Rachel Vick has been crushing it in and around Seattle, and we have been captivated by her talent. HCR has not only noticed her DJing skills, but also her production interests and is keen on hearing the sounds she’s working on. We first came to know each other - HCR and Rachel - when Kyle Douglas was playing on the patio at Kremwerk for a Restless Planet event. She was taken by the style, track selection, and vibe of HCR’s artists and was dancing the entire time. She knew at that moment that she wanted to work with us on releasing some music together (more on that later).
She’s been an up-and-coming local favorite, gracing the stage and decks at many parties in the city. She stands out with her voice – literally. She’s had live vocal DJ sets in Seattle and plans on doing more. She meets at a crossroads of being a singer/songwriter with both Indie Dance and House influences. She bridges those two genres where “we can all groove to a 4-on-the-floor thumping kick, and a classic open hat, but also experience the bright melodies and lyrical expression of an Indie Dance track.” This fusion is unique and definitely a common thread through her sets, whether she is singing and playing music she produced, or not.
In Seattle, she’s played at: Give n’ Groove by Disco Clam, dropping tunes in Magnuson park for a summer pop-up float party put on by Elevated Frequencies, Supernova, the summer solstice parade, Monkey Loft, and she’ll be busting out at Shameless' Vicennial 20 year anniversary festival. She’s done an impressive amount of performing this summer and will be doing a lot more this year. She’s been performing as a DJ for nearly two years, getting her start in 2021 in Seattle, but as far as performing goes, she’s been at this a long time.
We have also been lucky enough to see her singing live during House Music sets at some of our favorite venues. Rachel has been singing in choirs since she was in first grade, where she developed her sense of melody and harmony, of which she infuses into productions. She picked up the guitar in college and started writing her own music (almost 10 years ago for her) and she would gig at local pubs and open mics around town and got the bug to continue expressing herself through musical art.
Rachel is an admirable and driven talent, period. She’s a vocalist, a songwriter, guitarist, pianist, DJ, and the list is continuing to build. In the future, she even wants to incorporate live hardware into her performances. She’s captivated us and Seattle. It’s safe to say she’s ambitious and we cannot wait to see what else she accomplishes.
We had the opportunity to catch up with her about her background and what makes her tick. She is an absolutely lovely person, and it was delightful learning more about Rachel Vick the artist, and also the individual.
Who/what inspired you to get started into DJing?
When I was in college, exploring the corners of Indie Dance music, I came across the artist Amtrac, and found what I would consider to be a wonderful cross between Indie Dance and House. That led me to dig deeper, and then I found more House artists like Disclosure (we all remember Latch). At that time, I would watch Boiler Room/The LAB sets on YouTube and only wonder what magic these artists were doing behind the decks. I never thought being a DJ was even a remote possibility to me at that time, but this is what drove me to start making dance tracks, and it brought me out to Seattle to pursue a place in this community.
What genres of music, specifically House, do you play?
I play Deep, Jackin’, Funky, Jazzy, Detroit, Chicago, UK, and Minimal. I also love Indie Dance and Nu Disco.
Who are your influences?
House - Cinthie, Black Loops, Ruff Stuff, Demuja, Adryiano, Franck Roger, Swales, Tilman, Lis Sarocca, Nick Curly, Jasons, Dam Swindle, Sally C, Anna Wall, Marina Trench, Mark Laird…for a start! Nu Disco: Roisin Murphy, Crazy P, Escort, Coeo, Giom, Tensnake, Tiger & Woods. Indie Dance: Sylvann Esso, Cut Copy, Hot Chip, Blue Hawaii, Jupiter, Paradis,
What is your DJing/artist style?
As a DJ, I like smooth, long mixes with good phrasing. I don’t use a ton of FX because I think the tracks we play have so much processing already, sometimes it's nice to let the track breathe so you can really hear the interplay between two tracks. I appreciate a well layered mix with two complimentary tracks, although I am not someone who always mixes in key as sometimes the dissonance you create can be intriguing, interesting, and alert the dancers a change is coming.
As an artist, I tend to find music that is bright and bouncy, colorful with melody, and punchy/snappy with percussive elements. I like things that feel driving and energizing, but also euphoric and releasing. I try to find things that still feel like “House” without the listener questioning it, but the tracks may also resonate with the listener in a broader sense, with interesting vocals or unique synth melodies that feel familiar.
Ultimately, if it doesn’t give me the connected feeling deep in my body, it’s not the right track for me, and it's better to leave it off my list so I avoid any inauthenticity. As an artist I select from the heart and I think that’s why I’ve found some successes thus far in my young career.
How do you connect with the audience? Is there anything special you feel, or want them to feel when you go on, or when one of your tracks goes on?
I want my audience to feel the heart of my artistry. I want them to allow themselves to be taken with me and the story I am telling with my selections and productions. I hope that some of my selections and songs will connect with the audience on a deeper level, as a lot of us have super diverse tastes. Lyrically, I find that folks appreciate hearing my heartfelt song writing in the club (when appropriate) because it brings them back into the moment with me, back into their own bodies – gives them a little taste of a ‘concert’ vibe while at the club and still able to get down. I think that is a great combo, the energetic vibes with the heartfelt emotions tied in. That’s what I try to emulate.
What are some notable performances/venues you've been at?
A formative experience, I got into the House scene by attending a Midnight Lovers event in LA; my favorite DJ and producer, Cinthie, was playing. It was an amazing production. In a not-so-busy part of town, some might call it ‘sketchy’, we walked into this old warehouse space. Lots of fog, simple but moody light rigs, a huge crowd that was there for the music (no phones out, no standing around and talking, just vibing to the music), and straight up banging House tunes. Cinthie is one of the most amazing DJs I have ever seen. She seamlessly blends vinyl-to-digital and back, and has the most interesting and dynamic mixes. Her UK sound just transported me to a rave in Europe. It changed the way I felt about parties, clubs, and the experience I want to be able to curate when it's my turn behind the decks. I want to elicit that same freedom, playing beats that whisk you away and help you break free from the constructs that we operate within on a daily basis.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would that be?
Tough question!!! I’d have to say the UK, Berlin, Italy, and Spain. I want to go to Europe to experience their rave and club scenes and it would be a dream to play in one of these spaces.
Rachel is going to do great things and we are watching! If you want to check out any of her performances, music, or other art, you can sneak a peek on her Instagram page.
