If music really is the universal language, Rachael Blanche might be more fluent than most. The globe-trotting pop singer-songwriter was both in Australia, lives in London, and has spent quality time in both the U.S. and B.C. Granted, all that gallivanting still can’t help someone decipher the coded messages of love, as her recent single Translator — which premiered HERE last week — makes crystal clear. But her world travels just might help her navigate the pothole-riddled hellscape of my dumb questions. Let’s see, shall we?
Introduce yourself: Name, age (feel free to lie), home base and any other details you’d care to share — height / weight / identifying marks / astrology sign / your choice.
Hey, I’m Rachael Blanche, but call me Rach. I’m 32, I grew up in Australia, with dual citizenship to the U.K., where I now reside, in London. I’m usually smiling or laughing, mostly at myself and I love adventure and being spontaneous, so if you invite me to Disneyland, I’m probably going to come.
What’s your latest project?
My new single Translator came about when my friend sent screenshots to our group chat, asking everyone for their opinion, was he asking her out this weekend, or just asking what she was doing this weekend? It just happens all the time and it’s always the same thing: ‘I really like them, I think this could be something special, but I’m just so confused.’ Hence the chorus lyric, “This could be major, I just need a translator.” And who hasn’t been in this situation before!
What truly sets you apart from other artists?
Honestly, there are so many incredible artists out there, but one thing I hear a lot is producers or songwriters trying to make pop music, even though they don’t like it. For me, this is the music I love, the producer I work with, we get so excited because we LOVE making this music, we don’t have to ‘Try and write a song like X’. It’s such an enjoyable process because it’s just what comes out of me so easily.
How will my life improve by listening to your music?
People always come up to me and say that it felt like my song was written word for word about their last relationship. We’re all humans having the same experiences, and I want everyone to realise that people do understand what you’re going through and you are not alone.
What is the best / worst / strangest / most memorable performance you have given?
At our high school graduation ceremony I had to sing The Prayer (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli) in this HUGE Gothic revival Roman Catholic church for over 1,000 students and parents. The acoustics were insane and it was a very cool experience.
What living or dead artists would you like to collaborate with?
Eminem.
What artist or style of music do you love that would surprise people?
I’m a really good rapper, I love Eminem, but then I’ll also throw on some Sufjan Stevens. I genuinely love so many genres of music.
What words do you hope people use when they describe you?
Kind, genuine and hilarious.
If money was no object, where would you live?
I would have a home in the country with a horse, a home in London, L.A., Brisbane, and somewhere by the beach. So basically, everywhere.
What would you like to be reincarnated as?
My dog.
What are your pet peeves?
Those friends who are always late to dinner… Like, I’m soo hungry… do better.
What’s your greatest regret?
Thinking I was too old to go for my dreams at 24… what a joke. haha
What are you afraid of?
Being on the toilet and trapped in a bathroom with a snake. Clearly this is so specific that I actually know someone this happened to… and obviously in Australia!
What’s your motto?
If something makes me feel uncomfortable, I force myself to do it. For example, last week I was in upstate N.Y. for a songwriting retreat and a couple people were getting up at 7 a.m. to do a cold plunge in the creek after it had been snowing. They asked me to join, my brain said, ‘Yeah, let’s not … ‘, so I told them yes, and I did it. It was actually really fun, I brought my speaker and played Final Countdown. haha
What’s always in your refrigerator?
Orange juice, because I already ate the chocolate.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I get flushed easily, sometimes when I perform or the attention is on me, and it would be cool to not go bright red. haha
If you had one day to spend as you please without any consequences, what would you do?
I’d get a jet for all of my friends and fly us to a theme park, and then dinner in Greece, and Drake would perform after dinner. If we flew from Australia, I would get two days for one with the time difference.
What’s the silliest thing you believed as a child?
Umm, this is heavy but I honestly thought my grandad got cancer from eating an orange seed… yikes.
What was your favourite class in school and why?
Music extension for singing. No explanation needed.
What was the worst job you ever had?
I worked at Blockbuster Video, and I got fired for playing an M-rated movie. I’m still filthy about it.
What’s the best and / or worst advice you were ever given?
Best: Nothing is ever difficult, it’s just unfamiliar.
Worst: Pick your battles, just nod along and agree.
Check out Translator above, sample more of her music below, and follow Rachael Blanche on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
