In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, few artists possess the unyielding determination and artistic prowess that Rachael Sage embodies. Her multifaceted career has spanned over two decades, garnering critical acclaim and a fiercely dedicated fanbase.
As I sat down with this indomitable singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer, the underlying theme of our conversation became abundantly clear: the power of music to heal, uplift, and empower both the creator and the listener. From her introspective lyrics to her infectious melodies, we delved into the depths of Sage’s musical journey, discussing the inspiration behind her latest album, the role of vulnerability in her songwriting process, and her unwavering commitment to advocacy through music.
What inspired you to become a singer-songwriter?
I don’t think I chose to be a singer-songwriter; I think it chose me. I know it’s cliche, but in my case, it really is true. I started playing piano when I was less than three years old. My legs were dangling off the bench and they couldn’t tear me away. It was fascinating to my little developing mind how you could touch an object and out would come the most marvelous sounds. So, it was just very natural for me. And it was, in a lot of ways, my language, even ahead of reading and writing. So, it’s just always been there as a way to be expressive.
In terms of songs, I think it was sort of a natural evolution from playing instrumental music on the piano to recognizing that there were songs on the radio, there were songs on television, there were songs being played in a carpool in the car. And very quickly my brain keyed into that and I started making up my own songs, really by the time I was four or five. So yeah, I haven’t really looked back since. It’s just always been my way of expressing myself.
What artists have had the biggest influence on your music?
The most obvious group that springs to mind is The Beatles. I’m obviously not alone in them being my foremost influence as a songwriter. Musically, I was a ballet student from a very young age. I was in pre- ballet at two, three years old, running around just dancing to the music, and then eventually I became a very serious conservatory ballet student. And all of that classical music permeated my sensibility, so I found myself merging British pop and rock with classical influences by the time I was 12, 13 years old.
But also, I was just very immersed in pop music, and in all kinds of music—Top 40, Alternative. My sister was super edgy and kind of goth, so I got The Smiths and The Cure, but also pop artists like Howard Jones and Madonna. Everything really influenced me growing up because I was just a sponge for music in general. And I’ll just add that my favorite songwriter ever is Elvis Costello, and to this day I listen to his music on almost a daily basis.
How would you describe your music and style, and what sets you apart from other artists?
I think my music is a hybrid of impressionistic lyrics as well as storytelling. Some people might identify themselves as either or, but I think just like I am a painter—I’m also a visual artist and I dabble in more representational art and more contemporary, impressionistic, abstract art. I think I’ve always been drawn to abstraction and poetics in my lyric writing alongside storytelling and directness.
And it’s the balance and the juxtaposition of those elements in my music that really drives my quest to find that purposeful way of expressing what’s deeply in my soul and hopefully encouraging other people in their own various ways to do the same in their lives. So, my live shows are all about freedom and forging through fear and looking at issues in the world squarely, but also more ephemerally. I think it’s that balance that I’m always looking for, and maybe it comes from my immersion in ballet and classical music. But I think there are just infinite ways to express the human spirit, and that’s always what I’m trying to do.
