We were lucky to catch up with Rebekah Foster recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rebekah , appreciate you joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

The first dollar I ever received was from a show I played at a winery, called Knob Hall. My brother was working for the company at the time, so he put in a good word for me. I was only 16 or 17 years old when I got the offer. I remember being so incredibly honored, excited and nervous all at the same time. “Do I have what it takes to put on a good show? Would people come out? How am I even supposed to act onstage?” These were the types of questions swirling through my head.
In the weeks following, I worked very hard at putting a set list together. I carefully wrote out all my songs in order, accounting for breaks in between sets, as well as mentally rehearsing talking points so as not to stumble over my words.
Finally the day came. I could barely eat, as I was so excited with anticipation. My parents drove me to the winery and I stepped onstage; the feeling was so surreal, as I had dreamed of this moment for so long. I looked out across the room, filled with family, friends, and many faces I didn’t recognize. I could almost feel some of their skepticism: “Who is this young girl? Can she actually sing and play guitar well?” My throat went dry as it often did when I was nervous, but nevertheless determined.
One of the first songs I played was a cover by Melody Gardot, called “Baby I’m A Fool.” As the song progressed, my confidence steadily grew. “I got this,” I thought to myself. Sure enough, a big applause ensued at the closing note. I kept playing song after song, and before I knew it the show was finished. I was overwhelmed with the warm reception and praise from my listeners. The owner even invited me back to play some other evening, to which I quickly agreed to.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started pursuing music seriously shortly after an eventful open mic I attended. I sang a song with my brother accompanying me on guitar, and the room of 70+ people erupted in a loud standing ovation. A year later, I took up guitar lessons. Once I could play a few songs, I started hitting up a local coffee shop every Thursday for their open mic night. That was where I really started to gain exposure, sharpen my skills, and develop confidence. About a year after that open mic ran its course, another one emerged at a new Artist Co-op, called Waldos, in my hometown.
Between those two places, my name began to spread throughout the area. It wasn’t long before people started to contact me to play at weddings, private parties, restaurants, etc.
It was a special time in my life. Besides playing shows, I also got introduced to many musicians from the surrounding area, some of whom would later become members of the first band I joined, Run The Willow – an indie-folk band based out of Gettysburg. I was only 19 years old when I joined, and for this particular band I sang and played the drums instead of guitar.
We were together for 5 years, and in that time I grew so much as an artist. I learned what it was like to collaborate as a team on a project, which was an important skill to have for when I launched my own personal album called Empty Sky in 2019 – the album I poured my heart and soul into, and to this day am very proud of.
Around 2021-2022, I joined my now current band, Two To Fly. We play Rock n’ Soul, and so far we’ve released two singles on all music streaming platforms. We’re hoping to record a full-length album in the near future. I also would like to release an EP and a few singles of my own again, hopefully next year.
Playing solo as well as with a band has always been the best-of-both-worlds for me. Especially now, I’ve been really enjoying where I’m at. When it’s just me, I get to connect with my audience on a deeper, more contemplative level, where as when it’s with my band, it’s more light-hearted and high-energy.
My writing style is a mix of spiritual concepts mixed with the physical realm. I write about relationships, travel, work, my christian worldview, etc. Pretty much whatever is inspiring me at the moment. I think one of the things that motivates me is actually a conviction I had in my younger twenties: That if you have a gift, work hard at it and use it for the good of others.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Ahh there are so many…but the first that comes to mind, is when people are so moved by a song I play that they actually cry. And when I ask them why, it’s usually because the song touched them at a soul-deep level, and therefore they feel seen, heard or inspired in some profound way.
To me, there is almost nothing more rewarding. I’d rather regularly play in a room of 100 people who are resonating with what I’m playing than a thousand who only want to be entertained.

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?

I think that most creatives who are in the writing or music sphere are deeply introspective, and they need an outlet to get their musings “out of their head,” so-to-speak. This is certainly true of me. I also think that for many of us, there is a subconscious pressure to be ubiquitous for the sole purpose of making a steady income, while simultaneously feeling a deep call to create something that is unique and speaks to our own creativity, though it may garner less attention.
I know that for me, that has been a struggle at times. I think it’s important for non-creatives to know that, so that they can approach us with more patience and less assumptions about our work output. But on the flip-side, I also think we creatives need to be gently challenged by our more objective or goal-oriented peers at times, and thus find the balance of putting our own unique personality in our work while simultaneously not feeling consumed by regret when we don’t.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebekahfostermusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebekahfostermusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-foster-2ab074173/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0QSHz6QfWEoCrhZFafe0Hw
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-354565388

Image Credits

. Meredith Dassoulas

. Abi Harte Photography