Rachael Sage releases a career-defining album in the form of Character. Written in the wake of a life-changing cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery period, Rachael Sage was forced to ask herself, “what comprises character?” Throughout the revelatory 12-song collection, Sage reflects on deeply personal themes including bravery, gratitude, compassion, authenticity and optimism - and we are privy to this most personal of processes. Character is released Friday 24th July 2020 via her own label, MPress Records.
Album opener 'Blue Sky Days' is also the latest single, an outpouring of gratitude in the most humbling of forms as Rachael Sage discusses how lucky she feels to be alive. It sets the tone for the album as a whole, a wide-eyed look at the world anew, with a newfound reverence for music as a tool for healing. This coupled with the signature poetic lyricism, musical activism and emotive and astute songwriting which Sage is known for makes for a truly remarkable release. Character is a musical testament to the miracle and mystery of the human experience, in all its inspiring, painful and confounding glory. On the album, Sage says, "I hope these songs honor just how resilient the human spirit can be, and remind us that sometimes 'it’s ok to not be ok'."
Other notable lead tracks 'Bravery's on Fire', 'Both Hands' and title track 'Character' have been similarly revelatory. 'Bravery's on Fire' began this album cycle with an exploration of what courage means to the beloved alt-pop singer. The concept of courage had to take on a whole new meaning for Sage, who recently revealed that she was diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer in 2018. She realised the concept of courage and resilience in the face of one's internal struggles is universal (and the song was received well when she began performing again), and decided to make it her first recording following her recovery. One hundred percent of the profits from this song continue to benefit Women’s Cancer Research. "The song is about finding the courage to admit one's own vulnerability and fragility — which can be very challenging for anyone, let alone a performer, to embrace."
This is a theme throughout the album as a whole, as Sage is seen constantly opening up and baring her soul, no holds barred, for us to listen to. She does it in such a confident and matter-of-fact way that she sets a precedent, not only for performers who move in similar circles in the music industry, not only for patients and survivors of various mental and physical illnesses, but for anyone and everyone who has been asked to find strength they didn't know they had in the face of adversity. Regarding her recovery, she explains, "it was the most humbling and challenging mountain I’ve ever had to climb..." Rachael Sage is a remarkable songwriter and performer, but also an inspiring person. Character is a groundbreaking record, written about a specific, overwhelming, challenge that Sage had to overcome, but will translate and reassure and give strength to people from all walks of life, climbing mountains of their own.
Character is released Friday 24th July via MPress records. For updated info on Sage’s UK live dates, visit www.rachaelsage.com/shows. Below are her socials and contact information.
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rachaelsage
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rachaelsagepage/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rachael_sage/
WEBSITE: http://rachaelsage.com
