Art & Life with Rachel Boerner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Boerner.

Rachel, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in Weatherford, and have been playing music for as long as I can remember. My parents put me in piano lessons at an early age, and things took off from there – years of piano, voice lessons, and choir. It was sometime in middle school that I came across a yellow legal pad of song lyrics my dad had written, and I decided to pick up a guitar. I taught myself a couple of chords and wrote my very first song. I continued to write anytime I had a spark of motivation – which eventually led me to study music composition in college. I stocked up on melodies and song lyrics, but never performed, because I had HORRIBLE stage fright. My dad was my biggest fan and always motivated me to chase after my dreams as an artist. After he passed unexpectedly in 2015, I started reflecting on the songs he had written, and how amazing it was that he could leave behind something like that – a piece of himself in the form of art. And music has that awesome power to stick around long after we’re gone. It was then that I put together my first EP in 2016, and I didn’t really start facing my fear of performing until this year.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I remember telling another songwriter friend after seeing her play the first time, “I feel like our songwriting style is really similar, I love it!” and her response was “Why, do you get all up in your feelings too?!” That totally describes my music – maybe it can be a little dramatic, but generally when I write, it’s out of an overwhelming emotion that I somehow need to release. Whether it’s struggling with loss or heartbreak, feeling flooded by love in a new relationship, or even those mid-twenties notions of feeling lost or restless, I want others to feel comforted by my music in that they’re not alone, and that someone else has been there too.

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
Tough question. I feel like conditions for artists is a really tricky subject these days. I think things have simultaneously become both harder and easier for artists thanks to digital media, and streaming services such as Spotify. We’re moving toward this global collective where we can instantly share music we like, and reach billions of people with the click of a button. On the one hand, this is AMAZING – as an artist I can reach so many potential fans all over the globe. I have someone consistently listening to my music in Sweden lately. SWEDEN.

I don’t even know anyone in Sweden! On the other hand – no one really cares about ownership anymore. Music used to be this, “I OWN this record, I own this CD, let me wait in line at midnight for the release of this physical copy of music.” (Me, circa 2000, waiting on Britney’s Oops!… I Did It Again album.) Now, not so much. I have a little vinyl collection, but primarily I stream music. Great for convenience (and cost effective as a consumer who listens to a lot of music) but as an artist, that part sucks. I always laugh at the small checks I get every few months. In terms of cities supporting artists and helping them make a living – go to live shows. Check out your local artist playing at the bar down the street. There’s so much local talent out there, just show up for them.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m on Spotify! I’m always excited to say that because I think it makes me feel more official as an artist. Spotify, iTunes, go buy the EP on Bandcamp. Most music platforms. If you want to stay updated on shows, or want to see me occasionally go live and play music, and don’t mind dog photos, you can check out my Instagram @rachel.boerner or Facebook music page www.facebook.com/rachelboernermusic !

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rachelboerner.com
• Phone: 6822397285
• Email: rachelboernermusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachel.boerner
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelboernermusic

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.