“ Her music is like imagery & honesty meeting for coffee ”
“When I was 9, I remember my uncle returning from a month of missionary work in Fiji. With him he brought slides and an audio cassette (yes those were the days) of the local singing from the area. We later sat at a big family gathering watching the pictures, animated both by his narration and the beautiful voicesrecorded. At that point I fell in love with harmony and my interest in music was ignited for life. We of course had a musical family as well which kind of helped … but that particular instance is a very vivid memory.”
artist
Queensland bred songwriter and vocalist Rachel Koster, has a writing style that has often drawn comparisons to the likes of one Carole King, however she claims her inspiration gleams mainly from feasting on a diet rich in Australian greats. Mention artists such as Farnham, Ceberano, Geyer, Vassy, and any Oz act in between and you’ve got her attention! Daughter of two folk singers, she emerged from a strong gospel/Brittish pop upbringing, peppered with AM radio and classic soul & jazz legends. Her unique sound has come to resemble that of an earthy, acoustic flavoured blend incorporating jazz, soul, pop & R&B. She’s happy to take influences from everywhere! “Nothing is off limits!”
Just released is Rachel’s 14 track debut album “Deciduous”, recorded at Melbourne’s Woodstock Studios. It features the fine talents of Bruce Haymes, John Watson, and Steve Hadley, from the Renee Geyer band, plus the incredible Stuart Fraser (Farnham band, Noiseworks), Jak Housden (The Whitlams & Badloves) & Susie Ahern, alongside a plethora of other brilliant Australian musicians.
The CD, produced in part by ARIA award winning engineer, Robin Mai (John Butler Trio ‘Sunrise Over Sea’) was mixed by Mai and the legendary Chris Dickie. A chilled album, a little different from her past material…this warm collection has been summed up as “a smooth, honest, and cosy offering, canvassing all the seasons of the heart”.
collaborator
A keen collaborator, Rachel has in the past penned numbers with/for artists including Chris Haigh, Tarni (2005 Aust Idol rock chick), Kelly Budgen, Stuart Fraser (Noiseworks), Kylie Moss, Milly Edwards (Aust Idol finalist 2005), Bottle The Sun, RVL8, Boi Crompton, Dan Gowen, Luke Austen, Bent Metal, and LilFi. Grabbing the plentiful attention of industry peers over recent years, some of this country’s best consider her work, including Vanessa Amorosi/Vika & Linda/Renee Geyer.
writing & publishing
Prolifically following the self-publishing trail, Rachel has had several tracks featured on a rural documentary being considered by SBS. She composed and performed songs for the musical comedy stage production The Bear Facts in 2001, and her theme song publicising The Country Way highway, which runs inland from Tamworth to Rockhampton, sung by Darren Coggan and herself, heads the tourism campaign for current Country Way Highway promotions.
…mixing in musical circles…tho not afraid to
step outside the square!
Highlights of the past 18 months for Rachel included the presence of her co-written tune “Uneasy” on the 3rd solo album “Magic Door” of blues Artist Lil’Fi, the opportunity to pen a tune specifically for a Lifeline awareness album, and a chance to perform at the 2006 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour. In May 2005, Rachel was part of the Qld Arts Council production Voices, a fully A Capella musical borne of the true story following a women’s choir established within an Asian POW camp, while the rest of 2005 & 2006 saw for Rachel a chance to co-write with some major artists, opening up new and exciting doors for future projects. She has also in this time leant her accumulated skills to the rewarding task of writing & running songwriting workshops for youth, a role that she found extremely satisfying, along with teaching private vocal classes to junior students.
harmony sweet harmony
A self confessed ‘harmony freak’, Rachel has spent many years in Qld Arts Council Choirs and also as backing/session vocalist to studios and various artists, taking her to audiences in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth & many regional centres. Some of these acts; internationally celebrated indigenous vocalist Lexine Solomon, original funk outfit Texture, gospel & blues artist Memphis Joe, WA musician John Munachen, plus sessions for Adam Hanson (AMJ), Dean Vegas, Idol rocker Tarni, rapper RVL8, The Bester Langs, rock band Bottle The Sun, UK based artist Melanie George, and more. She has since 2002 been regular session/live back-up vocalist for acclaimed Australian singer/songwriter Seraya.
history
Releasing her first independent single in late 2001 with the 3 track disc, December, warmly embraced by ABC radio and other stations, Rachel secured a strong local following, particularly in the South-East pocket of Queensland. Interest from ABC gave her the opportunity in 2003 to perform original material nationally on ABCs Music Deli program, alongside a performance live to air over Queensland, sharing the billing with artists Troy Cassar-Daley, Spot The Dog and The Flood.
Joining forces with musicians Zhen She and Pat Cuskelly, in January 2004, Rachel was lead vocalist in a three piece covers & originals line-up taking on a regional tour of Qld under the title of Smorgasboard3. She later that year was one half of the vocal duo Radezii Voices. Throughout 2002-2003, Rachel spent several months with the Vox Fem Rox all female singer-songwriter live ensemble showcase gigging around Brisbane and she was winner of the 2004 Australia Day Cultural award in her home town for her contribution to arts in the area.
INTERESTING FACTS…
- Rachel started writing in year 11 & her first group was an A Cappella trio inspired by The Beatles and Farnham’s Chain Reaction album.
- 1995 – 1998, Rachel was first coached in singing technique by vocal teacher/former student of Dame Joan Hammond, Laurie Hung & she continues her training at every opportunity.
- Rachel was regular writer for music newsletter “Rock On Review” 1993 to 2001, and writes independently for artists/websites under the pseudonym ‘Lahelia’. She has written work published in “Text Mess-Ages” a collection of pieces by contemporary Qld poets.
- Rachel worked as Publicity Officer for a branch of Qld Arts Council 1998 and 1999.
- January 2001, as Australian Talent Consultant for the Fijian Government she provided details of indigenous type artists appropriate for national celebrations being held. She was also entertainment co-ordinator for the 2005 State conference of ALGWA.
- 1999 Rachel wrote weekly BRR (91.5FM) radio segment “Music Central” featuring mainly Australian content.
- Rachel won the 2003 Brisbane March Fest performers recording package.
- Rachel’s current passion is learning traditional Cuban Latin dance.
Some musical influences: Kate Ceberano, Farnham & Band, Vika & Linda, Rick Price, Marcia Hines, Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi, Diesel, Tina Arena, Vince Jones, Vassy, Renee Geyer, Swoop, CDB, The Cat Empire…plus greats: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Dinah Washington, The Mamas & The Papas, John Denver… & the list continues.