Introducing #137 - Rachael Jenkins
Let us introduce you to Utah-born singer-songwriter Rachael Jenkins - who has just released her debut single ‘untitled’ - a confessional track that dissects her split from the Mormon church and finding her sexuality. She took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey there Rachael, how are you? So your track ‘untitled’ is out now - is it called that for a reason?
Heyyooo. I’m doing well, really enjoying the warmer weather finally peeking through. I ended up naming my track ‘untitled’ because quite frankly I hate naming things. I think it’s the same reason I hate using labels to describe myself. Mashing a bunch of complicated emotions and feelings and identities into one specific title feels wrong to me, and the same goes for my songs. I have songs with very clear titles, ones that have fallen into place. But with a song like ‘untitled’ which explores emotional growth and religious trauma and growing older and finding yourself, I didn’t quite know what to call it. No titles felt right, it felt like I was shoving my song into a box when I really wanted to let it breathe. It was listed as ‘untitled’ for so long that by the time it came to selecting a name, the ambiguity felt right. Long story long, I hate naming things, and ‘untitled’ felt as good as any name I had in the works.
Where was the track recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
I actually recorded this track alone in my home. I had a simple set up, perfect for recording flat vocals and guitar takes, and I sent the tracks to my producer (Nathan Cox) in the UK where we worked with them. We had zoom calls where we could work out the specifics and from there, I ran through my vocals with a fine-tooth comb, making small changes here and there. I’ll admit, I was pretty nervous to record in my home without in-person collaboration, but it ended up being a perfect scenario. My creative process for this song was a bit chaotic. I started the track in November of last year. I put a rough first verse on TikTok, which garnered some attention and ultimately propelled me into my partnership with Tom. I spent the next three months picking apart the track, playing with choruses that eventually got nixed. The outro was the last piece of the puzzle, and I came up with it while driving my usual route through the big houses near my neighborhood. I love driving, especially where I live because there are beautiful mountains and landscapes and giant homes to gawk at. Driving really grounds me, allows me to take my mind off persistent anxieties, and I usually come up with my best ideas that way. The outro is one of my favorite pieces of the track, and to me it captures how driving through the hills feels.
The track dissects your split from the Mormon church and finding your sexuality - can you tell us about that?
Of course. Growing up Mormon had a huge impact on my development, especially as a vulnerable teenager looking for answers. It was only after I’d left the church that I realized how it affected me and stunted my growth. I left the church when I was 17 and came out as Bisexual (an identity I don’t associate with anymore, but still respect completely) a couple years after. In my personal experience, the church stunted my growth as a young person, boxing me into a sheltered, toxic environment that left me with low self-worth and narrow worldview. I sometimes feel like a kid amongst people who grew up outside of the religion, because my experiences were so limited and tainted by a false religious lens. This song explores how it felt to be essentially groomed into a perfect Mormon girl (and eventually wife) and the aftermath of leaving. Realizing there is so much more than finding a spouse, living a pure life, having children, and dedicating your time to an abusive church is jarring but freeing. The first verse explores the beginning stages of those big realizations, as I came to terms with family/religious traditions I wanted to break free of and my complicated sexuality. The second verse dives into my experience now, feeling bitter, resentful, and spiteful toward a religion that harms so many without repercussion. The last section reflects on the chance that, if i’m wrong, and there is a merciless god waiting for me, I’ll be pissed. However, I’m over living my life dictated by a god and religious officials (all men) who don’t actually care about me or my wellbeing. This song helped me process some of the trauma I faced as a young girl, allowing me to get in touch with the tender parts of myself, still hurting from years of religious shame.
You have recently joined Tom Rosenthal's label Tinpot Records - how did that partnership come about?
Yes! Tom reached out through TikTok at the beginning of this year after his friend and fellow musician dodie showed him my work. It was a quick partnership, and I felt immediately comfortable and cared for by Tom and his team at Tinpot. I had been speaking to a couple other labels, and at that point, was leaning toward the independent artist route. However, after a couple casual FaceTime meetings with Tom, I knew it was the right move to make. Tom is a wonderful person and a fantastic musical artist with years of experience and compassion to give. I trust him with my music completely, which is challenging for me as someone who finds trust difficult after essentially being lied to about an entire religion for the majority of my life. Tinpot is an artist friendly and beautiful creative space that is launching a hoard of excellent musicians. I’m proud and honored to be his first signing.
What are your key influences when it comes to your music?
I find influences in every genre, but as of late, my biggest influences are Phoebe Bridgers, Hayley Williams, Billie Marten, and Margaret Glaspy. I am drawn toward clever, aching lyrics and I think all these women create magnificent worlds in their music that inspires me every day. I’m also particularly obsessed with Samia and Annie DiRusso and the musical landscapes they create.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to you before?
I would describe my sound as indie singer-songwriter. Although I hate boxing myself into a specific category (as I mentioned earlier). I want my music to feel raw and emotional, which aren’t specific to any particular genres. I’m looking forward to experimenting with my sound as I continue to release music and find myself as an artist.