In 2007, US Billboard Magazine labeled Brisbane Australia as one of the top 10 global musical hotspots to watch and Rachael Brady has been described as one of the city's "best kept secrets" (Time Off Magazine). Anonymous though she may still be, her hard-line but delicate folk songs have been captivating fans across the globe since the release of her debut album 2 years ago. Passing up industry offers she independently recorded and released "Peace by Peace" in 2006 with producer/engineer Paul Bromley at the helm, bass player for award winning Australian bands "george" and "The Beautiful Girls".
She describes her debut album - of which she printed a mere thousand copies - as an independent, teeth-cutting exercise not designed to reap huge financial benefits but to create something small scale that was intensely personal, raw, honest and not at all constrained by the commercial requirements of the music industry.
Following the album's release she was invited to play 3 weeks of shows across the USA where the album still receives airplay on a number of independent radio stations. She has been regularly featured on national youth radio favourite Triple J's "Unearthed" and touted as an artist to watch. Peace by Peace is currently available only from her myspace with but a small number of copies remaining, however digital downloads are available from a number of online outlets including itunes, amazon, real/rhapsody and emusic.
She is currently recording her follow up album "Somewhere Sunshine" which will reunite her with producer Paul Bromley to deliver a far more mature, lush and orchestrated offering than her debut album featuring guest appearances from some of Brisbane's best musicians from bands such as george, Kooi, Kafka, The Rooftops, the Black Arts and more. After the understated success of Peace by Peace, Brady is more than happy to share this album with the world at large.
A self described peaceful revolutionary, she has a strong social and spiritual conscience not unlike that of predecessor Joan Baez to whom she is often compared more for her socio-political ethics than her sound. Brady is driven to say something worthwhile, and if not worthwhile then certainly something about which she is passionate. She's an artist dedicated not only to making meaningful music but to cultivating and maintaining a genuine sense of compassion, peace and wisdom and it is clearly reflected in her art which beautifully balances whimsy and seriousness with equal parts perception and intuition. Vocally, her instrument is delightfully unique; vulnerable, powerful, openhearted and simply beautiful to listen to - sometimes a hurricane and sometimes as delicate as the smoke that drifts and curls off a stick of incense.
"My mother says that when I was a toddler, she found me curled up asleep at a gathering on the lounge room floor by the speakers with the music blaring. Another time, when I was around 2, she got halfway down the road with me after leaving a music store before she realized I had a record under my arm for which she hadn't paid. She was too embarrassed to take it back and she doesn't recall what album it was. I didn't grow up making music or learning a specific instrument but I suppose you could say there was something in it that wooed me from the start."
The uninitiated can only look forward to the promise of her relative obscurity becoming a thing of the past.
Music does play in the rhythm of life, It's beaten on an air drum, This silent song, the earth does hear. This music of love, Always close and near.
From me to you, From heaven above, We shall never fear, In treetops high and in water depths below, Together, forever melding friendship, kindness, trust and truth,
In each we seek enduring passion From which we look for a special companion A fire burns but also cooks, A special meal for our souls to feel,
Ride your horse to higher ground, Find the Indian within yourself A native spirit, A gentle nature, Resides within Unlock the door And come on in.
Thank you for reading my profile Rachael, that was very kind. Your music is just gorgeous, your voice so unique. I wish you luck with your career. I gave my goats a special hug from you. Peace and well wishes from Annastasia
Friday 30th May 6:30pm start QLD Writers Centre, Level 2, 109 Edward St , Brisbane Tickets: $15.00 single or $20 couple (including a signed copy of the book, glass of wine & nibbles). Bookings: online at www. qwc. asn. au/shop/search. php?mode=search or you can call QWC on (07) 3839 1243
A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."
Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."
God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
