Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Mazer.
Rachel, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m a professional musician (singer, songwriter, saxophonist) living in Los Angeles! Initially when I moved here, I didn’t intend on staying. At the time I was briefly living in the Bay Area trying to decide my next move when an affordable sublet opened up on the East Side at my friend’s house. I really didn’t know if LA or the timing would resonate with me, but the rent was a month to month situation, so it didn’t feel like a permanent or a weighted decision to me. I packed a suitcase, an air mattress, my saxophones and guitars, and drove down the I-5 to East LA a couple weeks later.
After being here for almost two years, I truly can’t imagine living anywhere else! There’s so much going on in LA right now -cool gigs and great players. A big reason why I moved here was to play with talented artists and musicians, so it’s been really fun and a dream to do that. From afar people think the LA music scene is super cut throat and competitive, but that’s not been my experience. I love being around creative and interesting people, artists and freelance musicians. And I’m happy to be a part of a supportive scene of musicians who understand that everyone goes higher if we lift each other up.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
It’s so important to process whatever life throws at you and move through your feelings- music can be a great vehicle for that. If a beautiful song comes your way at the moment you’re open to receiving it, you can’t help but be moved. It wakes you up. And very often great songs don’t have these outrageously original messages. They can just help you remember these ancient and fundamental things about the world and yourself. I’m a person who has experienced profound loss and grief, so I feel that really deeply when I write or listen to music with that intention.
When I perform, I just want the audience to feel something. As entertainers, and especially those of us performing original music, all we can do is be our authentic selves, get up on stage and do the thing. If you’re up there being present and unapologetically you, it creates a space that allows everyone else to be present with you in that experience. I think people appreciate that. That’s what I’m going for anyways.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Surround yourself with a supportive community. It truly takes a village to pursue your art as a career, so hold each other up. Share connections, resources, knowledge, skills, and support.
Don’t be afraid to go for opportunities that you want, even if the fear-of-failure thing is happening inside you. Push past the boundaries that you created for yourself because they’ll only hold you back from experiences. Just go after your art and create it. Work hard and be open to receiving.
Next month I’ll be going on tour with May Erlewine and Anna Ash, two of my favorite artists/songwriters, where I’ll be playing electric bass. That’s a relatively new instrument for me, so I’ve been practicing A LOT in preparation. With the singing/saxophoning around town and finishing an album, I am already very busy, so I basically start and end my day playing bass to ensure that I keep up with my practice routine. Practicing feels really inspiring and grounding for me, so this gig has been a really cool excuse to put in the hours on their beautiful music. Definitely super grateful and excited to be doing this tour!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m releasing my first full length album in September 2018, so with the exception of Instagram videos, you’ll have to wait to hear my original music. We’re starting the rollout of videos and singles very soon, so that’s exciting!
Tyler Duncan is the producer on my album. Working with him has been so special and a dream for me. He’s also a close friend, so we’ve had a great time together! Julian Allen and James Cornelison have been with me since day one with their support and have done beautiful arranging and writing on the album – they are also two of my closest friends, so it’s been so fun and special to work with them as well. Every artist who puts their time, financial resources, and heart on the line to create their music deserves to feel one hundred about their producer and team – and I truly feel that way! It takes the efforts of a lot of people, and I’m super fortunate to be supported by my talented friends.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mazerlionness
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelmazermusic
- Twitter: @rachmazer
Image Credit:
Rob Colletti, Andrew Cohen, LeBrun Jackson, Nicole Lauria, Alain Navas, Marc Mazer
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