SHORT BIO
Since founding her own label MPress Records, NYC-based folk-pop artist Rachael Sage has steadily released a slew of vibrant, dynamic albums. She has toured with an eclectic list of artists including Rufus Wainwright, Ani DiFranco, Beth Hart, Howard Jones, and Grammy® winners Shawn Colvin and Judy Collins – with whom she also recorded a critically-acclaimed duet of Neil Young's "Helpless". In addition to being a six-time Independent Music Award-winning musician and producer, Sage is also a John Lennon Contest Grand Prize winner who has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, SXSW, and toured globally from Japan to Berlin with her band, The Sequins. Sage is also a visual artist and former ballet dancer who performed with the New York City Ballet. A self-described "cancer thriver", she is additionally a philanthropic advocate who has raised money for a wide range of causes, including Foundation For Women's Cancer, WHY Hunger, American Refugee Committee/Alight, and National Network For Youth (NN4Y). Her recent album Character yielded the Billboard-charting single "Blue Sky Days", and her companion albums, The Other Side and Another Side, are currently out on MPress/Universal/Virgin. Sage’s album Canopy is out now and its acoustic companion Under My Canopy will be released this fall via MPress/Virgin/Universal
"Sage has created an eclectic body of work that's witty, graceful, and powerfully intimate." - NPR Music
“Her keen, ironic sense of humor and quirky sense of the profound is what makes her special as a songwriter” – Billboard
"One of the most compelling and creative singers and songwriters of the modern era" - American Songwriter
LONG BIO
Rachael Sage & The Sequins' new album, Under My Canopy, reinvents the diverse collection of songs fromtheir previously lauded studio album, Canopy, into an intimate musical refuge, woven from resilience, longing, and the irrepressible determination to find light in the darkest places. Featuring fresh acoustic instrumentation and imaginative new arrangements, Sage and her band continue their ongoing journey of storytelling and emotional connection. Confidently spanning the genres of Americana, pop and neo-folk, the record offers listeners a beautifully crafted, deeply heartfelt assortment of songs that find common ground in themes of living a purposeful and joyful life rooted in inclusiveness, equality and non-violence. Reflective, mournful yet optimistic, Under My Canopy is one of her most soulful and thought-provoking works yet.
The record opens with "Just Enough", which captures the Americana-pop band at the peak of their musical powers, peddling positive vibes with a neo-folk flair. With instrumentation reminiscent of Van Morrison and harmonies hearkening back to '60s girl groups, this optimistic song channels youthful exuberance with Sage’s energetic acoustic guitar, cellist Dave Eggar (Paul Simon), percussionist Quinn (Loreena McKennitt), and a nostalgic spirit. "Canopy", featuring Righteous Babe Records artist Kristen Ford, is a much-needed musical reprieve from our current cultural upheaval. The titular track is equal parts emotional exhale and invitation to a more compassionate future. An inspirational anthem exploring radical inclusivity, pacifism, and environmental consciousness, this all-too-timely musical mission statement is further bolstered by one of the most memorable hooks of Sage’s prolific career.
Sage's sobering response to the tragic story of Nex Benedict, "Nexus (Acoustic)" honors a young teen who passed away after being beaten by school peers for being nonbinary. An empathetic tribute to Benedict and their family, the achingly honest and resolute folk-pop manifesto is a universal testament to the critical importance of inclusivity."Everyday", a playful reimagining of Buddy Holly's classic, is a catchy, original take with finger cymbals, claps, violin, cello, and an acoustic guitar contribution from Christie Lenée. "Colorized World", a cheerful song about the excitement of young love and youthful romance, showcases Sage's versatile vocal range nestled on a bedrock of lilting accordion, and cello. "Live It Up" is exactly the song the world needs in these chaotic and altogether unpredictable times. With lyrics that playfully divert listeners from news-cycle overwhelm toward equality and understanding ("I can be the hope and possibility, you can be the one to help me turn the key/There ain't no way to heaven 'till we get there all equal”) this joyful, dynamic track showcases Sage’s signature musical chops amidst an intimate arrangement including Ben Butler on guitar (Dar Williams), and call-and-response harmonica by Trina Hamlin (Susan Werner).
The impeccably recorded Under My Canopy was produced by Sage with Grammy® nominated engineer/bassist Mikhail Pivovarov (Tom Rush). It was mixed and mastered by Pivovarov, who brought out the best of The Sequins - violinist Kelly Halloran (Lainey Wilson), drummer Andy Mac (Pete Muller and the Kindred Souls), Trina Hamlin (Susan Werner) on harmonica, cellists Dave Eggar (Paul Simon), and Ward Williams (Sara Bareilles). Additional special guests include guitarists Christie Lenée, Ben Butler (Dar Williams), James Mastro (Jill Sobule) and Jack Petruzzelli (Joan Osborne). Percussionist Doug Yowell (Suzanne Vega), accordionist Rob Curto (The Klezmatics), Kevin J. Killen (Katie Frank), singer-songwriters Cassandra Kubinski and Kristen Ford, renowned clarinetist David Krakauer (John Zorn), percussionist Quinn (Tracy Chapman), and upright bassist Kerry Brooks (Amy Ray Band) also contribute their talents, along with Americana vocal duo Annalyse & Ryan.
