Interview: Rachel Caddy On New Single 'Blue Sky Soda Stream'
By: Gemma Dunsmore
Since venturing out on the scene as a solo artist in mid-2016, the talented Melbourne-based singer songwriter Rachel Caddy has been making a name for herself performing over thirty gigs across the state as both a solo performer and with her live band. The alternative folk artist draws in crowds and leaves them speechless with her sweet delicate vocals and lyrics reminiscent of an old poet.
Having already made quite the impression on 2017, it seems like the exact right time for Rachel to release her debut single 'Blue Sky Soda Stream'. The single was produced by long-time mentor and indie-rock musician Chris Pickering with Benjamin McCarthy as the engineer, all three worked together to create this wonderful song which can simply be described as a beautiful piece of art.
"Moving lyrics that create their own world and transport the listener there. Gorgeous voice." – Joshua Blake (5-star triple j Unearthed Review)
Starting out her career posting covers and originals on YouTube, Rachel has most definitely come a long way since then and 'Blue Sky Soda Stream' is just a peak into what is to come.
Courtesy of Lisa Businovski.
What was 'Blue Sky Soda Stream' written about?
I wrote 'Blue Sky Soda Stream' as a way of reflecting on a happier time in my life. It's about that bubbly joyous bliss you feel when you start a new relationship. The song talks about getting lost in that feeling and letting it take over the more mundane moments of life.
Could you describe the process of creating the single?
I remember first writing the song and being completely unhappy with it. I had to go away and completely rethink and rewrite the lyrics until it became something I was proud of. The producer of the track, Chris Pickering, helped me make some minor adjustments before we brought it to the studio. Chris, Benjamin McCarthy (engineer) and I played all the instruments on the track so it was just a matter of everyone laying down their parts and hearing it come together. It was an amazing experience hearing my song come to life!
How and when did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career as a musician?
Growing up I think I always knew I wanted to do music, I have always sung and I started writing songs in early high school. However, I decided not to pursue it when I left high school as I thought it wasn't going to be a viable career choice and I had a lot of self-doubt in myself as a musician. I ended up doing a science degree instead with the hopes of getting into veterinary medicine. When I couldn't get the marks to be a Vet, I sort of thought "stuff it! I'm going to go do what I actually want to do." I then went and did a music degree, which helped me get my confidence up and I never looked back.
Have you evolved as a musician since making that decision? If so, in what ways?
Yes, definitely, I've learnt so much in the past two to three years. Sometimes the music industry can feel like walking in the dark with your arms out, just hoping you run into something. By meeting others in the industry and hearing their insight, it really helps to turn some lights on. My song writing style is also constantly evolving; every song I write is different.
Who are some of your biggest influences – famous musician or otherwise?
I always struggle to answer this question! My influences are again something that is constantly evolving. I always try and create music that is different to what's already out there in the world but recently I've been really inspired by Josh Pyke; his lyrics are some of my favourite out there, being both poetic and relatable. Another artist I really look up to is Ainslie Wills; she combines some really interesting song writing with a pitch perfect voice – those are two qualities which I really strive to achieve with my own music.
How would you describe your own musical sound to someone who had never heard of you before?
My sound is somewhere in the realm of Alternative and Folk. It explores a range of different colours and emotions, and it always aims to take the listener elsewhere.
In your honest opinion, what are some of the elements which make up a great song?
Oh, there are so many! I can be a bit over-analytical when listening to music sometimes. Generally, if a song has some good vocals, good lyrics, good melody and is doing something a bit different to what's already out there then I'll have an appreciation for it. In addition, I think it's important for a song to have meaning, I really enjoy songs that make me feel something.
What are your plans as a musician for the future?
So, in a months' time I'll be doing a single launch gig for 'Blue Sky Soda Stream' which I'm really excited about! Then I will have a couple more songs recorded which I'll be releasing as singles in the months following. In the meantime, I'll keep writing and gigging both solo and with my band and I'll see what happens!
Listen to 'Blue Sky Soda Stream' here.
Find out more about the forthcoming single launch gig here.
Keep up to date with Rachel Caddy by liking her Facebook page!
Photo Credit Lisa Businovski
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