Inside The Artist with Rachel Korman

Rachel talks to Luke and Hayley Batt of the band Superheart about their musical upbringing, their unique dreamy underwater anti-gravity flying music, and their wishes for the music industry this new year. This brother-sister duo discuss their special bond and how they inspired one another to become musicians. Hope is a recurring theme in their music and they are hopeful there are lessons to be learned during this challenging time. They share, "There can be good that comes out of this dark time by not completely erasing it from our memories." 

Rachel talks to musical artist Lola Coca about the magic of manifestation and the making of her recent album, "Written In The Stars." Lola discusses her experience writing music in Los Angeles and how the music scene differs from London. She talks about her song "GQ" getting high praise in China and how the Coronavirus impacted her plans to travel there. With the change of events, she turned her focus towards being centered at home and expanding her love for learning new things in this time of isolation. Lola is the type of artist who goes out and makes things happen when an idea sparks as she shares, "I just try to do what I'm compelled to do. My only requirement of myself is that I do the thing that I'm called to do." 

Rachel talks to recording engineer Matt Dyson about his experience engineering at the world famous Village Studios. Matt discusses his experience working with Kesha, Harry Styles, and recording music/ADR for television shows. He shares how Covid has impacted the recording process and the ways he has adapted and helped others adapt. Humbleness mixed with being a devoted father and husband are important to Matt as he says, "It's always trying to find that balance of how can I be a good dad, good husband, good person at home, but also keep pushing what I do." 

Rachel talks to former celebrity photographer, Linda about her experience as a well known photographer back in the day. Linda shares some incredible stories about what it was like working with Henry Winkler, Lucille Ball, George Clooney and Ronald Reagan. Tune in to hear some mind blowing stories about what the Hollywood scene was like and how the paparazzi changed the industry forever. Linda also shares messages on the importance of chasing your dreams saying, "You can do whatever you want, don't let anybody tell you differently. We all have that within ourselves."

Rachel talks to indie folk singer-songwriter Fairhazel about his transition to Los Angeles before the pandemic, his experience at Berklee College of Music and the important skills he learned that couldn’t be self taught. He discusses the ways he showcases his creativity through music videos and marketing, his love for film, and what inspired him to break out of his shell. His new album "I Sold My Soul For Fairhazel" is out now as he says, “I really want to create songs that I want to hear and that would move me in some way and I just love it, I just enjoy the process.”

Rachel talks to Welsh musician Nate Williams about his experience as a writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Nate discusses the UK government’s recent remarks that artists should retrain and ‘find other jobs’ and shares how artists are pushing back at the lack of support during the pandemic. He talks about his experience with the band Jamiroquai, his love for Stevie Wonder and about his new EP, In Another Life.  In discussing his disappointment with the government's under-appreciation for artists during this pandemic, Nate shares, "The thing I find difficult is it [the arts] brings so much joy to so many people." 

Rachel talks to piano-violin duo Gracie and Rachel about life in quarantine and their new record, Hello Weakness, You Make Me Strong. They discuss the importance of making art in this challenging time and not to lose sight on the value of connection through music. Gracie and Rachel share lessons they’ve learned in trusting themselves and their own voices and how they’ve incorporated those lessons into songs through their unique synchronistic songwriting ability. Figuring out one another’s strengths and weaknesses and using them to balance their partnership is a theme in Gracie and Rachel’s new record saying, “I think that’s where Hello Weakness, You Make Me Strong kinda comes into play with just the ways in which we both can pick up a little bit more of what the other is throwing down.”

Rachel talks to recording artist Olivia Grace about her move to LA from NY and her single, Higher Ground. Olivia discusses themes of what her music is about by sharing personal experiences and explains how writing is therapeutic to process the rollercoaster of emotions. Olivia also shares what makes her feel most in her element and what her goals are as an artist."If I can make somebody feel connected to through my music, that's one of the most important things" she says.

Rachel talks to actress, host and author Kimberley Crossman on this new episode. Kim discusses her experience working as an actress getting her start on the soap opera Shortland Street, her hosting job for The Project New Zealand and of course we discuss all things Power Rangers Samurai. Kim talks about her book, Love YOU, which she jokes she wrote “back when she knew everything.” She discusses the importance of writing down goals and how she balances all her jobs stating that no day is the same. “That feeling of keep chasing it to me just feels the most like home, the most exciting. I was chasing a feeling. I guess I’m still chasing a feeling,” she says.

Rachel talks to singer/songwriter/musician Mike Mayfield about his experience as a session musician turned solo singer/songwriter describing his style as a Joni Mitchell meets Stevie Wonder. "I like music that's full of soul," says the Brighton born artist. Mike shares that though he started as a guitarist, his musicality has always been linked to his singing. He discusses what he's learned working with other artists such as Emeli Sandé, Leona Lewis and Rita Ora and shares what his favorite thing about being an artist is. "Capturing a moment, that's the light that I'm following," he says.

