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Ash-ling (n): a dream or vision
This Gaelic title appropriately describes the debut full length album of Rachel Merchand as it draws on her journey from dreams to reality. Ten beautifully honest songs pour forth from her soul, speaking of love, struggle, and the pursuit of truth. The lyrics are striking and the melodies provoking, as she gives the listener a glimpse into her heart.
Dawning from the Green Mountains of Vermont, Rachel has brought a fresh and thought-provoking perspective into acoustic-rock genre. She began performing at age 13, but did not begin writing music until 21. "I was trying so hard to incorporate tons of chords and write something poetic - I really didn't even know how to play the guitar... I gave up and that is when I wrote 'Humble'."
In April of 2003, Rachel independently released an EP, New Version of Me. The direction of this recording quickly shifted her musical career from an occasional pastime to a focused endeavor. Music then became a priority and led to a move to Charlotte, NC to pursue music full-time. It was there that the isolation of a new city laid the foundation for her new release.
In the past year, Rachel has performed solo at various venues along the east coast including, The Inside Out Soul Fest (Laconia, NH) and Tremont Music Hall (Charlotte, NC). These opportunities enabled her to expand her fan base and move out beyond Charlotte. New Version of Me is currently aired on radio stations around the US, web radio world wide and was featured on the television show, Steelroots.
Rachel's choice to remain independent from corporate media stems from her desire to maintain her unique artistic integrity. This resulted in the recruitment of Matt Malpass (¡El Toro!, The Apprentice) at Marigolds & Monsters Studios for production and Doug Van Sloun (Bright Eyes, The Faint) at Studio B for mastering. Various musicians scattered on the album, include Matt Goldman (Copeland, Anberlin) and cellist Jennifer Millis (Charlotte Junior Symphony).
The Ashling delicately breaks down issues into basic pleas for help, confronts the hard times with honest desperation yet come to hopeful conclusions. As you experience the joys and struggles of your own journey, may you be inspired and moved by these songs. |
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One of my closest friends and I have had numerous discussions over the years of the state of Christian music. I've had to grudgingly agree, frankly: Christian music has not really been up to the par that it should be lately. But there's a new generation of artists who love the Lord that are making extraordinary tunes with uncommon soul.
Rachel Merchand, a Vermont native now gracing the city of Charlotte, NC, is one. Last night I had the privilege of attending a thirty-minute set of hers at the Jammin' Java Coffee House in downtown Columbia, and was blown away. Having found a link to her page on MySpace, which automatically begins streaming the artist's songs, I sat stunned and delighted that a woman with this kind of voice and acoustic rock talent was using it in the Lord's service.
I'm not the kind of person that just goes to a show and buys a CD. In fact, I'm not usually the kind of person that goes to a show. But I'm glad I made this one—and the disc I bought, Rachel's 2003 EP New Version of Me, is one I'm glad to have added to my collection. The sound system at the coffee house was acceptable for a live venue, but doesn't do justice to this young lady's voice and talent wielding a guitar.
Her heart-felt love for God and the talent with which He has graciously endowed her both shine through, live or on the EP available from Steelroots. Two thumbs up.
- Michael Phillips
ThinkBlog.org
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I am sipping coffee at one of my favorite coffee shops in town and
am supposed to be writing an article when a wave of sensation rushes my consciousness unlike anything I have ever felt before. This audible stimulation is wrapped in the smoothest vocals and is purely feminine. The lyrics say everything I have ever wanted to say as a writer and I am mesmerized. I cannot write, I can only listen for I feel as if I am closer to understanding what it means to be human via singer-songwriter Rachel Merchand. No, she is not related to Natalie Merchant and no she does not sound like Jewel, Sarah McLauchlan or any of the other female musicians in main stream music. Merchand's music is a genre within itself and unparagoned with acoustic guitar and honest perspective.
With a voice that charmingly evokes the human experience, Merchand's paints the world in all of its allure and invites you to come along for the ride. If life had a soundtrack, I would want it be Merchand's album New Versions of Me.
- Helana Brigman
Promoter & Columnist |
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| Date |
Venue/Club |
Location |
| November 04, 2005 |
Caffe Corner |
Columbia SC, USA |
| November 12, 2005 |
Solas Tapas Resteraunt & Bar |
Greensboro NC, USA |
| November 05, 2005 |
Helios Coffee |
Raleigh NC, USA |
| November 19, 2005 |
The Potter's Cafe |
Aberdeen NC, USA |
| November 11, 2005 |
Fills |
Gastonia NC, USA |
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Location:
Charlotte NC, USA
Rachel Merchand Website
info@rachelmerchandise.com
Regular Tour Area:
NC/SC & East Coast |
