Hailing from Birmingham, England, MOBO Award winner Rachel Kerr is a powerhouse you will soon hear more of in the U.S. She released her debut EP in 2012 entitled “Back to Music,” which is an homage to old school soul stemming from the singer-songwriter’s gospel upbringing (check out the video for the single “Hold My Hand”). Now with her second EP, “Getting Started,” the powerhouse and dynamic performer’s ride is, well, just beginning as her talents should take her far into the future.
Having recently shared the stage with Brandy, those of us in the United States are poised to see more of Rachel as she’s about to embark on a 6-city tour this fall. “I’m a bit of a mad woman on stage but that’s my passion. My love for music is evident and when I’m on stage, it consumes me. I ensure that my movement and the music work hand in hand, which is always entertaining,” says Kerr.
Check out her upcoming New York City appearances and check out our Q&A with Ms. Kerr below:
October 8 BET Music Matters @ SOBs
October 15 @ Red Lion East Village
October 16 SOL Village @ SOBs
October 20 R&B Spotlight @ SOBs
Singersroom: You recently performed alongside Brandy at the O2 Arena. How was that?
Rachel Kerr: I’ve never been more excited, humbled and nervous at the same time. I look up to Brandy in so many ways. Having met and spoken with her, I was determined to do her and the United Kingdom proud. It really was a dream come true.
Singersroom: You’re getting ready to embark on your first U.S. tour; The Getting Started tour. What cities will you be hitting?
Kerr: I know I'm over excited! I'll be hitting; New York, LA, Atlanta, Houston, Washington, D.C. and Phoenix. I've never been to a lot of these places, so I'm so grateful my gift is taking me to new places.
Singersroom: What do you do on your downtime?
Kerr: I enjoy cooking, busting jokes with my family, songwriting. I love watching reality TV especially Love & Hip Hop and The Real Housewives franchise too but I don't always have as much time as I would like to give my reality cravings the attention they deserve. [Laughs]
Singersroom: Tell us about your latest EP “Getting Started” (concept, inspiration, etc.)
Kerr: Getting Started is me and I'm so proud of this body of work! The uptempo songs, the inspirational and heartfelt subject matters, the Caribbean inspired twang and, of course, a few power vocals. I poured my heart into it. I really wanted to start my musical journey with a bang. Many people (honestly at time myself included) did not think I'd come this far or achieve a lot of what I've been blessed enough to achieve in such a short space of time. But I'm so aware that this isn't the time to get complacent or even doubt whether I have a future in music. Like the title says, the best is yet to come and I'm just 'Getting Started'.
Singersroom: How important for you is it to write your own songs?
Kerr: It's ridiculously important. Artistry is an expression of one’s self. To date I have really struggled to sing songs that weren't an expression from my heart to my audiences. That's not to say it won't happen but it just hasn't happened yet. What is so weird is that I classify myself a songwriter first. I've been writing since I was 15 for ministry of sound and many others, it's my comfort zone. When I moved from the small town where I was raised to London I was so shocked that I was getting attention as a vocalist. I come from a family full of ridiculous singers, so I didn't really consider myself that great.
Singersroom: How does it feel being compared to Beyoncé?
Kerr: I'm compared to so many people and it changes with every interview I do. It ranges from India Arie to Whitney Houston to Tina Turner and others, I can’t keep up. [Laugh] But every female has been a beautiful example of talent, strength, passion and a formidable sense of purpose that for me is so flattering. Naturally any new artist wants to be known for his or her own unique artistry but I'm under no illusions, that is earned and I'm ready to earn that recognition.
Singersroom: The themes in your music are so upbeat and positive. Does that reflect your current state of mind?
Kerr: Absolutely! I am an encourager. In my friendship circle I'm the go-to-girl for advice, a bit of wisdom and encouragement and I know that that is part of my purpose on this earth. I take so much pleasure in it. It's only right that my music reflects my natural character. I mean let's not get it twisted I definitely have my 'woe is me' days but I've learned what to do to encourage myself and stay positive.
