WERS 88.9 fm Artist Interview: Rachel Cole

March 18, 2007

 Rachel Cole’s music is a batch of lively but pleasant Jewish songs covering themes of prayer, holidays, peace, and other bible-based subjects.  But although most of the content is religious, she uses a very new approach to her songs in the hopes of reaching out to those ready for something both thoughtful and energetic.  Cole takes traditional liturgy and prayers and then provides a more contemporary sound of blues and spirited pop rock to back them up.  

In addition to being a singer-songwriter, Cole is also a service leader and musical teacher at Temple Isaiah in Lexington, Massachusetts.  Instructing children has changed her outlook on her own music because it has not only transformed her audience but also inspired her to continue making motivating songs.  In talking about the children she works with, her emotions light up and she is reminded of exactly what encourages her to create new music.  “Their faces, their smiling, their dancing, those are the things I feel in my gut that tell me that this is what I need to do,” she says.

Cole likens her growth as a person to her evolution as an artist.  “My music is indicative of where I am in my life,” said Cole.  When she had children, her music was more kids-themed and she released a CD entitled Shirim L’Yeladim (Songs for Little Ones), but as her children grew up, so did her melodies.

While Cole’s lyrics center primarily around Jewish themes, she has also brought much of her own personal background into her songs and these are much further explored on her upcoming album.  She considers about half of her new songs secular, and says that the new record explores a “new depth” because she takes on her own feelings while still maintaining the worship elements familiar in previous releases.  

In going through life’s various personal transitions, Cole came to the conclusion that “I can’t write for the audience.  The best music has come to come out of me and you hope the audience likes it,” she said.  “I’m proud of where my music is going.  I’m allowing myself to explore musically and not be afraid to be real about it.”

Cole’s new album will hopefully be released sometime in the late spring.  “I’m putting myself out there,” she said.  “I think it’s my best work to date.”

www.rachelcolemusic.com

- Kailani Koenig-Muenster