New York-based singer-songwriter Rachael Sage has been quietly making a name for herself within the modern music scene, and for good reason! Her track Albatross – Reimagined (Acoustic), is, as you might have guessed, a reworking of her original song of the same name. If you’ve not listened to it yet, you can find a full stream at the bottom of our interview…
By Jane Howkins
Back in May, you released a new single titled Albatross – Reimagined (Acoustic). What can you tell us about the song?
Albatross is a song I wrote during lockdown, when it truly seemed like the world was equal parts hibernating and on fire. We were told to keep our distance but also challenged to speak up and show up to use our voices to protest injustice – every day seemed to be more unpredictable and unstable than the previous one. Through it all there was so much loss, and so much grieving… but yet the call to envision a better, more compassionate world was constant. Albatross is basically me sitting in an attic apartment, totally isolated and missing my loved ones, trying to make sense of it all and rise to the occasion, so to speak. I was genuinely asking myself “what does it mean to be human” and every time I sing the song live now, it gives me an opportunity to remember that it’s ok to not always have the answers, and to listen with intent.
How has the reception to the track been so far, and where can it be purchased?
I’m so grateful that the track has been really well received! The video has over 27k plays in just a few weeks and it means the world to me that people are tuning in and enjoying the reimagined acoustic version of the track!My music is available pretty much everywhere, thanks to my fine team at MPress Records! And of course, on my website at www.rachaelsage.com.
The single also features Crys Matthews. How did the collaboration come about and can we expect more collaborations in the near future?
I met Crys at the Folk Alliance Conference and her voice and very socially conscious songwriting blew me away. We were in a song-circle together, Nashville style, and she was as confident as she was vulnerable. I think she is a very old soul, and was delighted when she accepted my invite sing on this single! I try not to live too far into the future, but hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to collaborate again, we’ll see!
Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?
Actually I’ve just started working on my next album, so I’ll be chipping away at that this fall between tours. But you never know – if something comes together quickly I may release it sooner than later!
Are there any more plans to release an album or EP anytime soon after Another Side?
Yes, next year I’ll be putting out a new album. It will feature my band more heavily and will be a bit of a return to my pop-rock roots!
Your music has an alt-folk sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
Honestly, when I’m not working on my own MPress artists’ campaigns, I tend to live in a lot of silence because when music is on all I can focus on is what I’m hearing. But it has been exciting to work on behalf of our artists Grace Pettis and James Mastro this year, who both have fantastic new records out on my label. It’s no secret that I love Elvis Costello and I was very fortunate to see him just last week in NYC. I also caught one of my favorite artists Sarah McLachlan earlier this month at Radio City Music Hall which was incredible. Her voice is ridiculously beautiful – it was a master class in grace and agility and her songwriting is among my favorite for sure.
Currently I do love Hozier and also really appreciate Fantastic Negrito’s music overall positively as an artist. His work ethic as a touring artist is off the chart inspiring, and his band is brilliant. There’s so much great music out there, and I hear wonderful indie artists all the time in clubs and coffeehouses. My friends Annalyse & Ryan – who appear on this album – really impress me musically, and it was an honor to collaborate!
You’re based in New York. What is the local music scene like in your part of the world?
I’m based in the Hudson Valley now, but I still work – and play a lot – in NYC. Greater New York, including Upstate New York, has so many different towns that I’m just discovering after living in the city for decades, which is exciting and humbling. Right now there’s a huge music and art festival happening in my town and I was sad to be away to miss it, but there’s a lovely listening room/theatre right on our Main Street that gets lots of national acts and I’ll be playing there next month. I recently played in NYC at a gorgeous venue called The Cutting Room and will be performing at the legendary The Bitter End in October. I’m happy I still get to keep a foot in The City That Never Sleeps!
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
My official video for Albatross will be coming out this Fall, and a few other cinematic surprises!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I’ll be on tour solidly in the UK with Will Young in September and Hue & Cry in November. All my shows are listed at rachaaelsage.com/shows and I can’t wait!!
Any last words for the fans?
Be kind to yourself, forgiving to others, and thank you so much for supporting indie music!!