Hello, and a massive, unbridled Mazel Tov for making it through 2021 – and this far into the New Year!!
Rachael & MPress Records hope you are keeping safe, taking good care of yourselves, finding time to be in nature, and of course...listening to lots of great music!! Our sincere, heartfelt thanks for continuing to follow your favorite glitterfrau through these unprecedented times, and if you're new to this list – welcome!
Below are some personal thoughts from Rachael, followed by musical nostalgia, along with a smattering of upcoming news & gigs.
xoxo, light & gratitude!
Rachael & Team MPress
1. A PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM RACHAEL: "WHAT CAN I DO?"
"It's likely that most of us have myriad reasons to call 2020 the shmutz-show that it was, and have been eager to sashay as swiftly as possible toward 2021's brighter horizon. To the essential workers and healthcare heroes among you: songs could never suffice to honor your righteous efforts helping us weather these overwhelming times. I gratefully raise a virtual glass of Martinelli's to you!!
"My impression is that everyone I know (including me) has now lost someone to this virus. Anxiety and concern abound, and while I don't pretend to have answers, in my darkest moments I've looked to the beauty of nature, praised the powers that be, and made my best effort to focus on what I can do. What I can do to help others right now? What I can do to heal and nurture myself? What can I do to plant seeds of hope? What can I do to create more beauty and positive dialogue?
"Most days since lockdown, I've wrestled with impatience, grief and frustration. But I've also found humor, beauty and comfort in connecting with family and friends... and of course, via music. Thanks to your encouragement, I still believe I can be of most service by continuing to create art focused on empathy and self-love. For 40+ weeks since lockdown I've performed livestreams on Facebook, and I can't thank you enough for meeting me there. What else could enable me to feel so connected to your inimitable soulful collective presence? Bubkes!
"With that in mind, I wish you good health and as much joy and great music as possible in the year to come. Thank you for continuing to listen, and for your thoughtful and unwavering support! I can't wait to share new work with you in the months to come. Onward, my brilliant, resilient mishpuchah!"
2. TONIGHT: RACHAEL TO PARTICIPATE IN "MOVE FORWARD VIRTUAL MUSIC FEST"
Tonight, MLK Day, at 7:30 pm ET (6:30 pm CT) the Move Forward Virtual Music Fest will stream on Facebook and YouTube to raise money for the Bastrop County Monument Relocation Committee to relocate two Confederate monuments from the Bastrop County (TX) Courthouse lawn. Featured performers include Dar Williams, James McMurtry, Ruthie Foster, Eliza Gilkyson, Heather Mae & Crys Matthews, Nobody's Girl, Tom Prasada-Rao, Rachael Sage, and Grace Pettis among others, with a special appearance by The Chicks.
3. A LOOK BACK: RACHAEL'S TOP 15 MUSICAL & VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS IN 2020
- "Both Hands" single and video featured on Pop Matters and Billboard, featuring Rachael's 1st string quartet recording!
- UK legend Howard Jones invites Rachael to tour US, and also featured her in his music video
- Full-length album Character, inspired by Rachael's cancer recovery, premieres via M Music & Musicians
- "Character" lyric video and 2nd single Highlighted by Ghetto Blaster (Watch on YouTube)
- "Stay In With Sage" livestream series launches, benefiting local NYC Charities
- "Blue Sky Days" single premiered by American Songwriter Magazine
- Character hits #6 on Folk DJ Chart alongside John Prine, Bob Dylan & Della Mae!
- "Blue Sky Days" skating-themed video premiered by Pop Matters & UK News (UK)
- Global Pride 2020 invites Rachael to perform at historic celebration, with over 57 Million Viewers
- "Catch The Light" lyric video premieres via Curve Magazine
- "Character Deluxe" packages released on 2-cd book and vinyl via MPress Records
- Rachael debuts on Billboard Indicator Chart with "Blue Sky Days" single hitting #40
- "Bravery On Fire" Women's Cancer Awareness Benefit hosted by Rachael, featuring Paula Cole, Lisa Loeb & more!
- "Cave" video featuring Rachael's animated artwork premieres via Stereo Embers & OriginalRock.net
- Collaborative "Home" video features fans and friends from around the globe
4. UPCOMING 2021 PROJECTS: REMIXES, A SPOKEN-WORD ALBUM, AN EP & MORE!
Without giving away too much excitement too soon, we just wanna let y'all know that Rachael has some very eclectic and inspiring projects in the works for 2021, including:
- a dynamic new remix of her 2020 single "Cave", created by Don_Cerati (coming in February!)
- a full-length spoken word album (featuring cellist Dave Eggar, guitarists Gerry Leonard & James Mastro, clarinetist David Krakauer & more!)
- an EP of more traditional folk-driven songs, including material performed at her ongoing livestreams
- a full-length collection of Rachael's remixes through the years (you asked, and we listened!)
Keep on an eye on Rachael's Facebook and Instagram pages for more details on all these projects & more!
5. LIVE SHOWS: BOOKING VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON APPEARANCES NOW
With vaccines on the horizon and hope perpetually in our hearts, Rachael is not only continuing to book virtual appearances, but to also look ahead to late 2021 and 2022 for in-person gigs. Please feel free to reach out to booking@mpressrecords.com for ideas for Rachael – whether it be for a festival, a small venue, or house (or garden) concert!
Rachael also continues to perform her weekly "Stay In With Sage" Livestreams (6pm ET every Sunday on her Facebook Page). This month's suggested donations benefit HeartShare, which equips low income families with resources to stay warm and safe. Rachael explains, "As a New Yorker who is always mindful of just how fortunate I am to not worry whether the heat and utilities will stay on and keep me warm, this cause is very close to my heart!!"
MPress Records - The Muscle Behind the Glitter!
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New Album "Character" Out Now!
rachaelsage.com * facebook.com/rachaelsagepage
Follow Rachael On Twitter: twitter.com/rachaelsage
Follow Rachael on Instagram, too! instagram.com/rachael_sage
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