To be asked to write my story seems like a dream. Ever since I can remember I've wanted to have a story worth telling and now, well, I guess it's time to make a start.
I always liked the scene. I've always loved entertaining people and performing. I had thought, at a young age, that I would aim for the West End of London, the musicals and the stage there. Little did I know that my life would lead me down a very different path, which eventually led me to a stage anyway.
So, having spent my school years singing show tunes, while my alter ego was banging his head with heavy metal and that, now classic, alternative music of the '90s, we quickly move on to the now 21 year old Rachel, disoriented but looking for adventure on the island of Rhodes!
It's funny how often your destiny finds you and not the other way around.
I was working as a waitress in a restaurant, and they brought in a guy to do karaoke. Before long I was working for him in karaoke, and a little later, one night at work, I met a guitarist who asked me if I sang rock music as he was looking for a singer... And the rest, as they say... is history!
So now I was on stage. I was singing with a rock band and learning the ropes.
It took me a few years, but eventually I quit my day job and picked up a guitar too! I played in shops and hotels in Rhodes and sang in various rock/metal cover bands for a few years. Although I had the opportunity to meet and play with some great Greek bands that visited the island, it wasn't long before boredom set in and I started to long for something more creative.
I had started writing my own songs and I wanted to broaden my horizons. I started planning to move to Athens to "chase the dream", but then I got in trouble! I had gotten into an abusive relationship and lost everything. Not just money and stuff, that's the least of it. I lost everything I was, myself and my passion for music. I had to find myself again and the right path away from the path of destruction I had started down.
I left Greece and headed for Spain, where I could be anonymous and indulge in some much needed concentration.
After a few months there, I found myself in a cute little bar in Zaragoza with a new friend, Bea. It happened to be an open jam night and, knowing my background as a musician, Bea begged me to come up and play a song. I was hesitant, but after a few beers, I agreed.
Ήμουν διστακτική, αλλά μετά από μερικές μπύρες, συμφώνησα.
When I got on stage I felt lost but also the warmth of the familiar. I had no idea what I was going to play. But as soon as I picked up the guitar and played a few chords the first song that came to mind was "The House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals!
As I started singing, everything came to my mind and I realised that that's what I had to do. It was like a rebirth and it brought me back on track to today.
I returned to Greece, to Athens, and started my new musical journey, determined to make it creative.
I started working in bars and playing music on the street to make ends meet while I found my musical path. As a street musician I had one of the greatest experiences of my life! It's so rewarding, it gives so much more than coins and bills. Just seeing someone smile while listening to your music, or someone singing, dancing... makes your day as much as you might have made theirs. I spent my days playing music to passersby under the Acropolis and my nights serving drinks.
While I was working in a small bar in Kypseli, I used to take my guitar and play for the customers there. One of them decided to sign me up for The Voice of Greece!
I participated because, why not?! I didn't think I would get anywhere, but I ended up in the quarterfinals!
It was a fun experience and I met many great singers and musicians, some of whom are still my friends today.
Right after that, I met my band Primal Roots. The guys were just starting out and were looking for a voice. An international band, we were all from different countries and that brought a fun and magical mix to our music making.
We had some line-up changes and a long break due to COVID and having my son, but Amira, Alejandro and Argiris are like my family and together we do exciting things! So far we have released an album, 2 singles and 2 covers and have another single in the works, while we are working on a lot more music and organising some live shows.
I also had the opportunity to work on other projects. Doing vocals for Kount Octopus, an album and live performances with Destino Nudo, 2 performances with Kostis Maraveias and a single as well as some current projects with George Frisco.
My personal project is finally starting and I hope to get into the studio this year.
It's never a simple journey and that's fine. The plot twists are what makes life interesting.
Whatever happens to you, keep the faith and enjoy the ride. It's not ultimately about the final destination.
With love and positive energy,
Rachel
