June 2009
NEW SINGLE UPDATE
Busy at work on some fresh recordings, Rachel will soon have news on her next release.
Working with The Leigh Brothers over the past few months, her new tracks so far include the pop gems ‘Breathe’ and ‘Balancing’. Watch this space for more.
It’s going to be different, but we know you will love it!
GET YOUR GROOVE BACK!
Rachel played at Get Your Groove Back on Sat 13 June – braving the freezing weather for an evening of live music, good food, stalls and fundraising for a very important cause.
Organised by BIEDO & ABC Wide Bay to promote depression awareness and suicide prevention, the fundraiser aimed to extend the Burnett’s counselling service, from two days a week to three.
The Bobkatz headed the bill, playing tracks from their new album The Writer.
For more visit ABC Wide Bay
March 2009
FLOOD & FIRE RELIEF
Rachel, along with Helen Morris, Kyall Burns and other local residents, raised money at the Community Flood & Fire Appeal concert in their area recently. The township raised over $2500 at the event and further fundraising events are under way.
Please get behind this important cause by contacting the Australian Red Cross on 1800 811 700 to make credit card donations or send cheque/money orders to GPO Box 2957, Melbourne VIC 8060.
SONGWRITING FOR BEGINNERS WORKSHOPS
Rachel is running a Songwriting For Beginners workshop in Brisbane on 14 March 2009.
Bookings are essential, so please contact us via the website contact form or via www.myspace.com/rachelkoster where you can also find associated workshop registration phone numbers.
February 2009
4BC INTERVIEW
On Saturday 28 February Rachel was guest on Radio 4BC’s weekend evening program with Walter Williams. She was interviewed and performed live with the tracks ‘Song B4 Tea” and newie “Wish You Were Here”, accompanied by guitarist Sev Heaslip.
A link to the interview will appear on Rachel’s Myspace as soon as we have a copy.
October 2008
WIN ‘DECIDUOUS’ MUGS ONLINE
Over October, November & December this year, every ‘Deciduous’ album purchased online goes in the draw to win a matching pair of beautiful ‘Deciduous’ print coffee mugs.
One winner will be drawn each month so don’t miss out! Get your orders in before 31st December!
September 2008
LEIGH BROTHERS MIXES
Rachel can confirm she is soon to commence work with the Leigh brothers, Vince & James formerly of Pseudo Echo, Vertigo & Invertigo on a remix for the song Call Me as well as a new release.
Stay tuned for more.
Thanks to Arts Qld RADF for their contribution to this project.
LIVE AT LANDCARE
The 2008 State Landcare Conference “Infinity” Sustainability by Design on 21st – 24th September was held in the Qld township of Monto.
Rachel was lucky enough to perform for opening night with Kyall Burns & Helen Morris.
The conference was a huge success & a fabulous time was had by all.
More info on this event can be viewed at: www.qldlandcareconference.com
July 2008
YOU TUBE
Watch Stuart Fraser & Rachel perform at the Icons of Tomorrow launch 13 June 2008 via You Tube:
(Further pics from the launch in the LIVE page of the Gallery)
May 2008
ICON OF TOMORROW
On June 13th, National Indie Artist Appreciation Day, Rachel performs in Melbourne at the launch of music industry book “Icons of Tomorrow” written by author Heidi Leigh Axton. This diverse selection of candid and amusing interviews with singer/songwriters from around Australia, highlights issues about surviving the music industry today and introduces some new voices to the public.
The book presents both independant and established artists plus industry heavy-weights including Ross Wilson, Kate Ceberano, Molly Meldrum and Tommy Emmanuel as they talk about their musical journeys and the ups and downs experienced. Rachel, featured as one of the chapters’ artists, also has her song ‘Anything’, a funk/pop track, present on the compilation album which accompanies the book.
The launch takes place at The Gertrude in Fitzroy, and Rachel will be accompanied by Stuart Fraser on guitar. LAUNCH ARTISTS: Rachel Koster, Nattasha Crestani, Dan Bull, Lloyd Spiegel, Samantha Mooney.
“Most people don’t comprehend how hard it is to break into this industry. Star presence doesn’t mean you’ll be discovered overnight. It’s vital we give new emerging talent the support and encouragement it needs NOW. Grab a copy of this book; start browsing the websites of these and other great indie artists. Get behind the future of Oz music.” – Molly Meldrum.
October 2007
NOBODY DON’T” – SET FOR RELEASE
Country Pop artist Kylie Moss is about to release her EP “Nobody Don’t” in February 2008. The featured title track from the EP, was penned by Rachel. For more info and/or to hear the song visit: www.myspace.com/kyliemoss. We wish Kylie all the very best…& much success with the EP.
