Introducing #173 - Rachel Bochner
Let us introduce you to NewYork singer-songwriter Rachel Bochner, who takes influence from the sounds of Lana Del Ray and Billie Eilish. She has just released her new track ‘Strangest Dreams’ - Rachel took a moment to talk to us about her music and what we can expect from her new EP that is coming out this December.
Hey Rachel, how are you dealing with being creative during a troubling time for music?
Hey! Like everyone else, I think I’ve just been trying my best! Zoom call and FaceTime writing sessions, spending a lot more time writing on the little digital piano in my room, and reminding myself that it's okay to not feel inspired 24/7.
You are based in New York, what are your favorite things about that city?
There’s a palpable energy unique to New York City that makes it so special. I’ve lived in NY the majority of my life, right outside the city, but I still feel like there’s so much more to explore. It’s the city that keeps on giving!
Where do you go for musical adventures?
Right now, the internet. I’m extremely excited for a COVID-friendly future where live shows come back - but for now, live streams, TikTok, and YouTube will have to suffice.
Your new track ‘Pick Me Up’ is out now, and is the second song from your debut EP ‘2AM’. Can you tell us what the track is about ? How does it differ from the first EP taster ‘Strangest Dreams’?
Pick Me Up is about the cycle of having feelings for someone you’re probably better without. It captures the cliché of “my heart says yes but my mind says no.” I was feeling nostalgic at the beginning of quarantine while spending a lot of time in my hometown, which had me thinking a lot about high school mischief. I wanted Pick Me Up to sound like it could fit in a coming of age romance movie, whereas Strangest Dreams is a bit darker and a bit dreamier. Strangest Dreams was basically inspired by me staying up too late and having these vivid, bizarre dreams. I wanted the song to capture that uneasiness in the vocals and production - feeling ever so slightly off.
When is the EP due out?
The title track of the EP, 2 AM, will be out December 4th, and the whole project will be out on January 15th, 2021. I'm also incredibly psyched to be working with It's A Long Story Productions on two music videos that'll be out early 2021, too.
What are your key musical influences as an artist?
Musical influences for me span from Lana Del Rey’s hauntingly beautiful style of lyric and melody writing, to Maggie Rogers’ unique ability to transcend genre, to Julia Michaels’ witty yet emotional storytelling. I try not to channel other artists too much when I’m writing though, as tempting as it might be. I love sitting at the piano and finding chords, melodies, and lyrics that feel right to me and going from there. My favorite thing is creating something that resonates with people, whether it's about relationships, loneliness, love, mental health, or even the silly things (like having strange ass dreams).