Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Perl.
Rebecca, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Music was always a big part of my life. I grew up in a musical family. My mother and father both played instruments and most people in my extended family played guitar. My family get together looked a lot like a bonfire. My parents put me in piano lessons by age seven and by 13, I became enamored by the guitar. I taught myself how to play by googling ‘how to play guitar.’ I always enjoyed playing music but it wasn’t until I picked up the guitar that I started writing my own songs. I was shy growing up and songwriting became my way of understanding my own feelings. For me, singing was easier than talking; even if it was on stage in front of hundreds of people. I remember booking my very first show on Long Island (where I grew up), to showcase a bunch of songs for family and friends. It took a lot of convincing the owner of the bar that he should let a bunch of 15 years old in for the night. A lot of my teen years and summers were spent booking shows at local venues and performing at open mics in New York City in order to gain more fans. It’s how I started understanding the business.
In college, I studied advertising and graphic design knowing quite well that I would pursue my music career after graduation. I recorded my first EP right out of college and sold out The Bitter End at the release. This leads me to recording my first full-length album “Rendezvous”. I started a band and practiced every week in the basement of my parents’ house. We definitely couldn’t afford a studio space at the time. I’m still so thankful for such supportive parents! My band became my family. We all had big dreams and goals for where the music would go. We started playing shows in New York City, sold out the Studio at Webster Hall, and opened up for artists like Gavin Degraw, Teddy Geiger, Howie Day, Olivia Newton John, Tyler Hilton, Ryan Cabrera and more. It was such an exciting time and I learned the ins and outs of having to be the leader of a band and the manager of my own career. I even started creating my own graphics for social media, flyers and album covers, which made me feel better that my degree was being put to some good use.
After years of playing together, I decided that I was going to move down to Austin, TX for a new scene. I released my second album “Point Of No Return”, which was recorded half in Nashville and half in New York. I indulged myself into the small town, singer/songwriter community which allowed me to perform more often, make some money, and capture the ears of new people in the area. One of the highlights was being able to play an official SXSW showcase. Austin was a very special place, but a part of me knew that I wasn’t going to be as successful as I wanted to be without any industry in town. After my last tour on the west coast and around the southeast region, I grew tired. I grew tired of traveling, of balancing my own social, love and work life and most of all, this unknown path I was traveling down. I knew I loved performing and songwriting but I needed to find a better suited life for myself.
I moved to Los Angeles 3.5 years ago to pursue my songwriting. The writing scene in LA is so huge that it allowed me to meet people really quickly. Especially since this industry is so collaborative. I spent the first year being here going to writer events, live shows, and any social event I was able to attend. I learned that there are a million other people just like me in this city… with the same passion. It made it easy to start working right away but took a little time find my people. I got to know where my place is in a room full of writers by working every day with different people. I figured out what my strengths are and what I needed to get better at. I have fallen in love with co-writing. Sharing the process of writing with such talented people is very fulfilling. I no longer have the desire to be the frontwoman or the artist as I once did. The real joy comes from helping other artists write better songs. Outside of songwriting, I make a living through my freelance graphic design company where I help startups and small businesses from all different industries brand themselves from the ground up. Musicians also hire me to create branded content for social media and album covers. I’ve found a way to combine both of my passions.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The music industry has never been a smooth road. But for the first time in my life, I feel like there’s constant growth in my career. I’ve always been great at meeting new people, so the social aspects of being here have been beneficial. The biggest struggle for me has been navigating the industry and understanding what execs and labels really want. I don’t think we ever really have an answer which leaves us pitching music in the dark sometimes. What helped me was finding unknown artists that I believe in, and getting in the room with them to write music for their project. It took me a while to see that we don’t always have to be shooting for the best artist out there. Starting small and growing with artists can be a big success.
Another struggle I’ve had is having a voice. Working with creative passionate people and opinions can be tough sometimes. I’ve had to learn how to speak up and be confident in my own.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I’m an independent songwriter. I compose music and write lyrics and melodies. To some people, I’m known as the artist Rebecca Perl, but I consider myself more of a songwriter now. I’m very proud of the journey I’ve taken to get here. It made me a better writer, musician and entrepreneur. Having gone through the artist’s lifestyle and figuring out this industry all by myself is what sets me apart. I feel that I can wear any hat.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I grew up in a very loving and supportive family. I feel like that’s the luckiest part about my life. Without them, I don’t know if life would have given me the opportunity to take these risks and these chances to make my dreams come true.
I’ve been casted on a couple of TV shows (Songland and Will I Am’s Superdope) that could have been great moments for me… but none of them aired. I have bad luck when it comes to TV. I laugh about it with my friends. So many times have I been “right there” and it gets stripped from under me. I’m used to it by now! Haha!
I just landed my first major placement and the most streamed song I’ve had yet, with the artist OMI. It’s called “I Want You.” I work really hard to get myself in the right places, with the right people and at the right time. But I also consider myself lucky to have that happen to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rebeccaperl.com and perlgraphics.com (for design)
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/becperl
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/21fmnF2IVbAx9uP9vUFgF5?si=BZRylDdPTH6e3bgJ3UzsaQ
Image Credit:
Scott Velasquez (for the blue and pink images)
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