RACHAEL CANTU is a talented singer/songwriter known for her evocative blend of indie folk rock delicately infused with distinctly powerful vocals, gentle melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Born in Orange County, this SoCal native has the whole package -- it’s no wonder she’s been aptly described as “something a mix of The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde, PJ Harvey, Sarah McLachlan and Norah Jones.”
As the title suggests, Rachael Cantu’s second studio album “Far and Wide” (self-released Nov 17, 2009) ...
RACHAEL CANTU is a talented singer/songwriter known for her evocative blend of indie folk rock delicately infused with distinctly powerful vocals, gentle melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Born in Orange County, this SoCal native has the whole package -- it’s no wonder she’s been aptly described as “something a mix of The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde, PJ Harvey, Sarah McLachlan and Norah Jones.”
As the title suggests, Rachael Cantu’s second studio album “Far and Wide” (self-released Nov 17, 2009) is an artistic departure from the brooding and moody sounds of her impressive debut CD “Run All Night” (Q Division) and highlights her growth, maturity and evolution as a rising singer/songwriter through musical exploration. Produced by Futcher (The Be Good Tanyas) in Vancouver, the captivating and cohesive collection of ten eclectic songs with thoughtfully layered arrangements showcase her effortless stylistic versalitily, which ranges from upbeat pop, forlorn folk, characteristically haunting pieces and splashes of everything in between. Standout tracks like the etheral “Devil’s Thunder” and touchingly contemplative “Make A Name For Me and You” have attracted the attention of Chop Shop’s Alexandra Patsavas, who featured both tunes on ABC’s “Private Practice” in 2009.
In addition to solo shows in Los Angeles and major cities on the East Coast in the Summer/Fall 2009, Rachael honed her live show and won over new fans in each city she visited while touring with blues legend B.B. King, and opening for generational powerhouses like Pat Benatar and Peter Frampton. Rachael has also previously toured with Tegan & Sara and Ben Lee, and opened for artists like Ryan Cabrera, Joe Pug and Andrew Belle.
With national exposure through TV placements and prominent tour dates, as well as a growing dedicated fan base, the building momentum and anticipation surrounding the just released “Far and Wide” CD will surely make 2010 a breakout year for Rachael Cantu.
DISCOGRAPHY
*Nov 2009 - “Far and Wide” CD *Jan 2009 - “Rachael Cantu” EP *Feb 2006 - “Run All Night” CD (Q Division) - Received critical acclaim as it rocketed up the CMJ Top 200 where it sat comfortably next to artists like Ryan Adams and Neko Case. *2004 - “Blood Laughs” EP
“FAR AND WIDE” CD REVIEWS
Rachael Cantu’s new album “Far and Wide” was just released yesterday, and I absolutely adore this girl! She’s toured with acts like Tegan & Sara, Pat Benatar (how cool is that?), Ben Lee and most recently blues legend B.B. King, and has borrowed blues, soul and heartache, transforming her influences into a stunning collection of Breezy slow jams and gorgeous rhythmic tracks like “Eaten Alive” and “Your Hips Are Bad” and “We’re THe Rebels”. She’s got some country-infused tracks too like “Blue House Baby”. She throws in a few sad songs for good measure, like “Genius and a Wizard” and the haunting “Devil’s Thunder” likened to a church hymn with a backup choir. Easily one of my favorites. She reminds me of a laid-back Regina Spektor, with more soulful and dynamic voice range. It’s tough to find original female songwriters that aren’t a total bore, but she’s definitely a gem - with some poetic prose that are imaginative and playful, she’s a delight to listen to. --- FRIENDS WITH BOTH ARMS
After you listen to her newest album you’ll be (as we are) fully obsessed with her voice, her feelings, and her sweet-but-smoky vocal adventures. This month Rachael has released “Far and Wide”, her second studio album created with Canadian producer Futcher and indie engines like Tegan Quin, Ted Gowans and Charla McCutcheon to name a few. The album’s already received some rave reviews, some of its tracks already receiving airtime on my favorite TV guilty pleasure, Private Practice. “Far and Wide” is an acoustic indie rock/pop/sometimes folk record by a girl with a guitar, grace and feelings that we can all get down with. Rachael’s powerful, sweet-but-smokey vocal style is complemented nicely by hooky melodies and arrangements, familiar enough to consume effortlessly and refreshing enough to stick in my head and demand repeat performances. I’m not going to break this album down too much, but if you’ve heard it then you might agree that the atmospheric, somewhat errie “Devil’s Thunder” is a killer way to kick it off. It sets the stage for what you may assume would be a moody, darker album, and yet instead what follows are 9 optimistic, upbeat toe-tappin’ tracks, notably “Thieves and Their Hands and “Your Hips Are Bad” which are downright contagious. -- AUDIOSTRADDLE
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