever heard in my life. She is incredible. She has the look, the songs, and dear God...the voice. AMAZING! Anyone not looking to buy the CD is crazy. Its well worth the money. Its worth more than what they are asking. She's phenomeonal!

  • I love this CD! I can listen over and over and never get tired of it.
    author: Susan T

    This young lady is a fantastic singer and I know she will be a huge star in the very near future. The CD is full of killer songs that just keeping getter better every time I listen to them. It has a real southern rock edge to it which makes it a great CD for anyone - not just country fans.

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