OKC-based R&B artist Rachel Black stopped by Second Wind Coffeehouse to discuss her first show at Norman Music Festival, her first album and following her passion. Her performance will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday April 27 at the West Stage.
What brings you to Oklahoma?
I decided to go to college here – about to date myself. I started going to Oklahoma Christian University back in 2008. I finished with my bachelor’s and my master’s there and decided to just stay here and get married and raise a family. Been here ever since.
What made you want to stay in the area?
It’s a great place to settle. It’s easygoing and a great place to raise family and our boys.
When did you start making music?
Four years ago. I’ve been singing my whole life. I was raised in church and singing in choir and stuff, but I’ve always loved R&B. So four years ago, right when the pandemic started, I decided to start recording and taking music seriously.
Was there a specific moment that made you decide to make that choice?
Really the pandemic. It was a scary time, I’m sure you can recall. My husband and I were talking and he was like “you’ve got one life, do what you want to do.” And I had been talking about wanting to do music since he’s known me.
What is your favorite part about being a musical artist?
Getting to express myself. I’m naturally quiet and I’m introverted, but in my music I’m kind of the opposite. I call my alter ego Raquelle, which is my middle name. So Raquelle, she’s outgoing, and she’s going to say what she wants to say.
Who are some of your influences?
Definitely Beyoncé. I’m part of the BeyHive. But I grew up loving Aaliyah, SWV, I just loved 90s R&B. It definitely raised me.
Do you think the people who listen to your music also listen to your influences?
Oh yeah, for sure, especially SWV, Aaliyah, Josey, New Edition, I could go on and on.
Describe your sound in 3 words.
I would say fun, soulful, empowering.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
I want people to feel good when they listen to my music – especially the album that came out – I want them to remember good times of the 90s. I want them to feel love, feel the emotion I’m talking about in my music because I talk about love, I talk about heartbreak. I talk about being sexy.
Especially women. I want women to feel powerful, that they can come be themselves. I just want people to feel good.
How are you feeling with Norman Music Festival next weekend?
I’m so excited! I’m so, so excited. It’s my first festival that I’m performing at, so I’m ready to put on a show and for people to have fun with me.
If you could only play one song from your entire setlist, what would it be and why?
I love all of them. But I think I would have to pick “Be With You.” It was the first single I came out with for the album, and it’s just such a feel-good song. As soon as the hook comes on – as far as how I feel — I just have a big smile on my face. And I feel like everybody that listens to that song has the same reaction.
What are your favorite spots in Norman or OKC?
I really love The Sushi Bar, because I really love sushi. I get the same sushi roll – it’s the salmon lovers – I can’t get enough of it.
I love Hideaway Pizza. I love barbecue, so I would say my favorite brisket is from Swadley’s. I’m sure there are others, those are the main ones I can think of.
What does being a part of the Oklahoma music community mean to you? How would you describe your experience as a part of it?
I’m very new to it, but very welcoming. All the artists that I’ve met, they’re very kind, they’re open to showing love, especially on social media and stuff. It’s really dope.
What do you hope people take away from your set?
We’re gonna dance, we’re gonna have a good time — just going to take you back, it’s going to be nostalgic and it’s going to be fun.
What would you tell people who have a dream that they haven’t chased yet?
You’ve got to do it. Even if you’re scared and if you have all these doubts and stuff, just do it. Like I said, you only have one life.
I would say just go for it because I believe you are your best self when you are feeding your soul. And part of feeding your soul is going after what you truly want.
This story was edited by Shelby Emery. Sophie Hemker and Avery Avery copy edited this story.
