Singer-songwriter Rachel Norman shares her debut EP Resist , taking listeners on a soaring journey of tightly bound jazz-pop harmonies, synthy string compositions, and layered melodies, all led with soaring vocals. Drawing on a variety of influences, such as Ariana Grande and Overcoats, Norman shines on her debut release with a dynamic, powerful, and irresistible delivery.
Celebrating her college graduation this spring, Norman’s lyrics reflect on her personal life and transition to adulthood, revolving around themes of family, relationships, and the female experience. Self-described as “musical poetic journal entries”, she provides an intimate and personal reflection of emotion and truth. Finding her bearings as a young adult, as well as a musician, Norman hopes others will take inspiration and self-actualization from her work, towards their own creative and artistic pursuits.
“Resist is an incredibly personal album that documents moments of tragedies as well as revelation and self-affirmation,” shared Norman. “I wrote the Intro when I was sixteen years old in the wake of my parents divorce. I wanted to include this on the album because it provides context for the duality between abandonment and consolation expressed in later songs, especially ‘Sadness’. Despite life’s hardships, there are many different kinds of love that are eternal! Romantic love is not the only kind that is capable of fulfillment, and we must resist the temptation to place our self worth in the hands of other people. It is engrained in our society for women to define themselves within the context of men, and I hope to subvert that pressure and resist it.”
Ensuring that her writing, production, and release process wouldn’t be rushed, Norman planned the release to coincide with her graduation from Muhlenberg College. Balancing devotion to both her studies and music, she gave time for musical growth, pursuing opportunities and networking through her college community and beyond. “Recording this EP has been a whirlwind, as I’ve traveled far and wide to utilize my resources across the country! Between my New York, Boston, and Washington collaborators, I’ve recorded vocals all over the place.” In a unique and non-traditional process, Norman worked with Executive Producer and Engineer Lukas Selig remotely, using technology and constant communication to share recordings, demos, and notes for development. She also worked with composer/jazz pianist Jason Leonhard, guitarist Kris Wong of the Canvas Collective, producer/engineer Michael Abiuso of Behind the Curtains Media, and producer/DJ CLOCKWORKDJ for input and collaboration across the release. “It’s been interesting to incorporate the perspectives of all of my collaborators, while also staying true to my original views and instincts,” shared Norman. “All of them have different styles and areas of expertise, so I’ve learned so much just by experimentation and stepping out of my comfort zone.” Norman performs on a regular basis at venues throughout NYC, Boston, and PA, and looks forward to expanding her reach this summer.
Resist is out everywhere now, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. At the start of her musical and acting career, Rachel Norman delivers a strong debut, with the exciting promise of more to come. A music video for her single “Sadness” will be released in coming weeks, and summer shows will be announced soon. Listeners can follow Rachel Norman on all social media channels to follow her for announcements.
About Rachel Norman
Rachel Norman is a soulful pop songstress and trained actress from NYC. She is currently finishing up her last semester at Muhlenberg College to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a double minor in Women’s & Gender Studies and Italian Studies. Over the past four years, Rachel has been performing at local venues throughout NYC, Boston, and PA in promotion of her upcoming freshman EP Resist. Most recently, she made her Rockwood Music Hall debut and headlined WMUH 91.7 FM Allentown, PA’s Red Door Concert Series, Boston Summer Music Series, and the Eastchester/Tuckahoe Summer Fest. To be released April 26th, Resist will feature collaborations with a multitude of artists, including: master producer/engineer Lukas Selig, composer/jazz pianist Jason Leonhard, guitarist Kris Wong of the Canvas Collective, producer/engineer Michael Abiuso of Behind the Curtains Media, and producer/DJ CLOCKWORKDJ.
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