Sanford. The combination of her prolific, veracious songwriting and a voice
indeed lighter than air will have you on an emotional roller coaster — the
kind that reminds you of emotions you forgot to feel. It’s not surprising
the Portland Press Herald said she is “better than Norah Jones.”
Griffin has released two albums, “Let It Go” (2003) and “I’m Up To No Good”
(2004) with another in the making. Don’t miss her performances on Dec. 21 at
Frog and Turtle in Westbrook at 9 pm and Dec. 30 at North Star Cafe in
Portland from 1-3 pm. Listen to song clips at www.rachelgriffin.com.
How long have you been playing piano?
I’ve been playing by ear and composing since I was 9 years old. I wasn’t
formally trained until I was 18, when I took classical and jazz piano
lessons at USM. Growing up, my mom had a piano in the house and she played a
bit. I tried to take lessons as a child but they never really went anywhere.
Playing by ear and making songs up came so naturally to me, but reading
music was a big challenge. It still is. I have a very silly brain.
When did you start writing songs and what inspires you?
I can’t remember a time when songs didn’t dance around in my head. I’ve
always narrated my life in song. At 9 I wrote my first piano/vocal tune.
Someone upset me at school, and the way I defused the emotion was writing a
song. I think my writing is fueled by my experience of emotion at such
extreme levels. Sadness, joy, love, God, intimacy, getting myself into
trouble, a deep longing to help my fellow person and a hope for peace are
definitely things that inspire me to write.
Are you working on any new music?
I am working on so much new music right now I can’t keep up with myself. I
am writing about everything from having a crush on my doctor to my junk in
the trunk. I’m doing some writing with a publishing company in NYC, Cherry
Lane Music, so a move to NYC might be in the plan. I could see myself taking
a few Maine winters off and landing in California. I’d like to move
somewhere with more of a music scene for a while, although Maine will have
my heart. The older I get, the more I realize all I really want to do is use
the gifts and talents I possess to the best of my ability, to serve humanity
one day at a time.
What would you say to young women songwriters to encourage them in the music business?
Have confidence that you are capable of creating beauty, because you are.
Don’t let others’ opinions and judgments deter you from sharing your truth
with us. Some will like your music, some won’t. Don’t compare yourself with
others too much because you have something unique to offer that no one else
has. Don’t strive for fame, because fame itself has never made anyone truly
happy. Strive to speak your truth, stir souls, inspire minds and help us
grow and change. Be bold.
Who has influenced your music most?
Ben Folds, which no one has ever picked up on. The man’s a genius! Stevie Wonder is also a huge influence. I dig my piano playing men! Also, various
jazz singers that I studied at USM.