Interview with Rachael Sage

Since founding her own label MPress Records two decades ago, NYC-based alt-pop artist Rachael Sage has steadily released a slew of vibrant, dynamic albums described by Goldmine Magazine as “mesmerizing…thoughtful, pensive and flush with an emotional flourish, all carefully and adeptly executed.”

She has toured with an eclectic list of artists including Ani DiFranco, Beth Hart, Howard Jones, and Grammy® winners Shawn Colvin and Judy Collins – with whom she also recorded a critically-acclaimed duet of Neil Young’s “Helpless”. In addition to being a six-time Independent Music Award-winning musician and producer, Sage is also a John Lennon Contest Grand Prize winner who has released over 20 diverse albums and EPs. Sage has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, SXSW, and toured globally from Japan to Berlin with her band, The Sequins. Sage is also a visual artist and former ballet dancer who performed with the New York City Ballet. She is additionally a philanthropic advocate who has raised money for a wide range of causes, including WHY Hunger, American Refugee Committee, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital and National Network For Youth (NN4Y).

What first got you into music?

I started playing piano by ear when I was 2 and a half years old, even though both my parents were not musical. But they took me to the local community theater and eventually some Broadway shows, which I started playing by ear. They were very surprised and a bit overwhelmed realizing they had a very musical child on their hands, but they didn’t push me at all. I just started spending more time at the piano and within a couple years I was practicing several hours a day, and writing my own songs…mainly about my friends or fantasizing about actors or musical celebrities I had crushes on!

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

I compose all kinds of music but my two most recent albums, “Character” and then my side project “Poetica”, have straddled everything from folk-pop to Americana and jazz-fueled spoken word. Both albums also have an abundance of strings, a nod both to The Beatles and my many years as a classical ballet dancer. Ultimately, I’m in the business of telling stories – both personal and imaginative – with music that’s as richly dynamic as possible. I’ve been told “Poetica” sounds like a cross between Leonard Cohen and Kronos Quartet, which is certainly flattering!

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I am asked this question frequently, and I always say the same thing: Elvis Costello. He’s been a huge influence and it would be an honor but moreover I also imagine it would be a big joyful kick in the arse, because I have so much respect for his talent, imagination and intelligence as an artist.

If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?

I absolutely adore Glen Hansard’s voice and songwriting, and his records move me like no one else. I would be delighted to open a show for him, and I do happen to this we’d make an excellent musical match!

What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?

I trained to be a classical actor, so most likely I’d be pursuing acting professionally; I also designed jewelry and clothing in my 20’s so I might have a little boutique / coffeeshop…but nothing makes me as happy as recording in the studio and performing my music for diverse listeners, all over the world!

Where have you performed? What is your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

I’ve played thousands of shows and so many wonderful venues stand out in my mind, but other than my ongoing US touring – with highlights such as SXSW in Austin and Irving Plaza in NYC – my favorite overall tours have been in Japan, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. My very favorite venue is Union Chapel in London. It sounds incredible and the whole vibe is pretty magical! My least favorite venue was a “historic” dive bar in NYC’s East Village that a lot of people romanticize so it shall remain unnamed…

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can balance two intertwined forks on a quarter against the lip of a wine or beer glass. It’s made me a lot of friends in many a pub!

If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?

I am writing an autobiography, so I don’t want to give away that title; but here’s another that didn’t make the cut: “Chronicles of a Chronic Creative”

If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name?

My superpower would be to stare into any villian’s eyes and get them to immediately apologize, and genuinely mean it, with my powers of hypnosis and je ne sais quoi. And my superhero name would be “Guilt Girl”.

You are a new addition to a crayon box. What colour would you be and why?

I would be Revelation Red. A red that changes your life and makes you want to draw outside all the lines!

What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?

I love all Moroccan and Turkish dishes, but I think some nice grilled vegetables and halloumi (cheese) would land pretty well with me!

Poetica, the newly released spoken-word concept album conceived by Rachael Sage, has just released a brand new music video for “Sleep When I’m Tired”! The video was first premiered in The Bluegrass Situation and Americana UK