September 2007
RACHEL GETS GREEN
You may think she has been quiet….but the past few months have been busy ones for our songstress. Apart from demoing new material, continuing with co-writing, and pursuing the development of a special new pictorial show for later down the track, here’s just what she’s been up to:
In May Rachel spent 3 weeks in Melbourne writing with established artists. In June she performed live on ABC radio, with the Gershwin track Summertime followed by an interview. The segment also launched a brand new piano instrumental track by talented songwriter Helen Morris.
On July 26th Rachel attended Songtrails, a workshop run throughout the 2007 Qld Festival of Music, led by Deborah Conway, Kev Carmody, Seaman Dan & Dave Faulkner.
Her feedback;
[blockquote]‘It was an inspiring inside snapshot into the process these four unique artists use to write and create. Great also to witness some hidden talents from the Bundaberg region, & the diversity of several of the fellow attendees’.[/blockquote]
Rachel was last month commissioned by environmental group, BCCA (Burnett Catchment Care Association) to pen the theme song for their organisation. An instrumental of the track recently became the soundtrack behind the official cutting of the initial piece of wire for the first fence in the Better Burnett project by Assistant Minister for the Environment & Water Resources John Cobb.
The BCCA Theme’s beautiful guitar work has been performed by Stuart Fraser and Rachel’s vocals were added just last week to the track. The song will be used for all promotional purposes and public/corporate functions run by the BCCA. Click here to listen.
Pictured left: Rachel jumps on the mic with Tarni Stephens & Dale Lockey, live at the 2007 Art Show in her home town in June.
April 2007
SOUNDS LIKE CAFE
Rachel’s track “Call Me” will be featured on the Volume 16 edition of “Sounds Like Cafe” which goes out to over 1200 cafes, bistros, uni campuses & restaurants across Australia. Due out at end of April. Keep an ear out when you eat out!!! The full lineup on the album is; The Bees, The Sunshiners,The Hiptones, Willie Mason, Joel Plaskett, Jackson Jackson, Shannon Routley, Tunisia, Rachel Koster, Jeff Cashen, The Woodenelves, Rosie Burgess, Doug Sandrini, Kidic, Groovesmiths, Adam Toms, Ghostwriters, & Huckleberry Swedes.
To find out more & hear or discover some other amazing folk who have been involved over the years check out: www.soundslikecafe.com
Since the year’s beginning Rachel has been busy doing copious amounts of solo writing & co-writing, alongside demoing new material re: publishing proposals for established acts. What can we say … the ball is certainly rolling!
February 2007
BUY ALBUM VIA CREDIT CARD ONLINE
“Deciduous” is now available online via credit card through the site and also at selected stockists across Australia in every state. Please click here for the full list of stores: Australian stockists. Mail orders are also available by following the details below.
December 2006
“Deciduous” album OUT NOW!
Rachel’s debut album is hot off the press and now available for purchase! We are currently setting up an online facility on the website which should be active very soon for credit card purchases. Stock will also be available at specified independant music stores all over Australia in the coming weeks, and we will post a list of these here on the ‘music’ page early January. In the meantime however, you are welcome to mail order, by posting a money order and your mailing details to: Rachel Koster, PO Box 92, Gayndah Q 4625.
Any enquiries: admin@rachelkoster.com
CDs are $25 plus $2 postage for Australian purchases, (further postage for international orders). Many thanks to everyone for your continued support.
October 2006
MELBOURNE CUP TOUR
Rachel performed a chilled set of jazz & soul standards at the 2006 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour on the 22nd October. The gala event featured the actual pure 18ct gold Melbourne Cup trophy of 2006 on display, complete with it’s very own security guard, alsongside a fine art exhibition, and presentation DVD on the big screen delivered by Bruce Macaveny, showcasing the history of Australia’s iconic Melbourne Cup.
Rachel was accompanied by the beautiful talents of pianist and songwriter Helen Morris, with two sultry sets of material she has been itching to perform live for years. Classics included “Summertime”, “At Last”, “Dock Of The Bay”, “Dream A Little Dream”, Something Stupid”, “Many Rivers To Cross” (in gospel form), and even Crowed House’ cruisy “Not The Girl You Think You Are”. Audiences responded well, and other gig opportunities have arisen from the event.
August 2006
EKKA GIG SUCCESS!
Rachel and guitarist Seven Heaslip played acoustically at the Royal Brisbane Show (The Ekka) on Tues 15 August as part of the Burnett Inland Diversity Showcase! A good response overall, and the event was deemed a success. Thousands of promotional postcards were handed out over the week regarding the website & album. Thanks to the stall volunteers for their true enthusiasm & dedication to the project!
