We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Fannan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Gosh unpopular opinion here but “know your worth”. Probably because there are a lot of delusional people out there? In my experience anyway it takes work on top of talent to break a hustle pace into a successful life long career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I guess I followed Björk’s blueprint of never letting one genre hold my keys. I let my voice play. I really value versatility. I think being open to, and saying yes to opportunities that might have been considered off brand for me allowed me to expand and reach a broader audience. Not to mention it was way more. No I can’t say it’s been easy. The music industry can be a really cold and competitive place, but sailing my own ship has been a sort of safe haven-peace shield from all that. Sure, I have regrets but if I could put my finger on one thing it would probably be learn to love the whole thing. It’s not always going to be pretty or perfect, and thats ok.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh if you’re visiting Los Angeles you’ve got to make a few choices, first being your home base. If you want walk ability and quick access to the beach you’re better off staying either near Santa Monica between there and Marina Del Rey, we’re talking Venice baby. If you don’t care so much for the ocean find a cute spot in Highland Park off Eagle Rock Blvd and make your way to Joy for dinner at least once. Downtown isn’t a great scene unless your’e in for a big show at say the Regent or Ace. There are a few spots I haven’t tried yet that look cool like Openaire in Koreatown, and there’s a new spot called Jill I’ve heard great things about. Los Angeles is a great hang let’s be real. People love to hate but if you know where to stay and where to drink (try Bar Stella or the Back Cat if you’re looking for great drinks on the east side) you’ll be good to go.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shout out to the early oughts psych rock scene for really given me my shot. Between the year 2000 and 2010 there were so many incredible bands paying homage to that 63-67 era of rock n roll in our own way. This scene in particular really helped me up and into the success I’ve come to appreciate so many years later. I’m looking at Brit with Folk Yeah, everyone who was booking me in Santa Cruz and giving me a platform to perform, the Attic, the Vets Hall, Cafe Pergolesi. Deborah and Barry at ATP in the UK, Neil, Kymberli, and Travis in SF for their care and support back then. The Fresh n Onlys, Black Mountain, Mammatus… There were a lot of crucial players behind the scenes, members of bands at the time like Charlie and Camilla Saufley. It feels like we all caught a really beautiful wave all at the same time. I’ll never forget it.

Website: www.rachelfannan.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachel.fannan

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-fannan

Other: I recently went viral on TikTok (my handle is AlwaysRachel) for my impressions of Björk, please follow me there!

Image Credits
Photo one more recent Steff Walk, Photo 2 2009 from Treasure Island festival San Francisco Hadas D

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