Interview: Rachael Mann
US singer/songwriter Rachael Mann has just released her new single 'Control'. Louder Than The Music chatted with Rachael to find out how she first started making music, her relationship with Christ, and the story behind her new song.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Well, I first starting to sing at the age of 7. It was a God given gift because I never asked for it, nor does it run in my family. I love it so much that I basically self trained myself to sing in my room. I use to spend hours and hours practicing, and deep within me, I felt like God was showing me He had a big plan for my life. I just got following where God was leading, and it ended up leading me to where I am now. It's been a long journey, but I would not have traded it for the World.
What has been one of your favorite places to sing to date?
My favorite place to sing was when I opened for Kirk Franklin at the BJCC in Birmingham. I was 20 years old, and there were over 18,000 people there. It was amazing, and I will never forget that.
Tell us about your relationship with Christ?
I became saved at the age of 5. But, I was so young, I never really had a true personal one on one relationship until I got older and understood who Christ is and was to me. When I was in high school, I went through a really hard time because I wanted to be popular, so I would try to hang with the wrong crowd to fit in, but it never seemed to work. I truly believe God was with me the whole time guiding my footsteps even though I tried to block Him out to fit in. When I was in my twenties, I truly began to see how much God was taking care of me, especially after I moved out of my home and moved into an apartment by myself. I have seen God's hand on me so many times, I know He is Real and Real in me!
Tell us about your new song 'Control'
'Control' was actually presented to me in 2018. I was singing at a church in the Atlanta area, and this song was on the roster. I was like 'This is the most amazing song I've ever heard. Who wrote this?" The writer of the song was a worship pastor of the church who graciously gave me permission to record it. Little did I know, when I started recording this song in 2019 that the World would be going into so much chaos. God truly knew this song was needed in our World today. I believe it is a God timed song.
How would you encourage other people who want to get into music?
I would encourage them by saying follow the Lord wherever He leads you. Your journey will not be the same as everyone else. I would encourage everyone to follow step by step what God is leading them to do.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I would love to work with either Brandon Heath-he is such a great writer and very unique in his ideas-Michael W. Smith-because I grew up listening to him and love his music-and honestly, if I was able to go back in time, I would love to work with someone who wrote one of the hymns we all grew up singing.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Honestly, when I was younger, I looked at success way different than I do now. Yes, as a singer we all want our songs to get out to people in the World, but now, all I know is if one person is encouraged by a song I sing or wrote, then it's worth it. Christ would have come just for one, because we were worth it to Him. The same goes to music, I pray whoever hears will be touched and blessed.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Michael W. Smith "Changed Your World." It was the first concert I went to. I still to this day love that album.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Whoo good question. So, there is a artist by the name of J. Moss. I honestly like all of his songs. I would say any one of his songs I would listen to over and over again.
Where can people find you on social media or to book you for their church?
You can go to Rachaelmann.org. There you can find all information, booking and social media sites.
