Rachel Farris

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Rachel's CD, "Soak", is now available on iTunes International
Become a fan and find Rachel on Facebook here
A native of Orlando, Florida, Rachel Farris has been playing piano since age 7 and began writing music before she was in her teens. The singer-songwriter grew up on the music of her parents, the Bee Gees, Simon and Garfunkel, and a lot of country, but was soon cranking the Cranberries, Lisa Loeb, and Alanis Morisette. “But no matter how much I liked someone,” explains Farris, “there was never one artist that I felt really said it for me. I always had to make my own music.”
Rachel put together a 10-song demo that led to her contract with Big3 Records, distributed by Warner Entertainment’s ADA. Rachel co-produced her debut with John and Dino Elefante. “When I write music, I hear it all in my head—the drums, guitars, keyboard parts and strings, the whole flow of the song,” explains Rachel, who thrived on both sides of the recording booth.
On the strength of the resulting album, Soak, Rachel was selected as the launch artist of the LidRock campaign in May, 2003. Two tracks from it were given out to over 3 million consumers via mini CDs which were affixed to the lids of fountain drinks at Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres, Edwards Theatres and Hoyt’s Cinemas. In addition, another 800,000 lids were given away at Universal Theme Parks. The unique marketing platform was supported with an extensive in-theatre promotion program that included a three minute promo with excerpts from Rachel’s music video and live footage. It was seen by over 25 million movie attendees. Her debut single, I’m Not the Girl, was a top 50 hit on the pop charts.
Rachel independently recorded and produced her sophomore album, Fairytale, without a record label in 2006. It is available for download via Bandbox on this page. She is now hard at work writing and producing material for her third album.
***What People Have Said About Rachel's Music***
• This CD is AWESOME! author: "gottahavemusic2"
I am amazed at the versatility of this artist. She is a songwriter who writes and sings from her heart. Each song on this album is unique, and you are never bored, as with some albums where all the songs sound similar. I love the single,"I'm Not the Girl". It's what we'd all like to say to at least one person we know! I hope "Soak" becomes the next single. The beat puts me in a great mood! "So Good" is amazing and I just want to yell at that guy! "The End" makes me want to cry and "It's All You" cheers me on! All the songs are awesome! I can assure you that you will enjoy this album. So go buy it, YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!
• AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! author: Corinna Willsie
I saw her in Los Angeles, and she's amazing. Not only can she sing, but she truly feels what she's singing about. When she sang, "So Good," she cried. You could hear it in her voice that she was truly feeling the pain of the break-up. The difference between a good singer and a great one is whether or not they feel the content of the song. She does. I had the pleasure of meeting her afterwards when I asked for her autograph, and I must say, she's a sweetie. She is truly one of the nicest and most talented women you could ever meet. SOAK is well worth the money.
• She knocked me out! author: 'Mister Ed' Lambert, PD KZZO-Sacramento
"She came, she sang, and she knocked me out!"
• Everything that power pop music should be author: Billboard Magazine-Chuck Taylor
Rachel Farris is off to an auspicious start with "I'm Not the Girl," a spirited anthem of defiance that fortunately remembers that a killer hook is as essential as the ubiquitous spray of electric guitars. "I'm Not The Girl" is everything that power pop music should be, with a potent vocal, an engaging chorus that adheres to the ears, and enough edge to be cool with the kids. Sometimes a song is so obvious that when you spin it, you get it without fuss: Such is this, a bold confident launch.
• Outstanding Singer/Songwriter author: A music fan
Rachel Farris is an outstanding singer/songwriter. Every song on this album is unique and refreshing in it's own way. The songs can lift you up or bring you to tears. One thing is for sure, they are not "bubblegum" or "fake". I find myself singing these songs over and over in my head throughout the day, especially the title track "Soak" which is very uplifting and really makes you want to enjoy life to the fullest. This collection of songs is what pop/rock music has been waiting for. I had gotten so tired of the same over-produced sounds coming from so many of today's female artists. And the image they were projecting was not what today's young teens need to use for a role model. Rachel is like a breath of fresh air in the music industry and I predict that she will be around for a long time to come and will continually impress me and others with her amazing talent.
• An edgy Susanna Hoffs author: A music fan
Her voice is reminiscent of Susanna Hoffs (the childlike vocalist from The Bangles) but the background music has a feel that is more powerful than the Bangles ever produced (save, possibly, for their "Hazy Shade of Winder" remake). I prefer Rachel's heavier tunes (well represented by the first 3 tracks) but I enjoy the ballads, as well. Aside from her great songwriting, and the incredibly cool juxtaposition of her voice with the solid music, I really enjoy listening to the drummer, who doesn't seem roped-in and tame like most other pop and rock drummers. This guy actually sounds like he's having a great time back there, and it's definitely to the benefit of the music. It also tickled me to buy such a good album (and a second copy for my daughter) that wasn't from a major label. All of my purchases in the last 3 years have been from Nuclear Blast, or similar, and I just can't bring myself to supporting RIAA any more than I have to. If her label IS a part of RIAA...don't tell me...I don't want to know.
• Finally, a new talent worth buying!! author: A music fan
Rachel Farris is awesome! The fact that she writes EVERY single one of the songs shows true talent! She also plays keyboards and has an excellent voice. Unlike most albums that you buy for the single and don't like any of the other songs, this album is the opposite! Every single song is unique and wonderful. Some ballads, some Rock and some Pop. I would highly recommend this one for sure!!! Excellent! Also, go see her in concert-she rocks!!
• An amazing collection from start to finish author: Nick Laure
I went to a local radio station concert to see Lucy Woodward, but I missed her and a singer named Rachel Farris came on next. I decided to stay and watch. I was extremely glad, because I was very impressed by this new and very talented artist. Thereafter I bought the album and had it signed by Rachel, who was a very sweet girl. Anyway, about Soak... The first thing that impressed me was that every song is very good, despite her low profile. These songs are far more mature and well-written than anything that Avril Lavigne or Michelle Branch has ever released. Rachel is so eclectic...her album is made up of a variety of different styles, and it is actually a perfect combination. She shines on every song, and although it is difficult to pick any over the others, I have to say that "It's All You" and "I Guess This Is Love" are two of the best songs that I have ever heard...from anyone. This album is a must buy and I recommend it to everyone that I can. She deserves more credit and I really hope that she will get it someday.
• A Hidden Gem author: Darryl J. Smith
One day I was searching through some music sites and I came upon the name Rachel Farris. I knew nothing about her so I went to her web site and downloaded a clip of her single "I'm Not the Girl". I was immediately captivated by her incredible voice. To say she is an amazing singer is such an understatement it doesn't do her justice. I ran out and bought her CD "Soak" immediately. Soak is one of those CDs that I can just listen to over and over and over again and never get tired of it. Every song on the album is just amazing. One of the best qualities Rachel possesses is her song writing skills. Every song is like a chapter of her life that she is putting out for anyone who wants to listen. It's almost like you get to know Rachel through her lyrics and I know myself I can identify with every one of her songs. Soak is by far my favorite album of 2003 and if you buy this album yourself I am sure you will soon say the same thing!