Rachael Sage Talks New Album, Single And More

Friend of JLTT Rachael Sage has released her new single ‘Canopy’ which is taken from her forthcoming album of the same name. We caught up with her: 

You will release your new album ‘Canopy’ soon. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

It was very important to me that this album not have any “filler” or album tracks, so to speak…so even the songs that won’t be released as singles stand alone and tell a self-contained story. It’s not a song cycle per sey, but a true reflection and distillation off the many years of music-making I’ve done with my band The Sequins – as well as a collection of songs that focus on love, acceptance, safety and inclusivity.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

I produced the album and enlisted my long-time engineer Mikhail Pivovarov to record, mix and master it. We make a great team, and he’s one of the most patient and respectful collaborators I’ve ever had. We recorded it at my home studio in Upstate NY – lovingly called “The Creek” – and a studio called The Carriage House in Connecticut that has my favorite Steinway piano, and a great, laid back vibe.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the single’s recording sessions?

Hmm…I’m pretty laser-focused in the studio so it’s not exactly a wild party or anything lol…but I will say that recording vocals with the wonderful Americana duo Annalyse & Ryan was a distinct highlight as they’re brilliant musicians but also my friends and neighbors, so it was very casual and fun. Working with clarinettist David Krakauer was also really exciting as I’ve been a huge fan of his own music for many years, and he’s just a loveliest, most generous person! He plays on my instrumental, “Le Réve”, which I wrote when I was fourteen.

Who were the musicians who performed on the album with you?

The core players included my main US touring version of The Sequins: Kelly Halloran (violin), Andy Mac (drums) and Ward Williams & Dave Eggar (cello). My long-time trumpet player Russ Johnson played all the horns, and Rob Curto played organ and accordion. Electric bass was covered by my engineer Mikhail Pivovarov and upright bass was played by Kerry Brooks, who also works with Amy Ray of Indigo Girls, my favorite folk artists. Additional guitar was played by Jack Petruzzelli, James Mastro and Kevin J. Killen, all of whom have toured with me at some point. These are all friends and people I love, so there’s a lot of positive energy on this album!

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I use a combination of a lot of different mics including on my voice, and on the piano. I always enlist my 1966 Wurlitzer keyboard and my various Gretsch electric and Guild acoustic guitars. I don’t get too nerdy about equipment these days but generally I’m always going for a warm sound with just about everything, and resist the temptation to “bright everything up” because my ears just prefer darker, more analog-leaning sounds…even if they’re being recreated digitally.

Which of your new tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I don’t really write from a place of anger typically; I strive instead to step back from that level of frustration and break emotions down to more constructive, purposeful ideas. That said, “Canopy” and “Underneath” are probably the most reflective, “Just Enough” is the happiest, and “Kill The Clock” is the most alarmist!

You have also released the new single “Canopy” What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

“Canopy” is a very direct song that proposes we include more female voices in the decision-making that impacts our lives…especially when it comes to addressing violence against one another as well as our planet. It also invites people of all ilks to come together in unity and safety/inclusivity, without fear of being “cancelled” for opposing ideas or beliefs. It’s my mission statement of the moment, and therefore felt like a good title for my album too.

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

John Shyloski directed the video and it came together very easily. i wanted it to feel connected to beautiful nature and like it was a very intimate conversation between me and the listener so we shot it in a small park near the studio that had some architecture resembling canopies – open aired structures that felt timeless and hinted at wedding canopies, even though made of stone. We really lucked out with the lighting, which was magical and a bit otherworldy at times, shimmering through the trees – also a type of canopy. The drapery of my scarves in bright colors was my way of combining my colorful style with the inspiration of nature and suggesting a more harmonious relationship that could be possible, between humanity and Mother Nature.

Was it a difficult album to write?

I think parts of it probably were…but honestly I’ve been playing these songs live for a while now so now they just feel like part of me and I don’t really dwell as much in how painful the birth was – I’m just glad they came together and I can share them now!

Who designed the album artwork?

I designed the single are for “Canopy”, “Just Enough” and my third single “Live It Up”, and am currently working on the album artwork with my co-designer Chis Kornmann. We’re doing something very unique and ambitious with the packaging, which will also feature a bunch of my paintings. I always want to create a full sensory experience!

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

I’m aiming to come back to the UK/EU once my album is out, later this fall. We’re looking at Nov/Dec currently – but we’ll see!

Who is in your touring band and what do they play?

I just completed a UK tour in support of my single “Canopy” – and teasing material from the new record – with my violinist Kelly Halloran (Goo Goo Dolls), and blues harmonica player Will Wilde (Walter Trout). The both fantastic, and it’s always a great time sharing the stage with them! I play with a cellist in the US named Dave Eggar (Paul Simon) who is absolutely brilliant, and also perform sometimes with drummers Doug Yowell (Joe Jackson) and Andy Mac, who uses a suitcase as a kick drum and it’s a very unique approach.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Anna Azarov

Rachael Sage’s new single ‘Canopy’ is out now. 

Stream/Download Here: https://mpress.lnk.to/CanopySingle

For more information visit her official website here: https://rachaelsage.com/