Rachael Yamagata would defend you in a bar fight and then invite everyone out to stargaze in the parking lot. She’s a wilderness guide for wanderers, a galactic diplomat, a dreamscape designer, a heartache survivalist, a pioneer. She speaks to the misfits, the soul searchers, the silent types longing to be cracked open. A vocal shapeshifter, she delivers live shows that spark both playful giddiness and profound catharsis. But Yamagata is not here to heal you—she's here to show you how to heal yourself.
Each record has marked a graduation for pivotal life moments. ‘Happenstance’ (2004) chronicled romantic heartaches. ‘Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart’ (2008) delved deeper into loss and broken promises, ushering in the confidence of ‘Chesapeake’ (2011). Going DIY, Yamagata found freedom, mixing lighter love songs with deep dives into what threatens and ultimately strengthens us. ‘Tightrope Walker’ (2016) expanded into resilience, empowerment, and forgiveness.
Her new record (yet to be titled) emerges from this lineage with a dare: sink or swim. Grounded by soul-stirring lyrics like “All of our best laid plans washed away like plastic in the sand” ("Empty Houses") it also winks at new dimensions, suggesting worlds beyond our reach with “The galaxy members are waiting for us/ they learn from our failures and they’re sending us love” (“Galaxy”). This new record sees Yamagata as an emotional archivist, chronicling loneliness and connection and urging us to see our breaking points as opportunities to build something new.
https://rachaelyamagata.com/