Excellent! I'm very busy focusing on the release of the debut EP "CITY
OF SIN" and the video we just shot in Berlin. It's many hours of hard
work, but I love doing it.
I really dig your vocal style and your music. What got you started in
the music biz ?
ThanX : )
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where music really thrives. My
parents are avid music lovers and concert goers, this provided my
knowledge and love for music.
Now, the juicy story.............I moved to Copenhagen a few years ago
and mixed into a crowd of musicians. A bass player said, you must do
something with that voice, I am going to book you a gig. This turned
out to be 3 sets with 8 songs. I learned them all with the the band in
one night. Because I played with the drummer from Mercyful Fate,
Bjarne, I met Hank Shermann, the lead guitar player. Hank said the
magical words "Barracuda" by Heart and asked if I'd record a version
of it? That's where the music "biz" really started. I write songs and
we began collaborating on a few, that's why you know me today.
Do you play any other instruments ?
I play an acoustic guitar and a Fender Strat. which I've had for
years. I won't deceive you though, none of the killer guitar solos
come from me.
What role do you play in songwriting ?
I love to write! All the lyrics are my feelings and stories to tell.
The harmonies and melodies are ideas I hear in my head.
I create in four different ways,
1.) I get fired up by thinking of a song title or topic and write a
whole song. 2.) I get a melody progression or hook idea, record it
with words that sound cool, fit the timing, or set the right mood. 3.)
I listen to guitar riffs created by Hank, get an immediate theme or
reaction out of it and record ideas. 4.) Play either the guitar or
keyboard hashing around for a different sound to catch me.
Which one song in your set list is your absolute favorite to perform
live and why ?
First, I deeply feel it when I sing so I love to do them all! The six
songs on the debut album have different moods. But I am a party girl
and I sing very loud, the songs that fit that most are:
CITY OF SIN - It's a party Rock song, gets people going, and they
always want to hear it.
NOT ORDINARY - I get to be very playful when I sing it and I dig the
heavier guitars in the end.
PROVE IT - Has a sexy guitar sound with a detuned C, it puts me in a
sultry mood. I like belting out the song's message.
Is there a moment in your career thus far that really stands out as special ?
Two actually.
1.) Releasing the debut "CITY OF SIN"
2.) In the first year of my "music career" I was the opening act for
Jerry Lee Lewis in a big concert hall.
What are some of your influences musically and why ?
Heart, Ann & Nancy Wilson are very inspirational talented Rock babes.
Jim Morrison, wrote poetry got discovered by friends & turned into a
classic icon. I relate to the first part of his story. Chris Cornell,
amazing voice and is the real deal performing live. Drain STH a
Swedish alternative metal group, they are dark, sexy and heavy at the
same time.
I noticed that you have a background in swimming and extreme sports.
Did this help prepare you for the rigors of the road ?
Yep! I spent 15 years as a competitive swimmer which lead me to
Nationals in college. I love extreme sports, snowboarding,
wakeboarding, surfing, kitesurfing and climbing. You can say these
things prepared me, but it's just who I am. I'm always up for a good
challenge and like pushing the limits. That road is my only way.
Do you have a particular routine to keep in shape vocally and physically ?
The throat is a muscle, the more I use it the stronger it gets. Before
a gig I warm up, sing before I get there & throw back a few beers. :
)
Physically, I'm into sweaty work outs with machines and lifting
weights. I get into my zone, rock out with my iPod, and look like a
lunatic!
How involved are you in marketing your music on the Net ?
I'm very involved with the marketing on the net, Man it can suck up my
time! But it's worth it, I've made some amazing contacts and had some
cool opportunities.
I have great help on my website when it comes to the design, photos,
and coding. I've got ideas but, Hank is the technical guy with the
critical eye who makes it happen.
Describe your average day off at home with Rachelle Ramm :
First of all, What is a day off???
You're gonna hear music, kick your shoes off and have a good time. If
I'm in the mood I'll make some great Thai food!
Describe yourself in just ONE word :
MORE!
Healthfully Insane..Determination, Energetic
What type of thing gives you the most satidfaction and what type of
thing bothers you most ?
Satisfaction = Action! It speaks louder then words. That leads to
accomplishments
I've got no patience for closed minded people or ones that can not
make a decision.
What's your opinion of the Death Metal scene ? Are into the "Death
Growling" style of vocals ?
It's not my bag baby! But I respect it if the band kicks ass, the
guitar riffs are raw and they play with wicked energy.
What are your all time top 3 favorite Bands ?
Alice in Chains
Metallica
Soundgarden
Are you working on any current projects ?
YES! The video for the "CITY OF SIN" is next up. We had a great time
in Berlin filming the video. The city is modern and dirty in a good
way. The Rock/Metal culture and underground vibe in the city is the
atmosphere I needed.
I'm always recording new material, but my immediate focus is this
debut release "CITY OF SIN".
What are your Plans for 2008 ?
The more backing power I have the bigger and better the plans will be.
I am excited to tour, my favorite part is performing and turning on
the people. It means a lot to me to entertain and show what I do is
even better live.
I will film a few more videos, do some promo in N.Y, L.A and Europe.
I'm currently recording ideas for the next release.
Where can you be found on the Net for all your new Fans ?
The main two are
1.) www.rachelleramm.com
2.) www.myspace.com/rachelleramm
Google will lead you to plenty of other music profiles.
Songs Available on:
itunes, amazonmp3, eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, snocap
Any words to your people ?
Big Hell Yes!!! To the supporters that believe! Killer energy and
dedication is put into everything we've done so far. The biggest thank
you is to Hank Shermann for the technical production of it all!
How about a Shout Out to the readers of Metal Monthly ?
Life's short, Live it to the fullest!
Rock Loud & Play Hard!
CHEERS 2 U
