Rachel Bochner
NYC-based singer/songwriter Rachel Bochner has released her new single “Strangest Dreams”.
The atmospheric new single was co-written with Sasha Bellentine, Annick Blaiz and produced by BABYBOYBLUE.
“Strangest Dreams” is the first single off her upcoming EP 2 AM, to be released soon. Entirely recorded during quarantine, the 5-track EP is about the emotions and moments you find yourself in late at night. Influenced by artists like Lana Del Rey and Maggie Rogers, the NYC singer/songwriter is painting captivating and dreamy pop records.
“Strangest Dreams” is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi! I’m Rachel Bochner, and I’m a singer and a songwriter from NY. My story is a work in progress - stay tuned!
When did you start singing?
When I was really little, I think I just loved being the center of attention. I’m the middle child of 5, so maybe that had something to do with it. I loved putting on little shows for my family, dancing around and singing, so it all kinda began at a young age.
Growing up, what were your favorite records to sing along to?
I have really fond memories of my mom, sisters and me passionately singing along to the Spice Girls, the Wicked Soundtrack, Mika’s album “Life in Cartoon Motion,” and a whole lot of Taylor Swift. My dad helped me develop an appreciation for classic rock growing up too.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I didn’t start writing songs seriously until around 2018. I was an A&R intern at a record label, and about halfway through I had this aha moment where I realized my passion was for creating and sharing my own music. From that point on, making music was pretty much all I could think about. Still is!
What gave you the confidence to be an artist and release your original music?
I attended a songwriting intensive at NYU in the Summer of 2019, where I co-wrote and shared original music with other artists for the first time. After spending so much time writing by myself, that external validation really helped me begin to feel sure of myself and my ability to make meaningful music.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My mom has been my cheerleader from the start. I catch her humming my songs a lot - it's the best.
How would you define Rachel Bochner, the artist?
An aquarius with an aries rising.
"Strangest Dreams" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
At the start of quarantine, my sleep schedule was all over the place. I get a lot of writing inspiration at night, so I was staying up super late and then having these bizarre, really vivid dreams. I was like… what is my brain trying to tell me?! I wanted to write something that captured that surreal and kind of uneasy feeling.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process?
It changes based on where I am, what I’m writing about, etc. Sometimes I’m writing on piano, sometimes I’m writing over production ideas, and sometimes I’m frantically recording jumbled voice memos into my phone in public so I don’t forget an idea. For Strangest Dreams, I started playing around with an idea that’s now the chorus, and I brought that to my two co-writers/close friends Sasha Bellentine and Annick Blaize to finish writing together. Everything off of my upcoming EP was written, recorded, and produced remotely because of COVID, so that made for a unique creative process.
What do you like the most about this song?
The “SHH” at 44 seconds in and the fact that Liam (the producer aka BABYBOYBLUE) sampled his bed frame for the kicks in the verses - so fitting.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP? Who helped you create it?
It’s called 2 AM, and I’m so excited to share it. It’s about the emotions and moments you might find yourself in late at night. It feels nostalgic, but fun, and of course kinda moody. I co-wrote the songs with some very talented friends (shoutout Sasha, Annick, Eliana Ballin, and Imogen Weiss), worked with Tiger Darrow, Cairo Marques-Neto, and BABYBOYBLUE for production, and it was mastered by Torna.
Who's helping you build your career?
Supportive friends and family for motivating me, the writers/producers/artists I collaborate with for making it so fun, and Google search for everything in between. The most valuable career advice I get is typically from other independent artists, like my friend Jacob Seeger. He’s really helped me achieve this “DIY” mentality - you can’t wait around and expect someone to come out of the woodworks to help you reach your goals… You have to make it happen yourself.
What do you like the most about being an artist?
The feeling of connecting with people through music.
What's the hardest part about being an artist?
I definitely try to hide it, but I’m super sensitive. It’s been a journey learning that not everyone has to like me or my music, and that that’s okay.
What do you want to accomplish professionally and personally?
Oh man. Personally, I just want to feel fulfilled and happy. Professionally, I want to take over the world!!!
What major life lesson have you learned so far?
The jalapeno sauce from Trader Joe’s makes everything better.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
A lot more empathy.
What message do you want to give to the world?
For anyone in the US: VOTE! Please!
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