Check Out Rebecca Soul’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Soul

Hi Rebecca, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been passionate about music for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a Spanish/French-Canadian family of musicians in the suburbs of Montreal, I started taking music lessons at the age of three. Classical violin was my world until I turned 16. By then, I was practicing six hours a day and serving as the concertmaster of the Youth String Orchestra at the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal. Everyone assumed I would pursue a career in violin until a serious accident during a volleyball game changed everything. I hit my head on a pole, suffered a major concussion, and broke my wrist. The nerve damage prevented me from playing the violin for months, so I turned to singing.

During my recovery, I wrote five songs about mental health and uploaded them to my YouTube channel, where they garnered almost a million streams. That experience ignited my passion for singing, and I decided to pursue it professionally. Despite initial doubts about my vocal abilities, my journey took a significant turn in 2018 when five-time Grammy-winner Lalah Hathaway shared one of my Instagram videos with her followers. This exposure marked the beginning of my exciting journey in the music industry.

Shortly after, I participated in a rendition of Roger Waters’ song “Amused to Death,” which amassed 5.5 million views on YouTube. During the pandemic in 2021, I dedicated myself to improving my singing, taking lessons from top jazz vocalists like Aubrey Logan, Camille Bertault, and Stephanie Nakasian. I also participated in an exclusive master class with Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling. That same year, I reached the finals of “Flair XL,” an online singing competition, and won the Canadian online singing competition “Trois-Pistoles en Chanson.”

These experiences ultimately led me to apply to Berklee College of Music, my dream school. Coming from a humble background, I never imagined I could afford Berklee’s tuition, but I was over the moon when I received an acceptance letter and a full scholarship. Since moving to the U.S. and starting my bachelor’s degree at Berklee, I have been presented with countless opportunities.

In my freshman year, I shared the stage with Lalah Hathaway (full circle moment) and Chuck Rainey in front of almost 8,000 people, performed background vocals for KJ Jennings from “The Voice,” and was a lead vocalist in a Tina Turner tribute show. The Berklee Jazz Composition Department awarded me the Alex Ulanowski Award for outstanding achievement.

During my second year, I studied abroad in Spain, toured various jazz clubs, and performed in a master class for one of my favorite jazz vocalists, Jazzmeia Horn. I was part of the DownBeat award-winning Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble and joined the acclaimed a cappella group “Pitch Slapped,” which has appeared on shows like NBC’s “The Sing-Off” and “America’s Got Talent” and collaborated with artists such as Charlie Puth and Pentatonix.

In my third year, I became the president of “Pitch Slapped,” showcased my songs to songwriter Rico Love, who wrote songs for Beyoncé, Usher and Chris Brown, and sang lead in a session with Wrecking Crew member Don Randi, who has recorded hits for legends like the Jackson 5, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. The prestigious Music Biz association also awarded me a scholarship for my work in the field.

All of these experiences lead me to where I am today. Currently, I am still leading “Pitch Slapped,” and about to enter my final year at Berklee, studying Professional Music and Music Business/Management. I am also preparing to release my first EP in 2025, giving singing lessons, and performing at various venues, including Fenway Park on August 29th, where I will sing the National Anthem in front of 37K people for a Red Sox game.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has certainly been challenging, despite the many opportunities I’ve been fortunate to have. As a teenager, before I understood what I wanted to do with my life, I struggled with severe depression. I reached a point where I felt my existence was a burden, and I believed the world would be better off without me. This led to a month-long hospitalization after a suicide attempt. It might sound cliché, but finding my purpose in music truly saved me.

Before I applied to Berklee to study singing, I had also applied to a small college near my hometown in the suburbs of Montreal for a musical theatre program. Despite the fact that it was relatively easy to get in, I was denied. That rejection hit hard and made me doubt my abilities. I also struggle with strong imposter syndrome, which has been a significant barrier. Many times, I didn’t pursue opportunities because I didn’t believe I was good enough. Imposter syndrome makes you feel unworthy and convinces you that you’re not as talented as others think. Most days, I still feel like a fraud and worry that one day, someone will realize how untalented I really am, but therapy has been incredibly helpful.

