About Me…

In my own personal experience, the biography is the last thing I ever read when I go on someone’s website. First I listen to the music, then I look through pictures, check out tour dates and if I like what I see... then I look at the bio. So if you enjoyed the music and peruse websites like myself, let me entertain you with some of my background information.

I am proudly Canadian and I say this because it's good to be proud of where you come from. I grew up in Vernon, British Columbia. For those who don't know where that it is, Vernon is part of the sunny Okanagan Valley and approximately a five hour drive northeast of Vancouver.

As a child I was a bossy one, asked too many questions, knew all the answers and preferred to wear no clothes or at least that's what they tell me. More importantly, I could be found singing anywhere at any time of day with whatever I was doing. Performing soon became my first love and I would get up on stage any chance I got. I started singing at church, local coffee shops and summer festivals. Singing has been my passion and escape for as long as I can remember and paved my way for an obsession with songwriting and playing the guitar.

The first time I wrote a song, or rather a song worth listening to (according to my parents), was when I was eleven years old. I was sitting in my bedroom singing and playing guitar when my parents came rushing in with the video camera. I had attempted to write a song or two prior to that but just hadn't gotten the feel of it yet. With my biggest influence up to that point being the radio, I was introduced to the love song. But really what does an eleven year old know about boys and love? NOTHING! That's when my dad said words to me that I will never forget, "Why don't you try and write a song that's not about love?" His words were words of wisdom to me. I found myself usually writing late at night and reflecting more from personal experiences.

Now, finally after 12 years, I am officially a high school graduate. During my high school years I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to LA and Nashville and write with songwriters and artists that range from my best friends to writers with #1 hits. Having been intimidated and straight out nervous more times than I'd like to admit, I've come to love co-writing and find it a refreshing way to get to know someone while writing a song (whether or not it's even worth listening to). I love music that has smart lyrics and a melody that stands out from the rest. I aspire to write songs that I am proud of in both regards.

At the end of the day, I enjoy a lot of things: politics, history, movies, a long run, but there is nothing I enjoy more than to share what I love to do most... making music and playing it for anyone who is willing to listen. What kind of artist am I? Hopefully an artist that will write and sing a song that one day will touch your heart, make you laugh and maybe make you dance. Thanks for getting to know this Canadian gal a little bit better.

- Raquel