Rachel Rodriguez is headed to New York to sing Classic Country at the Metropolitan Room September 3rd and 4th. You can find out what that’s all about at www.metropolitanroom.com
Here’s what Rachel is all about:
Jaz Dorsey: What role did music and the arts play in your childhood and upbringing?
Rachael Rodriguez: There was always music and musicians in my house. My dad had a Tejano & Country band. I loved when they would rehearse. I would sing along with my hair brush microphone. I’d always go with my dad when he would set up equipment before a show, and would practice my singing and dancing on the stage. When I was about 15 I started to perform regularly with my dad in his band. We sang at festivals, Honk Tonks, bars, parties…you name it. He taught me so much and was definitely my biggest influence.
(Spanish) Siempre hubo música y músicos en mi casa. Mi padre tenía una banda de música Tejana y Country. Me encantó cuando ensayaban. Yo Cantaría junto con mi micrófono de cepillo. Siempre fui con mi papá cuando instalaría el equipo antes de un show, y practiqué bailando y cantando en el escenario. Cuando yo tenía 15 años comencé a cantar regularmente con mi padre en su banda. Cantábamos en bares, Honky Tonks, festivales, fiestas… lo que quieras. Él me enseñó mucho y era definitivamente mi mayor influencia.
JD: What performance event launched your career and how did your career evolve from there?
RR: There wasn’t one specific performance. Nashville is based on relationships and people. Reputation is EVERYTHING. Surrounding yourself with good people, great musicians and consistently playing known venues is key. I’ve been fortunate enough to have performed with some amazing talent, like legendary guitarist and writer, Steve Cropper. That experience lead to other opportunities and musical friendships.
No había un evento específico. Nashville se basa en las relaciones y las personas. Reputación es TODO. Rodearse de gente buena, músicos maravillosos y constantemente tocando lugares conocidos es clave. Yo he tenido suerte de trabajar con increíble talento, como el legendario guitarrista y compositor, Steve Cropper. Esa experiencia creó otras oportunidades y amistades musicales.
JD: What is “country music” to you?
RR: Comfort, music of the common man/woman and storytelling.
Comodidad, música del hombre/mujer común y contando historias
JD: Tell us about YOUR Nashville.
RR: MY Nashville is Rock n Roll, Country and Latin Music.
MY Nashville is playing shows for tourists, collaborating and jammin’ with fellow musicians, and sharing my love of the performing arts with children, and nurturing their creativity. My own children were my inspiration for my new bilingual children’s’ CD “Songs for My Little Amigos”. It’s my way of introducing them their Latino heritage, the Spanish language, and encouraging a love for music, movement and the arts in general.
Mi Nashville es Rock n Roll, Country y música Latina. Mi Nashville es cantando y entreteniendo turistas, colaborando con músicos, y compartir mi amor por las artes escénicas con niños, y cultivar su creatividad. Mis hijos fueron mi inspiración para mi nuevo CD bilingüe para los niños “Songs for My Little Amigos” (“Canciones para mis amiguitos”). Es mi forma de introducirlos a nuestra cultura latina, español y fomentar un amor por la música, el movimiento y las artes en general.
JD: How are you feeling about performing in NYC as part of this NYC Nashville cultural exchange?
RR: I’m so excited! It has always been a dream to sing in NYC, just as it was to work and sing in Nashville. I LOVE singing these timeless, classic Country songs and it’s an honor to represent Music City.
¡Estoy tan emocionada! Siempre ha sido un sueño para cantar en Nueva York, como mi sueño a trabajar y cantar en Nashville. Me encanta cantar esas canciones clásicas de Country y es un honor representar La ciudad de música.