Rachel Lorin – Kerosene

By starrymag | May 24, 2020

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) “Kerosene” has the vibe of an angsty yet empowering breakup song, which you wrote partially based off your own experiences. What inspired you to write and share such a personal message?

 

A) For everyone who knows me well, they know my first relationship was not an easy one. Of all the first loves I could’ve had…I ended up with the most challenging and toxic relationship ever. Every bit of lie or betrayal that could’ve happened, happened. So much of my record coming up is about the heartbreak I went through with my ex. Being young and not knowing any better, I stupidly stayed in an abusive relationship for six years thinking I could help or change or fix but never got anywhere. It was just a mess. I was a mess. Broken from all the lies, fights and disappointments that no one saw except me. People from the outside kept butting in with opinions and assumptions because we chose to be public, but it was all just too hurtful and blew up in my face.

I chose to be so personal with “Kerosene” and the majority of my record because it’s my goal in life to help others. I aspire to inspire. I hope to empower those going through a breakup or a tough situation. “Kerosene” is meant to lift them and make them realize they’re not alone. Burn down all the bad memories and the toxicity and rise from the ashes. No matter how hard it is, I want my lovely listeners to respect themselves enough to walk away from a situation they’re not truly loved, respected or appreciated in. Learn from my mistakes and put you first. Walk away from abuse. Always.

 

Q) You wrote “Kerosene” with Rob Endling and Curtis Martin. How did their creative input influence the overall sound & feel of the song?

 

A) As cocky and arrogant as it might sound, the three of us truly are the perfect storm when we get together to make music. I believe that anyway. We complement each other and work at a fast pace, never arguing and always creating. The same wavelengths, if you will. The three of us have all been in similar relationships that have ended poorly and we’ve all felt and endured pain in our own ways. Everyone does when it comes to love. Love…You expect it not to hurt you, but it always ends up hurting you the most. Rob and I are stronger lyrically and I offer my melody inputs when the urge hits. Curtis and Rob are insanely gifted at creating tracks and melodies. They complement each other well. With their diverse pop, rap, rock and alternative mixes and productions and my edgier rock background, we mesh well together and our influences complement one another.

 

Q) On your Instagram you shared a link to an acoustic version of “Kerosene.” Have you given any thought to offering a potential acoustic version for download?

 

A) Most definitely. I actually have been pondering the idea of doing acoustic versions of the full record and maybe release a separate album entirely. Definitely something I’ve been chewing on. [smiles] Since I’ve gotten better at guitar, I’m really almost enjoying the acoustic versions more on some songs.

 

Q) With the release of singles “Kerosene,” “Crazy House” and “Gold,” what else can fans expect with your new album?

 

A) Well it’s a surprise, isn’t it? [winks] Albums are supposed to take listeners on a ride. It’s a journey and if you’re a gutsy enough artist, it’s a personal diary. I have laid my cards on the table with the music I’ll soon be releasing. You’ll hear the good, the bad and the ugly. The falling in true love and the “Oh my God, never mind, you’re a nightmare.” You’re going to hear hurt and heartbreak over things other than love, like the passing of my father, along with the toxicity of trying to fit in or the pretty side and the ugly side of the Hollywood fame lifestyle. I have dark songs about embracing the beauty in the nonbeautiful but also songs that are feel-good and carefree…songs calling out fakes and posers and songs sympathizing for those who have mental illnesses. I promise you, it’s a ride. I just hope you enjoy it.

 

Q) Why do you feel that music is not only such a great therapeutic outlet for you as an artist, but for the fans as well?

 

A) Music has been my greatest form of therapy since I was born. It’s helped me through so much. Whether it’s playing it, singing it or just simply listening to it. There’s a song for every mood, a lyric for every worry or heartache and an artist for every music fanatic. It’s my goal to have those “a ha” lyrics where people say, “Yes, that’s me!” Having music that you can relate to is so important and helps everyone in so many ways. I’ve gotten a handful of private messages from individuals saying they were contemplating suicide and my music stopped them from going through with it. If that’s not inspiring enough to keep going as an artist, I don’t know what is. Music is the best outlet for an escape or therapy for literally anyone and everyone. No matter who is listening, there’s a song perfect for them in the moment they want it or need it. It offers a sanctuary and an escape you can’t find anywhere else. It’s effortless art to a listener. There’s nothing to figure out or stress about. Music is always there for you no matter what. When my dad died on Thanksgiving of 2019, I chose to run to the studio with my guys after three weeks of pure pain and mourning. I chose to write a song for him and record it and to this day I think it’s the most raw and powerful thing I’ve done and I’ve not even released it yet. It helped me cope beyond belief. Creating art purified my soul and helped me not stay submerged underwater. Pain is normal. It’s inevitable, but how you deal with it is what counts. Music is the #1 form of relief for me.

