Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Mullen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

All of the expected hurdles, I’ve cleared. I think networking, and finding places to play, and even learning how to use my equipment have all been difficult and challenging, but I’ve completed those tasks and they are done. What is ongoing, and what I think a lot of people in any field can relate to, is self doubt or imposter syndrome. I know I belong. I like the way I sound. And yet, sometimes, before a gig, I think of how my music probably isn’t the right vibe for this venue. Or, I wish I played guitar. That’s probably what they are looking for. This never ending thought process, that is so difficult to check off my list, because deep down: I LOVE my music. But I always second guess myself going to a new place.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a singer, songwriter, pianist, and vocal recording artist.

I come from a musical theatre background, and that’s how I fell in love with singing, and I always grew up in piano lessons. It wasn’t until my early 20’s I discovered recording. I had a friend at the time, wanting to open his own studio, and so he’d offer to record some of my cover songs. And from there, I started recording and even posted some songs to Spotify.

After a while of doing that, and posting on Instagram, I was reached out to by some producers and event coordinators and from there started to both sing at events, and record my vocals to send off to music producers.

I have been gigging ever since, trying to grow my lineup of locations and venues, while playing regularly at some. I want to write and record some songs for tv and film, so I am working to network with producers and get those songs recorded to start pitching. But for now, I’m loving the process.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, is taking a step back and realizing… seeing in REAL TIME… how brave you are. Sometimes I can’t believe that I sing for hundreds of people, with just me and my piano for 2 or 3 hours. And I pack it all up and go home. I’m impressed with myself (everytime I remember) that what I am doing, so many people are too scared to do. It builds my confidence. And that’s because of me. No other person. I have taken my self esteem into my own hands and it is no longer dependent on the validation of others.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

For me, it can be very lonely. Singing and playing piano for an event, or recording in my home studio, … it creates something beautiful, but there is so much vulnerability that goes into it. While I don’t require validation, acknowledgement and appreciation for what I have done, goes such a long way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.rachelmullenmusic
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6xKAY3XSE0pvqXIjtneIpH?si=sdPelGPpTPm5YzDwk12eYQ

Image Credits

Morgan Wright