At just 19 years old, singer/songwriter Rachel Cousins speaks with the ease of a veteran in the music industry.
From publishing deals, award nominations, to collaborations and conforming — or not — to specific genres, Cousins is well aware of how things work and, more specifically, how she’s making things work for her.
There’s something Taylor Swift-like about Cousins, not necessarily when it comes to musical sound, but in terms of her approach and attitude and savvy.
The release of Cousins’ debut EP, “This Fire,” two years ago had music critics comparing the title to her burgeoning career, predicting her smooth vocals and exceptional songwriting talent would catch ablaze.
Cousins has since released a second EP, this one self-titled, and has switched from an acoustic folk sound to pop.
“I’ve always believed that genres are really stupid. I just write how I feel and I don’t believe in conforming to one type of music,” she explains. “After the (first) EP I released the song ‘Let Go’ and automatically people seemed to connect with that more pop sound, and so did I. Eventually I felt that this was definitely the kind of music I wanted to settle down with.”
Cousins’ first real live pop performance was at the beginning of the year at the JAG hotel in St. John’s, and she admits it was a new experience performing on stage alongside an electric guitar, drums, bass… and a Macbook playing synth sounds.
“It was different but I definitely love it. I don’t always have to have a guitar,” she says.
“Let Go” has been featured in at least three different TV productions and helped earn Cousins a publishing deal with CYMBA Publishing in Toronto. She’s now writing and co-writing not only for herself, but for other performers. Much of her work is done with her producer and collaborator Daniel Adams, who’s also based in Toronto. Cousins is lyric-driven while Adams is keen with the instrumentals, she explains.
“I’m always just writing something, coming up with a song or a title,” Cousins says.
She has her 12-year-old self to thank for bits and pieces of her songwriting success.
“I have about six journals in my nightstand. I’ve been writing since I can remember. If I’m stuck for new content, I’ll look back through them for something I wrote. That’s where ‘Arrow of Love’ (from her first EP) came from. The bit about stars exploding in the sky came from a journals that had been sitting there since I was 12.”
Cousins’ latest album received a 2020 East Coast Music Award (ECMA) nomination for Pop Recording of the Year, putting her in a category with the likes of Ria Mae and Neon Dreams. She was thrilled and shocked and amazed to have been nominated, she says, and understandably devastated when the ECMAs, scheduled to be held in St. John’s this week, were cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. The association has said in a media statement it hopes to make it up somehow.
“In the coming weeks and months, the ECMA will explore alternate ways to celebrate the accomplishments of our world-class regional talent and honour the winners of the 2020 East Coast Music Awards,” it said.
Until then, Cousins will continue writing and has her sights set on a full-length album, which she hopes to put together after she makes a move to Toronto later in the year.
1. What is your full name?
Rachel Cousins.
2. Where and when were you born?
Ajax/Pickering Hospital, Ontario, 2001.
3. Where do you live today?
Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, Newfoundland.
4. What’s your favourite place in the world?
On stage, any stage.
5. Who do you follow on social media?
Mostly artists. Musicians, models, graphic designers, fashion designers and influencers. Of course, all of my favourite local artists.
6. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I struggle with anxiety and depression.
7. What’s been your favourite year and why?
2019. I had a great year musically. I got to travel and got to learn a lot about myself and grow.
8. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Junior high was not a fun time, so going to school every day during that time was tough.
9. Can you describe one experience that changed your life?
Co-writing and releasing "Let Go.” It was my first pop song and it started a chain of events to help me be where I am musically today.
10. What’s your greatest indulgence?
Shopping, specifically Sephora purchases.
11. What is your favourite movie or book?
“A Work in Progress” by Connor Franta.
12. How do you like to relax?
Bath and hang out in my room.
13. What are you reading or watching right now?
Just finished “Money Heist” on Netflix and it was amazing.
14. What is your greatest fear?
Failure.
15. How would you describe your personal fashion statement?
Freeform and edgy. It depends on the mood, I love to dress up and some days I like cool sneakers and a hoodie.
16. What is your most treasured possession?
My journals.
17. What physical or personality trait are you most grateful to a parent for?
Determination. Luckily both my parents are like this. I learned well.
18. What three people would join you for your dream dinner party?
Billie Eilish, Lennon Stella and Maggie Rogers.
19. What is your best quality, and what is your worst quality?
My best quality is I try to always see the good in people. My worst quality is my self-doubt.
20. What’s your biggest regret?
I don't have any. I try to make decisions and not regret any of them.