 

Q) How do you feel your music and its message sets you apart from other artists?

 

A) That’s a hard question because every artist is the combination of their favorite artists. Every single artist is inspired by someone somewhere and picks up things that mirror their idol whether they want to or not. That’s admittedly true for me, too. However, I do feel I am different than what’s out there today only because of my diverse background in music, my contradicting tastes and what my voice sounds like. I’ve dabbled in EVERY genre possible from Broadway, bubblegum pop, dance, all the way to rock, hard rock and alternative. My voice happens to have a 5-octave range and I know that that is hard to come by. So, naturally, a girl who likes to be girly and dresses girly and never leaves the house without makeup who sings like an edgy rocker over alternative pop music but likes to dance doesn’t sound usual, I guess. I also think I’m a bit different with my messages in my music. I push the boundaries a bit and plan on pushing further, but didn’t want to shock anyone straight out the gate. It’s not just love songs and breakup songs… I promise you that.

My idols and those I look up to all happen to be male or massive female vocalists from ages ago… I don’t think there are any female Fall Out Boys or female Adam Lambert’s or female Panic! At The Discos or female 30 Seconds To Mars around right now…It’s my dream to fill that void.

 

Q) With live music shows currently on hold, is there a potential live-stream show in the works?

 

A) There have already been several and there will be more and more to come. [smiles] A lot of them are impromptu and a lot of them are on my endorsers’ pages with me doing takeovers or me special guesting. I’ll definitely keep you posted on my socials. [smiles]

 

Q) If I were to take a look at your playlist, what would I find you currently listening to?

 

A) You would most likely think I’m bipolar. I’m all over the map. I love alternative stuff and pop stuff like Twenty One Pilots, The Head and the Heart, Tame Impala, Billie Eilish, AWOLNATION, Coldplay, Muse, The Weekend, Imagine Dragons, KONGOS, OneRepublic, Fall Out Boy, Adam Lambert, Lorde, 30 Seconds to Mars, Panic! At The Disco, Bebe Rexha, Lewis Capaldi, CHVRCHES, lovelytheband, Portugal. The Man, Weezer, Post Malone and X Ambassadors all the way to artists like Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Ray LaMontagne, 070 Shake, The Editors, Led Zeppelin, Linkin Park, Richard Ashcroft, Avenged Sevenfold, Badflower, Bee Gees, Billy Joel, Billy Idol, The Eagles, The Police, Blue Oyster Cult, The Cult, Noel Gallagher, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nothing More, ELO, Depeche Mode, Queen, Elvis, Prince, Disturbed, Metallica, Halestorm, The Killers, Nirvana etc. So yeah…. in a nutshell, it makes no sense.

 

Q) In your music career, what was the best advice you have been given?

 

A) If you stop loving it, stop doing it. Don’t subject your devoted fans to disingenuous. People aren’t stupid and can tell when someone has lost the love and the spark for the art that they once prided themselves in making. Bitterness or boredom is highly unattractive. If you’re doing it for fame, don’t bother. Do it for the right reasons. Go in with a plan and with a goal other than fame and fortune otherwise, you’ll just be empty if you ever achieve just that. There’s lots of power to be had being a successful artist, use the power wisely and choose the route of inspiration, not greed.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans & supporters of you and your music?

 

A) Thank you. I love you. I’ll never stop because of you. You are what makes me keep going and keep fighting. You are the reason I wake up with a smile, knowing I’m listened to and what I do is appreciated. You never underestimate me and you support my journeys no matter where I take you. Your love for me is unconditional and I only hope to give you the best art I can. I love, love, love you guys and that is an understatement. Thank you. I’ll never surrender to the games or politics of the music industry and how cruel it can get; I just want to make art and inspire you as you inspire me.