Writers on Track features singer-songwriter Rachel Cousins with CYMBA Music Publishing. Rachel is one of Atlantic Canada’s most promising recording artists, captivating audiences with her heartfelt songwriting and powerful voice. A two-time MusicNL Pop Artist of the Year and ECMA nominee, she was also a Top 10 finalist in CBC’s Searchlight and a Honey Jam alum. Her latest album, Aura, is a 9-track journey of self-discovery, featuring her new single “For Myself,” available on all streaming platforms.
What’s your favorite part of the songwriting process?
The things you find out about yourself and your truth that you didn’t process before the song. I find myself processing trauma or experiences or emotions constantly while songwriting. It’s time you have to approach something heavy from a playful perspective, and have it sound the way you desire. The way you start off with nothing but a melody or a single line, and end with an entire story is so fulfilling. I like that you don’t have to lie to your paper or guitar. Just say things the way you want to while writing.
What’s your biggest session highlight so far?
Recording in California with Greg Wells changed the way I viewed making music. It came so naturally and everything felt very genuine. I have never been so present in my life. I realized I had made it to the point I had always wished for as a kid, making music in California. After signing with a small label here called Scilly Cove Records, I began working on the album and got to travel to record. There were many times in studio while in Santa Monica that I felt like I was dreaming. The feeling of finishing another track and knowing that you actually really love what just happened is an amazing feeling.
How much do current market and track trends impact your creative process
They literally don’t. I’ve worked very hard at this point in my career to be making it for myself, and the people I know will understand it. It’s not for the latest trends nor is it following them. I used to feel shallow when I did that, so now I just write what I want to. I can obviously be influenced by some things, but most of the time I’m just writing what is in my head, not creating with some master plan to have a song land well with people. It’s kind of just having the faith that the right people will find it.
To learn more about Rachel, click here. Listen to Rachel Cousins on Amazon Music, Apple Music or Spotify.