Rachel talks to guitarist & keyboardist Eric Ruscinski about his experience playing with Alessia Cara and how his drive and determination from a young age got him to where he is today. By meeting people in the industry, starting his own band in high school and becoming a music teacher, Eric soon realized his passion was something he could pursue professionally. He shares lessons he's learned from Alessia and discusses the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. His gratitude shines through saying, "It's nice to just wake up and create things and be able to be any part of something that might exist forever."

Rachel talks to musician talker about her journey as a solo artist, the importance of writing music from an authentic place, and her involvement in the band Frenship. She discusses the importance of forming relationships, struggles with anxiety and how to balance staying true to yourself while maintaining a presence on social media. She says, "You don't have to be something that's already existed, just do you." Her EP Horror Films comes out Feb 22nd, be sure to check it out!

Rachel talks to writers Frank Smith and Matt Hartman about appearing on the new Netflix show, Tidying up with Marie Kondo. They discuss what they learned through their experience with Kondo and how 'tidying up' has helped their creativity and writing. Both Frank and Matt previously worked as assistants in the entertainment industry and they share how that has influenced their careers now and discuss what goals they have for the future. "I've been lucky in that I feel like every job I've had has moved me closer to the goalpost. But to feel like I've worked hard and got something I really wanted, that is a phenomenal feeling because it doesn't always work out that way," Frank says.

Rachel talks to recording artist Desi Valentine about what makes him a unique and grounded artist. He started out in musical theatre on the West End but it wasn't until a stranger approached him asking if he would consider pursuing music that made Desi realize a singing career was for him. He sang back up for Elton John and was even featured on Elton's radio show. Desi's single "Fate Don't Know You" was placed in the Season 6 finale of Suits and became one of the top 50 streamed songs in the world at the time. He says, "Nothing has ever felt the way that singing your own music feels and having people react to it. It's the best feeling in my life."

Rachel talks to singer/songwriter Fraser Churchill on this season premiere of Inside the Artist. Fraser discusses his recent move to Los Angeles, how he wrote a song on Charlie Puth's new album and what it was like to have a one-on-one with Paul McCartney. Coming from a musical family and someone with a passion/drive to create his own opportunities and move across the globe, it's no surprise to see doors opening for this up and coming artist. He says, "You gotta learn the rules, but then you can't forget what got you so into music to begin with and what got you your first few opportunities, and that was just writing."

Rachel talks to singer/songwriter Lauren Ruth Ward about her music, band, and the vision behind her live shows. Lauren talks about her other passion, hairstyling and why she made the decision to move to Los Angeles from her hometown of Baltimore to pursue music. She discusses love, hustle and her goals of creatively evolving from costumes to hair, dance moves, and production ideas. She humbly shares, "I feel great when I'm performing, it feels really natural. I feel a synergy from my band and I just feel lucky to be doing it, truly."

Rachel talks to actor Mateus Ward (Hostages, Murder in the First, Lab Rats) about what it was like growing up with an artistic family and how his love for film inspired him to pursue acting at the young age of 10. Mateus discusses his experience as a child actor and the challenges that came along with working while attending school.He talks about his decision to be home schooled and then eventually taking the CHSPE which allowed him to continue working with out the on-set school requirement. Mateus is now developing and creating projects with his filmmaker father. You can see him in their new film, The Meanest Man in Texas. Regarding his passion for acting, Mateus says, "It's kept me this long cause there's no other world that I fit into."

Rachel talks to photographer/cinematographer Yoni Goldberg about his decision to pursue the arts over becoming a doctor. Yoni discusses how he took photos for fun with his friends while studying at NYU with plans of going to medical school. It wasn't until his senior year internship in the photo department at Cosmopolitan magazine that made Yoni realize he could see himself pursuing photography seriously. After working with various fashion photographers in New York City, Yoni moved to Los Angeles to continue his work in photography while also getting involved in cinematography. He talks about his work on commercials, music videos and films. Yoni says his goal as an artist is to continue shooting narrative stories. He says, "I think a lot about humanity and our future and I really do want to participate in that conversation and I think narrative is the way for me to do it."

Rachel talks to writer Jason Shapiro about his journey as a comedy writer and developing the popular twitter account, Los Feliz Daycare. Having started as a PA on Lost and moving his way up to write on shows such as Betty White's Off Their Rockers, Jason discusses the importance of standing out in your own way. He tells the story of how he started a fake twitter account and anonymously tweeted to writers he was working with as a way to get noticed while showcasing his writing ability. The idea turned into something bigger for Jason and Los Feliz Daycare is now followed by some of the industry's biggest players and has opened the door to more opportunities for Jason. "There is a very linear path at how to do it, but that's gonna happen for 1% of people. You have to also be doing these things on the side to get noticed and those are the things to get you to the next level," Jason says.

Rachel talks to musician/producer Phil Simmonds. Phil discusses being a touring bass player with Jessie J and how a project at University eventually evolved into him starting his own band, Bassment Project. Phil also discusses how the opportunity tobe the Musical Director for Conrad Sewell presented him the chance to move to Los Angeles where he is now living and producing/writing music for himself and other artists. “I think right now the music I’ve been making, especially for myself, is everything I need to say,” Phil says as he plans to release his new record soon!