Another significant struggle was dealing with sexual assault during my studies at Berklee. It left me unable to function, as I experienced random flashbacks, overwhelming guilt, and a significant loss of self-esteem. Despite these challenges, I am proud that I managed to continue my studies and work. This experience even inspired some of the songs that will be featured on my upcoming EP.

Being an immigrant also has its difficulties. Learning English later in life was challenging, especially since I grew up speaking Spanish and French. Navigating life in a country where everything is in your third language can be tough. However, I love the challenge and plan to stay in America for the rest of my life. I love it here.

Despite the obstacles, each experience has shaped me and my music. I’m proud of my resilience and excited for what the future holds.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One thing I’ve learned over time is that people love to put you in a box. They want to use one word, maybe three, to explain who you are and what kind of music you create. My jazz vocalist friend Veronica Swift once told me to never let people put me into a box. I am not one thing—I am many things. And while this might be confusing for some, it’s simply who I am.

I am a vocalist. My musical journey began with classical music, singing in classical choirs before transitioning to pop and eventually studying jazz. In my a cappella group, Pitch Slapped, I sing Pop/R&B. When people ask if I am a pop singer, a jazz vocalist, or an R&B singer, my answer is always yes. I sing, and I enjoy singing everything, though I am primarily known for R&B, pop, and jazz.

I am also a songwriter. This began with my teenage bedroom project, which garnered almost a million streams, and has continued with the songs I am currently writing for my own projects and pitches to major artists. I write pop, jazz, and R&B, and I love it.

I am also a violinist. Although I no longer practice six hours a day or serve as a concertmaster, I still play for sessions, and it remains a part of who I am. Many of my nearly 15K Instagram followers know me for my videos where I sing along to classical violin concertos.

I am an entrepreneur. I’m studying music management and taking classes in accounting, business finance, taxation, and advanced legal aspects of the music industry. After graduating from Berklee, I might manage a few artists and even start my own management company.

I am a vocal coach. I’ve been giving singing lessons since I turned 19 and have completed levels 1 and 2 of the Estill Voice Training, a world-renowned system for vocal development. In 2022, I also earned the EFP certification in Estill Voice, which required extensive study of vocal techniques. Teaching is a passion of mine, and I plan to always have a few students. It keeps me on my toes.

I am also an arranger. Many of my classes at Berklee focus on jazz arranging and composition, one of my favorite activities. I’ve arranged for several a cappella groups and plan to continue doing so.

What sets me apart is that I truly am the happiest person I know. I approach everything with joy and am grateful for every opportunity. Every morning, I write down three things I am grateful for, which reminds me of all I have. My strong work ethic, rooted in my classical background, allows me to handle long hours of practice and performance alongside my studies. I am also incredibly versatile—I refuse to be put into a box because I am many things.

I am most proud of how I’ve handled the last few years, living on my own in a new country and overcoming obstacles like sexual assault. Many of my friends have told me they don’t know how I do it, but I believe it’s my resilience and passion that keep me going.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I don’t know exactly where the industry is headed, but I have some thoughts. Social media will definitely continue to be essential for artists, but I believe AI will become a major part of how music is made and managed within the industry. Already, AI is being used in songwriting, mixing, and mastering, and its growth seems unstoppable.

I also foresee a rise in the popularity of jazz or jazz-influenced music, inspired by artists like Laufey, who recently won a Grammy. The mainstream music scene will likely become more diverse in terms of genres, reflecting a broader array of musical tastes and influences.

Additionally, I think we’re on the brink of a revolution regarding the streaming system. The current model underpays artists for their royalties, and this unsustainable practice will likely see significant changes.

Climate change will also become a more prominent theme in songs as the crisis worsens, reflecting artists’ growing concern and activism.

Lastly, I hope the music industry will become less ageist. I envision a future where artists in their 40s and 50s make their debuts with major labels and play a significant role in the industry, challenging the notion that music is only for the young.

Overall, while the future is uncertain, these potential changes reflect a dynamic and evolving industry that continues to adapt to new technologies and societal shifts.

Pricing:

• 65$/h for a zoom singing lesson

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rebeccasoul.wixsite.com/monsite/bio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccasoul_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccajalbertgonzalez/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY5PTuP6DjEsEz0MGULdc5A

Image Credits
Wesley Verge
Daniel Robert Hefetz
Bobby Waters