I want to be heard

Rachel Grey

ROYTON singer/songwriter and talented all-round musician Rachel Grey is excitedly gearing up for the release of her first album ­- "Times Like These" ­- and she's hoping it goes down a storm.

Rachel, an accomplished pianist, singer and guitarist, has been working on 15 brand new original tracks in tandem with London-based producer Dan Farrell, and hopes that the album will be released before Christmas.

Attention

After spending a number of years just under the radar on the local music scene, "Times Like These" is hopefully set to be an album that truly showcases Rachel's varying and considerable talents, and brings them to the attention of the masses.

She told the Chronicle: "I just want to make sure that people can hear me sing a number of different genres.

"I think a lot of the tracks are modern jazz ­- if there is such a thing ­- and soul/funk. That's how I'd explain the album.

"It's soul, it's funky, and there are a lot of jazz influences in it, because that's where I feel comfortable.

"There's pop in there, r 'n' b, jazzy stuff and ballads, but I do think I am more of a soul artist.

"I want people to hear that I'm not just a singer too, though.

"I'm a writer, a musician as well. I do sing, and I love singing, but there's more to me than that."

Rachel has already released one single off the album for free ­- "Pillow Talk" ­- a beautifully-sung ballad which features an orchestral backdrop.

Taster

"I just put 'Pillow Talk' out there as a taster really," added Rachel.

"I wanted people to say 'oh, this'll be on the album and maybe this type of thing is what we can expect'.

"There's been some positive vibes come back from that release and it's been played on a number of radio stations. In fact it was played in Australia the other week.

"There's been some good feedback and good reviews so I'm pleased.

"It's a nice song to chill out to and relax, but there are a lot more tracks on the album that are upbeat."

Rachel has been relatively quiet this year as she has been focusing hard on recording her new tracks, though there have been successful collaboration releases ­- including "Show Me" alongside Rico Garcia ­- while she is also hoping for a big break into the world of TV and/or radio advertising.

Rachel added: "I was contacted by a company to potentially write music for advertisements, and if not to write the music, then to sing for others who have written the music.

"That's something I'm working on at the moment, and I really hope that takes off.

"People might hear my voice or my music on TV, but they won't know it's me that's done it.

"They just liked the fact that I sang different genres, and for advertising companies they like someone to cover lots of different styles.

"You never know, I might end up singing about toothpaste or something, but I hope this works out.

"I just keep plugging away because music is what I love to do. It's with me all the time."

Keep an eye on Rachel's dedicated Facebook page for the latest on the album release date, while she is also looking forward to playing some live shows in the new year to help promote "Times Like These".