PURCHASE THE ALBUM NOW!
About the Album: Rachel Potter, already a Broadway musical sensation, is now poised to win the hearts of country music fans with her debut album, “Live the Dream.”
The album, a collaboration with Nashville vet, Justin York, is a dynamic, passion-fueled mix of country pop with an edge of rock, showcasing her undeniable talents as both a songstress and a storyteller. York co-produced and co-wrote all six songs on the EP, including “Just a Show,” “Never You Mind,” “September Song,” “Lovestruck” (featuring Grant Mickelson, guitarist for Taylor Swift, and additional writing by Jamey Ray), “Hold on To Me” (additional writing by Angie Broberg and Simon Kerr), and the title track, “Live the Dream” (written by Justin and Kate York).
“Live the Dream” is another shining example of using social media to raise funds. Potter successfully turned to the online funding platform, Kickstarter, to raise much-needed funds for the album with the campaign, “Help Me Live the Dream,” (http://kck.st/rxPxXa). She raised over 20K to produce and distribute it.
Potter’s inspiration for “Live the Dream” began two years ago while she was on tour with the smash hit musical, Wicked. On a stopover in Memphis, she met up with longtime friend, Justin York, the notable songwriter/producer, engineer, and guitarist for bands such as Paramore, Katy Perry and Tait (his brother, Taylor York, is the lead guitarist for Paramore and “Live the Dream” was recorded in his studio). After an impromptu writing session, “Just a Show“ was written, with beautiful lyrics and a melody that takes you for a ride through the emotional stages of a breakup.
After “Just a Show” was penned, other songs for the album unfolded as Potter dug deep into her soul to find the experiences and stories she wanted to tell. As a result, “Live the Dream” is woven with powerful and resounding emotional themes that speak directly to the listener through Potter’s words and melodies. Each song draws inspiration from the life experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today, and she exudes a riveting authenticity with every note.
Live the Dream takes you on a journey through the blissful promise of new romance in “Lovestruck,” the pain and acceptance of struggle and loss in “September Song,” the raw hurt and anger from a breakup in “Never You Mind,” and the uplifting strength of support in “Hold on To Me.”
The title track of the EP, “Live the Dream,” is the only song Potter didn’t have a hand in writing, yet it’s the one she feels the most personally connected to. Written by Justin and Kate York, the song’s message of pursuing and achieving your dreams is an honest and moving chronicle of Potter’s personal musical journey, sung with a sense of wisdom beyond her years.
“It’s got real guts,” says Potter of the co-written EP. ”We wanted to make a record that joined pop country music with a rock edge – think Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift with a Paramore twist. It’s a risk, but it’s exciting.”
Born in New Orleans, LA and raised in Seminole, FL, Potter has always had a country music in her blood – her album is colored by an eclectic mix of influences ranging from her southern upbringing, to her rock and roller parents, to her Baptist church and school choir solos. The album is also flavored with influences from country icons like Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, and Martina McBride, and modern hints of Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.
A talented vocalist, at the age of 12 Potter began writing her own music as a vehicle to cope with her mother’s Juvenile Diabetes. At 16, she was discovered by Narrow Door Records and cut a solo Christian album, Come Back Home, in 2002, before pursuing her highly successful musical theater career. In 2008, Rachel was even featured on MTV’s reality series “Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods.”
As a musical theater vet, Potter has already cultivated an impressive following. Her performance as the Mistress of Evita’s “Another Suitcase in the Hall” has earned a standing ovation from critics, among them Bloomberg News, Backstage, The Bergen Record, New Jersey News Room. One of the most memorable reviews comes from critic Michael Glitz of the Huffington Post, who suggests Evita sent her character packing because “…Potter has a much better singing voice.”
Other notable theater credits include roles as Wednesday Addams alongside Brooke Shields in The Addams Family, and Glinda in the smash hit, Wicked. She has also performed with The Gramercy Theater Company and the Eric Davis freeFall Theater Company, and has played lead and supporting roles in various Walt Disney World productions in Orlando, Florida.
On “Live the Dream,” Potter says, “This EP reflects a deeper side that I don’t believe my fans have seen of me yet. Up till now, I have played Glinda, Wednesday and a sad Mistress, but this will be the first time I will be making my New York City debut as Rachel Potter.” (Rachelpottermusic.com)
Label: Independent
