Rainbow Soul

Deardra Shuler interviews singer Rachel Brown, an Ethiopian/Bermudian with southern roots, whose voice reveals a sultriness and sweetness that has captivated listeners. A musician who plays the guitar and ukulele, Rachel embodies with her African/Caribbean band, the genres of  pop, Caribbean, Hawaiian, country, hip-hop and world sounds into a captivating groove. At 19, with no formal musical training, Brown found her voice organically. “My songwriting process consists of grabbing my guitar and learning how to play it while I write  songs,” says Brown. “I just play until it sounds right.” Brown was the 2010 recipient of the prestigious ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award for songwriting as well as a 2011 recipient of the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Abe Olman Award for Excellence in Songwriting. She also received a very coveted showcase slot at the National Association for Campus Activities’ national convention, leading to a 40 date college tour. The Harvard graduate has been featured by the New York Post and