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 five years and performing regularly for about three.
BREAKING NEWS!!
I'm a finalist for Best New Talent at the 2012 Boyup Brook Country Music Festival - all happening in February.
You can find me playing music solo at markets & fairs, folk clubs, house concerts, music festivals or at our "On the Verandah" Dinner and Bluegrass Shows with a band.
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 in the world click here
Biography
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 sometimes so powerful to me, I often fought back tears as I played. But like so many kids, study and work meant the clarinet, and music, was put aside.
Many years later, the sense that music was calling had never abated. Finally, when all the excuses ran 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. Of the six original songs, one was shortlisted in the Australian Songwriter's Association Songwriting Competition of 2009. I have since had another song, "Boab Tree" recognised by the WA Poetry Festival of 2010 in the lyric writing section.
Over the years certain artists have made me stop in my tracks to marvel at their craft... Pink Floyd, Billy Bragg, Nick Cave, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe, Irving Berlin Paul Kelly and John Williamson. At the moment, I'm in listening to and learning from Woody Guthrie, John Prine, Guy Clark and Gillian Welch.
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, Canberra Country Music Festival, 2010
Love the album Rach, got it yesterday!!!!!!!! Everyone should own a copy... hint hint - BUY RACH’S ALBUM!!!!!
Heather Robin Glass, 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 and if I hadn't been so starstruck I probably could have learned something! ;-)
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.
Festivals
Nannup Music Festival, WA
Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW
Radio and Airplay
- 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
