Questions w/ Rachael Cantu (part one)

Back in November, I introduced you to Southern California based singer/songwriter Rachael Cantu. Her brand new album, "Far And Wide", had just been released and now she's off and running for a successful 2010 including several tour dates this spring with BB King. If you're in the SoCal area, you can catch her tomorrow night (1/19) at The Hotel Cafe in LA. I've been enjoying the heck out of her new album, and I'm excited to bring you part one of "Questions" w/ Rachael Cantu...

StSL – Thanks for joining us, Rachael! Your second studio album was just released in November. What can you tell us about “Far and Wide”?

Rachael – Far and Wide was a passion project. It took quite awhile to get things just right so that I was even able to step into the studio. I wasn't on a label anymore, had to figure out my own legal things, who I want to work with, etc. All in all it ended up being such a good feeling, good vibing record, all around. I really lucked out by working with such amazing people on this record.

StSL – What is your favorite song off “Far and Wide” and why?

Rachael – I am so proud to say that every song on this record is my favorite song. There is not one song that I feel bothered to play live or think could have been recorded better. All these songs came from such an honest place and I'm really proud of the songs on "Far and Wide".

StSL – A song of yours that I really enjoy is “Thieves and Their Hands”. Can you share a bit about the story behind that song?

Rachael – There is a time in many a young persons life when the good ol' creditors start calling because you made some poor choices at a young age. Maybe you were offered 5 credit cards at the age of 18...and you took them, maybe your limit was $8,000 on one of the cards (because you added up your household income including your parents income, also), maybe you bought the most expensive guitar and amp that you could on a credit card when you were young and stupid. Only one of these things happened to me, but I know a ton of these stories. "They come from all over the land, collecting the thieves and their hands" - that's a reference to creditors. So, from that came a sense of, "what am I doing?? I've got to get up and do something!" And thankfully, a really fun song came out of it!

StSL – You’ve had the opportunity to tour with some great artists such as Tegan & Sara, Pat Benatar, and the legendary B.B. King. Are there any stand-out experiences you can share from those shows?

Rachael – Oh, yes, many! Being hugged and thanked by BB King, himself, on stage was a HUGE one...pumping my fist in the air and singing loudly along with the crowd to every Pat Benatar song , while sipping on a special cocktail created by and offered to me by Spyder himself (don't worry, it was just beer, ice and lemons, but it was delicious!)...sharing a van and many memories with my good pals Tegan and Sara and their crew...There are just too many to list, but those are a few experiences that have really stuck with me.

StSL – Who would you count as some of your influences?

Rachael – Bjork, Radiohead, Tom Waits, Nina Simone, Harry Nilsson and many more.

Head on over to MySpace.com/RachaelCantu to learn more and be sure to check back right here tomorrow for part two!