Rachel Bochner is a New York City based singer-songwriter. With a passion for turning the trials of navigating your twenties into pop music anyone can sing along to, Rachel is unafraid to own the thoughts, mistakes, and emotions we tend to shy away from. Giving grit to vulnerability, Rachel melds the dark with the whimsical, creating a musical thumbprint that could only be recognized as her own.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
I’ve looked up to Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey for years, and I’ve also been obsessed with Fletcher, Baby Queen, MUNA, and Maisie Peters recently too. I’ve also been particularly inspired by RAYE over the past few months. She’s been so open and candid talking about her experience as a female artist in this industry, especially in regards to her experience working with a major label, unapologetically calling out the unfair power dynamics that gender, race, and other factors play into. I think a lot of women might feel hesitant to speak out and expose the not so pretty things that happen behind the scenes for fear of the backlash or being written off as difficult… or emotional… or angry… or any of the other stupid labels we place on women for reacting appropriately to things. RAYE’s album is obviously an amazing listening experience on its own, but coupled with everything she’s shared about the trials and tribulations of actually getting to this point makes it incredibly powerful. Seeing how she was able to endure this rollercoaster and come out on the other end in the most badass way… it’s very empowering.
When did you start writing music?
I really only started writing 5 years ago. I’ve always loved music, but for a while, I just didn’t realize that pursuing a career as an artist was something I could actually do. I wanted music to be a major part of my life, and I convinced myself I wanted to work at a label. I interned doing A&R in the summer of 2018, and that was also when I really got into songwriting. It kind of created the perfect storm that made me realize what I was truly passionate about was creating music. From that point on, I became completely enamored with the process of writing music.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
Taylor Swift, of course.
If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?
Right now, a lot of Mallrat, Baby Queen, Maisie Peters, MUNA, and Holly Humberstone.
Of your own music, do you have a favorite? If so, can you pin down why?
It changes all the time, but today I’d say it’s one of the songs on the EP called Hard To Please. I just think it’s really special, and I’m so excited for it to come out.
You are a new addition to a crayon box. What color would you be and why?
Periwinkle purple, because it’s my favorite color and I’m absolutely insufferable about it.
What makes you nostalgic?
Thinking about literally anything that has happened to me in the past for too long. When I think about periods of my life that are over (like school, or certain friendships, or being a kid), I get really emo. Something about the fact that those feelings can never be recreated and that the memories will continue to fade with time is a bit heartbreaking, you know? But I guess what’s beautiful about that is that as those old memories feel further away, new ones and new experiences take their place.
Which are cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?
Dragons.
Which fictional character do you wish was real?
Matt Smith as The Doctor.
Are you a valuable asset on a Pub Quiz team?
Absolutely not, but you can count on me to come up with funny answers when we’re all at a loss.
Rachel’s latest single “Sucker Punch” is the first track to be released from her upcoming EP. The type of song you’ll want to scream-sing in your car when you’re in need of free therapy, “Sucker Punch” is the cathartic soundtrack of a post-heartbreak revenge fantasy. Over moody, distorted guitars and heavy layered bass tracks, the track says to hell with the high road… being petty is WAY more fun.
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