Singersroom: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Kerr: There are so many times even in the last few years of singing that I've had a beautiful well thought out plan that just flopped but also had times when I had nothing and was blessed with a MOBO award, the chance to sing to Bill Clinton and with Brandy so I'm learning to take every day as it comes and enjoy the ride. Naturally though I have to see progression, I'd be so overwhelmed to know that in 5 years’ time my music was received and loved by most people all over the world and that I had made my mark on music history.
Singersroom: Name your top 5 favorite artists of all time
Kerr: In no particular order Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Brandy, Aaliyah and Destiny's Child.
Singersroom: How would you compare the R&B music scene/markets in the UK to the U.S?
Kerr: Wow! The U.S. scene is so much more embracing of creativity. I think in the UK, we are still figuring out what R&B music is and whether it has a future. But in the U.S I see so much more open mindedness, creativity and a willingness to ensure the genre is ever evolving and not about to die out.
Singersroom: Where is your favorite venue to perform?
Kerr: I've had some incredible memories at the O2 and Wembley Arenas. I love intimate venues but I tend to be a tad nervous before I step on stage. Truth is I'm short-sighted so when I step out in an arena I can hardly see anything anyway so I just figure I might as well really go for it, if people don't like it, it's not like I can see their faces [Laughs].
Singersroom: How can Americans buy your latest EP “Getting Started”?
Kerr: It's on iTunes but if they would like a signed physical copy they should go to my website for more details: www.rachelkerrmusic.com
You’re in for a treat because we’ve got an exciting story to share with you. Meet Rachel Kerr, the talented singer-songwriter who’s taking the U.K./U.S. R&B scene by storm and inspiring others along the way. Although she’s already achieved so much in her career, Rachel believes that she’s just getting started.
With soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Rachel has captured the hearts of fans around the world. She draws inspiration from artists like Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, and Lauryn Hill, but adds her own unique flair to every song she writes. Her music is a reflection of her journey as an artist and as a person, tackling themes of love, heartbreak, self-discovery and empowerment.
Despite facing challenges in the industry like rejection and criticism, Rachel remains steadfast in her vision and continues to push forward with passion and drive.
Rachel Kerr’s Music Career and Inspirations
You’re probably wondering what inspired Rachel Kerr to pursue a music career and who her biggest influences are. Well, growing up in London, she was exposed to various genres of music, from gospel to reggae and R&B. She started singing at the age of six in her local church choir and later joined her school’s choir.
Kerr’s passion for music grew as she got older, and she began writing her own songs when she was just 12 years old. Her biggest musical inspirations include Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. These artists not only influenced her style but also helped shape her approach to songwriting.
As she honed her craft as a singer-songwriter, Kerr continued to be inspired by the world around her. Her songs often explore themes of love, heartbreak, faith, and empowerment. By sharing her personal experiences through music, Kerr hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams and overcome obstacles along the way.
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others in the Music Industry
Feeling discouraged in the music industry? Let me remind you that with hard work and perseverance, you can overcome any challenge and inspire others to do the same.
Rachel Kerr, a rising star in the UK R&B scene, knows firsthand the difficulties of making it in the music business. She’s faced rejection and setbacks, but she refuses to let those obstacles define her. Instead, Rachel uses her struggles as fuel to push forward and encourage others along the way.
She believes that by sharing our stories and supporting each other, we can all achieve our dreams. That’s why she’s an active mentor for young artists and dedicates time to community outreach programs.
Rachel Kerr is proof that success is possible if you stay focused on your goals and don’t give up when things get tough. Whether it’s through her soulful music or her inspiring words, she continues to uplift those around her.
So keep pushing forward, surround yourself with positive influences, and remember that anything is possible with enough determination.
Conclusion
So, you’ve learned about Rachel Kerr’s journey in the music industry. She went from singing in church to winning a MOBO award and performing for royalty. Despite facing challenges like racism and sexism, she has remained determined and encouraged others to do the same.
Kerr’s passion for music and desire to inspire others is evident in her work. With her latest album ‘Getting Started,’ she shows that she’s just getting started and has much more to offer the world of R&B. Keep an eye out for this rising star as she continues to make waves in both the UK and US music scenes.
