Meet Rachel Bochner

A pop songstress with insights that will cut you right down the center. Rachel Bochner has been firing out infectious hooks, and delicious vocals since early 2019. Fresh off the release of their single “Be Happier” we got a chance to talk to Rachel about books, advice, and songwriting. Check it out!

A self-portriat by, Rachel Bochner

Would You Rather

be hugged by a very sweaty person for too long, or ride an elevator with someone who is farting a lot? Why?

Oof. Unsolicited body contact is a no from me (and what about social distancing?!), so I have to go with the stinky elevator ride. Or maybe it’s a great day to take the stairs…

Some questions with Rachel Bochner

What was the last book you read? Did you like it?

Don’t make fun of me, but I really reverted back to my middle school self while reading the new book in the “Twilight” series, Midnight Sun. I was, like, deeply obsessed with Bella and Edward’s love story when I read the books as a kid, so Midnight Sun brought back a lot of memories. I’m trying not to fully remember the ‘Team Edward’ sweatshirt I wore to the midnight movie premiere of Twilight though… yikes.

If you could give yourself ten years ago any advice what would it be?

I stopped playing the cello when I was 13 because I was self conscious (also pretty bad at it, but that’s besides the point), but how cool would it be if I could accompany myself on the cello today?! In all seriousness though, I’d probably tell that pre-teen version of myself to care less about what people think, and focus more on the people and things (like music!) that make her truly happy.

What does your family think about your music?

They’re awesome. I’m pretty sure half of my streams come from my mother. Especially in quarantine, my sisters have become my go to photographers/videographers for all my cover art and visual needs. :P

What was the drive behind your single “Be Happier”?

Be Happier was inspired by my experience dealing with depression. It honestly started out as a cathartic way to express some of the frustrations I was having at the time I wrote it (almost two years ago now). Mental health related issues can be really hard to articulate, and I was having a tough time with feeling unable to explain why I was feeling or acting a certain way to the people in my life. Hearing the same old platitudes (even from myself at times… invalidation, man) left me feeling lonely and kinda guilty that I couldn’t fully appreciate the good in my life. I sat on the finished song for a while, because it felt almost too personal to release. I decided to put the song out, despite that discomfort, with the hope that someone going through a similar situation might hear it and feel less alone. Everyone’s mental health journey is different, but I think Be Happier touches on emotions that a whole lot of people can relate to in their own way.

What kind of message do you want telegraph to people who listen to the track “Be Happier”?

I hope that listeners who are going through (or have gone through) mental health struggles of their own can listen, relate, and feel validated and/or more understood. For listeners who haven’t personally dealt with depression, I hope that the song offers a little insight on why it’s not always an option to just “be happier.”

How do you navigate being a musical artist during quarantine? Have you done any Livestream concerts?

I’m extremely grateful that my family and friends have remained in good health during these weird and scary times, and I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to spend a lot of this newfound free time just creating/sharing music! I definitely miss in person shows and writing sessions, but at this point I’m pretty used to Zoom/FaceTime co-writes and livestreams. It’s a lot of emails, google docs, and getting irritated when my WiFi decides to suck during a co-write, but in the end we’re still creating music and having fun. I’ve done a few livestream sets from the desk in my bedroom for Queued Magazine during quarantine - though it isn’t quite the same as seeing people react in real time, it’s nice to read people’s comments as I’m performing and interact with an audience in that way.

How involved are you in your music production?

Most of the songs I write start on piano, so it’s honestly a magical experience seeing the song transform through the production. I’m currently working on an EP with songs produced by Tiger Darrow, BABYBOYBLUE, and Cairo Marques-Neto. I love that each producer brings such a unique and creative perspective to the table that helps bring the project alive in ways I couldn’t on my own. I can’t wait until I can work with people in person again though - there’s something special about being in the room where it happens.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

I want to continue to use the release of Be Happier as an opportunity to shoutout and encourage donations to an organization called BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health). It is a collective of advocates, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, artists, teachers, psychologists and activists committed to the emotional/mental health and healing of Black communities. You can learn more about BEAM here. Also PLEASE vote! Okay that’s all! Attachments area