June 2006
SUPPORT WITH ANITA GEORGE :
Rachel played a support spot on the 21st of June at Brisbane’s Tongue & Groove for Melbourne singer-songwriter Anita George, who originally hails from Hobart. Heartfelt thanks to all the folk who came along to have a listen, at what was a beautiful gathering of friends. A great atmosphere. Anita’s contagious personality and joyous performance was a total treat…gorgeous! Make sure you check out a live gig interstate or grab Anita’s stunning new EP “The River” which is now available. www.anitageorge.com.au
FRESH CO-WRITINGS
Rachel has recently begun co-writing with artist Boi Crompton on a
bunch of publishing prospects. The first sesh came up with some very promising results. Boi’s group “boi&eSKae” have a new EP ‘All You Need Is Love’ currently available through Skinpop Records, www.boiandeskae.com]
May 2006
“DECIDUOUS” UPDATE
Since our last update, Rachel has been working hard both in Melbourne and Brisbane, to finalise vocals and extra production bits & pieces for the album. Trekking between Marski Music, Ambersound, & Wild Blue Music Studios Qld plus another visit to Woodstock Studios in Vic, the mixes are coming up solidly. There is no exact release date as yet for “Deciduous”, but one will be announced very soon.
On January 25th Rachel performed with guitarist Sev Heaslip for Australia Day. She also took up teaching of vocal students at the beginning of the new year.
December 2005
FULL STUDIO ALBUM
Just returned from a month in Melbourne, Rachel recorded the majority of her first full studio album, “Deciduous” with an exciting dream-list of musicians on the job. Tracking sessions swung into action with Robin Mai (John Butler Trio – “Sunrise Over Sea”), Kye Thomas & Troy Trigwell at the helm, and instrumental mixing by the 
legendary Chris Dickie. Alongside musical director Bruce Haymes (Renee Geyer band), other awesome players included John Watson, Steve Hadley, Stuart Fraser, Suzie Ahern & Jak Housden. Sessions took place at Melbourne’s finest home of music, Woodstock Studios. The CD will be organic, timeless & original, with some lovely surprises. Still a little work to be done…but we predict a release date around mid 2006! Watch this space for updates.
WRITING & SESSIONS
As always, Rachel has been busy writing, and has recently penned some numbers with Tarni from Idol (who has a new self-titled EP in the pipeline, www.tarnitheband.com). Rachel is also co-writing a range of material with various Qld and interstate artists/producers. If you need material…please don’t hesitate to contact us through the site.
Backing vocal sessions are underway, and Rachel has recorded parts on tracks by indie artists Melanie George, Dan Newton, RevL8 & others in the past few months.
September 2005
RACHEL PLAYS MELBOURNE FRINGE
September 29th saw Rachel play her very first solo set in Melbourne for the city’s famous Fringe Festival as part of “Soul & Passion”, an all female singer-songwriter ensemble that ran for the weeks of the festival. She performed at The Dogs Bar in Acland St, St Kilda, with talented Melbourne guitarist Dallas Cosmas as accompanist. Other acts on the night were the fabulous Anita George, Jessica Paige, Dallas Hill & Seraya.
SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS
Rachel & brother, Luke (producer/songwriter), ran “Creative Songwriting” workshops for youth on the 23 & 24 September, which they developed specifically to encourage creative self expression through music, for those who may not have ever had access to any kind of musical training. The outcome was very positive, with the group composing a song named “New Stars Will Shine” by the end of the two days. The piece will be recorded and played on local radio, with plans in place for publishing. All participants had great fun.
‘SERAYA’ LAUNCH GIGS
From September 14 – 29, Rachel performed live backing vocals in both Brisbane & Melbourne for artist Seraya, on the release of her new album The Prodical Daughter, (Rachel on CD BVs as well). Word is…check out this awesome talent at www.seraya.net. You won’t be disappointed!
August 2005
STATE ALGWA CONFERENCE
The 2005 Australian Local Government Women’s Association State Conference was held between August 3 & 5 this year, and Rachel was given the role of Entertainment Co-ordinator for the event. She performed at the main conference dinner alongside guitarist Sev Heaslip in their debut performance as a duo, playing half a set of brand new material. Good feedback was received and further gig booking interest as well.
May 2005
VOICES MUSICAL
Rachel performed in the Qld Arts Council production “Voices”, as part of the choral section.
The musical followed the true story of women in a POW camp in Asia who started an a capella choir.
This moving stage drama was backed by purely vocal accompaniment from beginning to end, including sound effects & suspense music, all provided by the choirs involved.
