INTERVIEW: Rachel Brunet

1.)    We’re very excited to be speaking today with acclaimed singer and songwriter Rachel Brunet; greetings and salutations, Rachel! Before we dive into the proverbial Q&A musical rabbit hole, how is the freshly-minted 2023 holiday season treating you?

So far so very good, Christmas trees are decorated, gifts are wrapped, the social calendar is filling up rapidly and parties have been planned. I’m looking forward to being surrounded by the love of family and friends, enjoying the cozy atmosphere that comes with this special time of year.

2.)    Major congratulations on your breathtaking debut single Morning Noon and Night! Starting at the very tip-top, what inspired this gem of a tune?

Thank you very much. The song came about when a good musician friend of mine Peter called me up one night and said “hey Rach, what do you think of this riff”? “I’m gonna love you, Morning, Noon and Night”. I immediately loved it. While on the phone, I started writing and the words just poured out from my heart onto paper. This song was written during a challenging time in my life where I knew change needed to happen and through this song, it pretty much manifested.

3.)    The  legendary Barry Haggarty of Ronnie Hawkins and Shania Twain fame did the producing honors on Morning Noon and Night. What did your collaboration process look like with Barry while working on the song in the studio?

Considering it was my first time being in a studio it went very well!! I met Barry through a mutual lyricist friend of ours Harold Hutchins. I reached out to him, sent my lyrics and told him my creative direction, then I met him at the studio. It was all super informal and we jammed out an acoustic session. While I sang the melody he piqued away on the guitar. Later we laid down vocals, and the rest is history.

4.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates Morning Noon and Night from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music landscape?

“Morning Noon and Night” aims to offer something beyond just music – perhaps because it’s a story of a journey, my journey and an immersive experience that I believe sets it apart in the diverse landscape of 2023 music. The emphasis on the storytelling of my personal experiences within the lyrics distinguishes “Morning Noon and Night.” This song is a chapter in a larger narrative, allowing listeners to connect on a deeper level and find pieces of their own lives reflected in the music. This song is ‘country-kissed’, allowing it to be received by multiple genres of music. 

5.)    You’re a proud and card-carrying French Canadian from Ontario. How do those unique roots inform you as both an artist and as a person?

Being a proud French Canadian from Ontario is an integral part of my identity, both as an artist and as a person. I find myself always thinking in French first while I am writing and creating. I’m hoping that my style and future songs will reflect the diversity and vibrancy of my background. I also have a French song in the works which I’m very excited to share. 

6.) Word ‘round industry campfire has it that you’re currently hard at work on your debut EP – Congrats! Can you give our ever-inquisitive readers a hint or three as to what they should expect from your debut EP?

Thank you! Yes, I am so excited about my debut EP. To describe it in one word, diversification. My goal is to do something that’s different. I like diversity in all forms. I simply love unique cultures, genres, and languages which my EP will hopefully blossom in that direction. There will definitely be a little country, pop, rock, blues and jazz. It’s very important for me that my music touches and reaches a variety of listeners.

7.)    As a singer and songwriter, which generally comes first for you: The lyrics or the music?

Definitely the lyrics, it’s always my starting point. Once the lyrical foundation is set, I come up with a melody and then the musical elements follow.

8.) Who inspires you musically?

I’m a true rocker at heart but have an appreciation for all genres. I’m a fan of Melissa Etheridge, Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin and a sucker for Guns and Roses & Motley Crue. I love the classic 70’s and 80’s!

9.)    Morning Noon and Night feels like it bridges the world of country music with the land of pop. Was that always your intention, are you a fan of both styles of music?

My intention was to have this as a rock song but when you sit in a room with Barry, the country vibes just flow. I thought about revamping it to make it more of a rock tune but something told me to just leave it the way it is and I’m happy I did.

10.) In the wake of the release of Morning Noon and Night, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?

Touring is the end game but who knows where my journey will lead. Right now, my band and I are performing throughout the GTA. 

11.) What can you tell us about your recent stint as the lead singer for the band No Looking Back?

Being the lead singer for No Looking Back has been an exhilarating and transformative experience. I auditioned for other bands on a few occasions, but it just didn’t seem to work out. I was stuck on wanting to sing the songs I liked to sing, including my own songs so I was blessed to find my band family.  No Looking Back is more than just a band for me; it’s a collaborative journey where each member brings their unique talents and perspectives to the table and I am so grateful to have them by my side as they support my personal musical journey.

12.) At the end of the day, what do you hope music lovers walk away with after giving copious spins to your beautiful debut single Morning Noon and Night?

This song is about love, hope, perseverance and not wanting to quit. At times we are faced with difficult decisions to make, especially when we are not the only parties involved and we need to look outside of ourselves for guidance, whether it be from Above or around us. I hope my song inspires others to look outside themselves and pay attention that there’s always help along the way to get us back to finding courage, light and our true selves.

https://rachelbrunet.hearnow.com/

https://rachelbrunet.bandcamp.com/track/morning-noon-and-night

https://www.facebook.com/rachelbrunetmusic

https://www.instagram.com/rachelbrunetmusic/

About rj frometa

Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.

Check Also

Forged in Fire: OBLIVEA and the New Blueprint for Independent Rock

New Orleans, LA — In an era where rock music is often declared dormant, OBLIVEA …