Welcome!
I am an independent singer and folk music writer originally from Sydney but now living in Perth, Western Australia.
I've been playing guitar and writing songs for about six years and performing regularly for about four.
I have released one recording "Long Distance", a 6 track EP. (See reviews below.) To buy a copy of the CD for $15 including postage to anywhere click here
BREAKING NEWS!!
Feb 17th - I was a finalist for Best New Talent at the 2012 Boyup Brook Country Music Festival (Western Australia's premier Country Music Event). I did not win this year but had such a great time, I'm determined to be there again next year!
Biography
Rachel Dillon is an authoritative story teller tendering hand woven songs about change. She rummages through themes of finite love, infinite friendship, loss, loneliness and dispossession. The music draws from a range of shared traditions and sounds that include folk, country, Bluegrass and Americana, sometimes called Alt-Country. In 2012, Rachel was a finalist in WA Country Music Awards at Boyup Brook for Best New Talent.
My love of cowboy culture and Americana probably started in the loungeroom of my childhood home as I sat in front of the turntable and was completely transported by the gunslinger ballads on my father's Frankie Lane and Marty Robbins records. Also tucked in that modest record collection were my Mothers' John Denver and Anne Murray albums and I'd give them all a spin.
As a kid I played clarinet in the local concert band, with my little brother playing a tuba that was bigger than he was. Being part of creating that big dramatic sound, the tip-toeing pianissimos building to explosive kettle drum crescendos, was so powerful to me, I often fought back tears as I played. But like so many kids, study and work (and falling in love!) meant the clarinet, and music, was put aside.
Many years later, the sense of music calling me was everpresent. Finally (with the excuses running out) I took up guitar with a "now or never" attitude, surprised and excited that before I could even strum properly, I began composing songs in a simple way. Early songs attracted interest so I pressed on, worked hard at the instrument and released a first recording, the EP, "Long Distance" in 2009, with the help of Blue Mountains producer, Rohan Mansley.
A wide range of influences include Pink Floyd, Billy Bragg, Nick Cave, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe, Australia's Paul Kelly and John Williamson. Recently, I’m exploring the songwriting of Woody Guthrie, John Prine, Guy Clark, Gillian Welch and the style of Bluegrass.
Awards and Nominations
2012 - Finalist - Best New Talent - West Australian Country Music Awards, Boyup Brook
2010 - Second - Lyric Writing - WA Poetry Inc ("Boab Tree")
2009 - Finalist - Australian Songwriting Association - Songwriting Competition ("Hell for Leather")
What they're saying!
Rachel Dillon has a beautiful voice and is an accomplished songwriter. This six track CD is a delight from the beginning. I found it compelling listening and quickly found myself joining in the chorus. Rachel’s voice has a distinct quality and she writes interesting, thought provoking songs.
John Williams, Trad and Now Magazine
A gifted folk-country, singer-songwriter based in Perth, Western Australia, Rachel writes very much from personal perspectives. Her songs touch the heart in a mix of originals and selective folk-Americana covers.
Kelvin Fahey, Director, Canberra Country Music Festival, 2010
Love the album Rach, got it yesterday!!!!!!!! Everyone should own a copy... hint hint - BUY RACH’S ALBUM!!!!!
Heather Carrigan, Southern Alliance Bluegrass Band
I never bothered listening to lyrics before, but you have awakened me, and have painted images in my mind that are beautiful. I can feel the heart and soul for the first time; have been content getting that from melody alone, to date!
I envy those that can do both. I will share this with my daughter who is living in the US now and she will treasure the Aussie accent and the familiar images she misses so much.
Wendy, NSW
Highlights of 2011
The highlight of 2011 for me would have to be opening for Tex Perkins at a private function at the iconic Sydney venue, The Vanguard in March. Tex is a seasoned
performer, so assured and comfortable on the stage - what a great honour!
In May, Andrew and I held our third "On the Verandah" Dinner, Bluegrass & Folk show.
Again, it sold out the day before the show and we had over 200 people. $400+ was raised for Headache Help WA. It was a huge honour to again work with Jane Germain, Ian Simpson, Quentin Fraser and new additions Adam Gare and Steve Loss.
2011 Festivals
Nannup Music Festival, WA
Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW
Radio and Airplay 2011
- James Lush, live in the studio, ABC Perth, 720AM
- Gillian O’Shaughnessy, live in the studio, ABC Perth 720 AM
- Derek Cusick, live in the studio, Radio Fremantle, WA 107.9 FM
- Sue Myc, 89.7fm, ECU Joondalup, live in the studio
And for 2012...
I'd love to make a second recording during 2012 and I'm working hard to make it a reality. Should you wish to contribute to this project you are certainly welcome to do so! Please click here
