February 28, 2018

Center Stage - Rebecca Chase

We're pleased to introduce you to Rebecca Chase, a talented singer-songwriter and this week's Center Stage artist. 

Growing up in a musical family in Tampa, Florida, Rebecca Chase started playing piano and singing at age five, and writing songs when she was eight years old.  She began her musical passion in her church's youth group, which led to opportunities to tour, record, and lead worship at events and conferences around the US.  This only fueled her obsession to write songs, sing, and share them.  Rebecca has won multiple national and international songwriting contests, and continues to write and stay involved musically involved at her church in Tampa.  She has released two independent records, which are on iTunes, YouTube and all the other musical mediums.  Her secret talent involves teaching children under 18.  When she’s not doing something music or teaching-related, she loves being with her friends and family, listening to podcasts, reading, watching movies, drinking good coffee (or tea depending on the day), and going on adventures of all kinds!

Get to know Rebecca a little better in our most recent artist Q&A

Can you describe your sound in one ramble-on sentence?
It’s a Giant Mason Jar of ‘Moderately Happy Yet Melancholy Espresso’ with ‘Honey/Almond Milk Folky Pop Vibes.’

What's your earliest music-related memory growing up?
I was five and learned a church song on the piano by ear with triad chords, shocking my mom, seeing that my feet barely skimmed the carpet at that point.  She asked “Who taught you that?”  I proudly said, “Me!”

If you were to cover another band/artist's album, which would you pick and why?
Coldplay’s X & Y album probably.  1) I love when chicks cover guy songs and vise versa.   2) I personally can’t even handle the love I have for the song, “Fix You” – it wrecks me in all the best ways.  3) I respect the overall “new” feeling it brings intertwining electronic feels while still maintaining their piano-driven integrity.

Do you write/compose your own songs? Briefly describe your songwriting process.
I usually write in two different ways – intentionally while uninspired, and intentionally while inspired.  Working a song while feeling uninspired is like pushing out premature child.  (Sorry for that being graphic, but I can liken it only to that.)  However, I do believe it’s important to keep skills sharp regardless.  When I’m feeling inspired, I take the feeling/concept and pour it into the shape of the song’s metaphorical melody/music/lyrical container.  It’s a dance – taking what is easy and then gently molding it along the way to the sound and style it’s naturally taking.  Just like people, I like to play on a song’s strengths this way, too.

What was the highlight for you in 2017? Either personally or for your music career?
I had the great opportunity to begin working with a songwriter/musician collective out in Los Angeles, and we did a show in celebration of that.  I love the creative community around me, and when we connect like siblings, it’s even better.

What have you been working on recently? Can you give us a hint for what’s to come in 2018?
I’d like to continue to pen thematic songs centered around a central idea… and then show people like it’s an honest finger-painting.

What do you like more: Performing live or recording in the studio?
Definitely performing live!  I love people.  My favorite shows are the ones that have a living room/family feel, where we’re all hanging out together and just happen to have music there too.

What are some artists/bands that you're into at the moment? Or any particular song you find yourself listening to over and over?
Maria Mena’s album, “Growing Pains” –– somebody, please lift my jaw off the floor.  Her rhymes, vocal melodies, and vibrato are colorful and completely heartfelt and genuine.  Listen to the songs, “Good God,” and “Good and Bad” to start.  I don’t know her, but I’m really proud of her!

Any embarrassing on stage moments you'd like to share? C’mon, don’t be shy.
Yep!  One of the many is when I decided to sing “Happy Birthday” to a birthday girl, but had everyone join me... nasal style.  I really enjoyed myself, but also had a bit of vulnerability hangover afterward.

What's one thing people should know about you?
I taught English for 5 years and recently shifted to Kindergarten.  It’s my secret life.

What do you enjoy doing outside of music? Does your hobby rejuvenate your creativity?
If there is a way I could eat, laugh, read in my pj’s, and be active outside with friends holding deep conversations, I would do that as much as possible.  (And I try to!)  Yes, I do feel that deep conversations with people I know, nature, and words by authors I don’t know all fuel my creativity.

What do you like the most about Radio Airplay?

They are so supportive of Indie Artists!  This truly embracing this day and age.  Thank you, RA for doing so!