StSL – Like me, you’re a Southern California native. I hear a lot of criticism about the L.A. music scene, particularly that it’s too competitive and doesn’t have enough of a sense of unity. What has your experience been like working as an artist in that area?
Rachael – I would have to agree with that to a point. I lived in Boston for almost 4 years and ALWAYS felt a sense of community with bands and players there. Everyone just wanted to play. Whether they were amazing violinists, incredible guitarists, etc etc etc...they didn't want anymore than the opportunity to play. I met some very gracious and talented musicians over there. Luckily, I've met a good handful of musicians like that out here. Funny enough, most of them are Berklee School of Music grads (a music school in Boston).
StSL – I’ve said before on this site that I believe the balance is shifting to where great music is coming more consistently from the independent world than from the labels. What have you found to be the drawbacks or the advantages of being an independent artist?
Rachael – There are many benefits, such as creative control, financial control, being your own boss, etc. But, I do understand why people have labels. It's A LOT of work to run your own business. Usually a label will issue some tour support, which really helps. Touring is REALLY expensive and it's not easy to come up with that $ on your own. Which is a huge reason I haven't toured outside of the states just yet. People don't realize how expensive it is to tour outside of your own country. That's where the support of the fans come in. Hopefully people BUY your record so that you can continue recording, touring, making merchandise, etc. I seem to always end up talking about money when this question is asked, and that bothers me. It's all worth it when someone likes the record or the live performance. I will continue to work really hard and get out there for my fans, as long as they're out there.
StSL – Let’s step away from music for a second. What’s your favorite movie quote?
Rachael – "Do you wanna know a secret that I didn't tell anybody ever? You know how ducks fly home in a V? It's like a v-shape when they get home? I was walking my dog and I looked up and there's this big V above me, there's all these ducks flying back to their home. And right when they flew above me, I saw 'em and, they crashed into a big house! The whole V! And then, they hit the ground, and they just kinda curled up. You ever see that? Have you ever seen a mistake in nature? Have you ever seen an animal make a mistake?" - All The Real Girls
StSL – A stranger comes up to you and says, “Play me the best song ever written.” What do you play?
Rachael – I'm not good at this game, haha.
StSL – Can you tell us about what you’re focusing on right now, and what we can expect in the near future from Rachael Cantu?
Rachael – Right now the big focus is on this new record (Far and Wide). I am so proud of it and ready to share it with the world. I know it's going to be a grass roots effort, but I'm ready for it. I just want everyone to have the opportunity to hear this record. I want to tour, tour, tour, keep writing, keep challenging myself to do more and more. I want to be doing music, successfully, for years to come. And, I don't think that's too grand of an idea.
Thanks so much to Rachael for talking with us! Check out the links below and join us right back here in two weeks for another installment of "Questions".
Rachael's Official Site
Rachael on MySpace
Rachael on iTunes
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