Metromix caught up with this chart-topping singer to chat about her plans to bring a little R&B flavor to the SXSW party.
What are you doing to get ready for SXSW?
I’m getting really excited about going. We’re just getting some marketing strategies together to get people just as excited about seeing me and getting to know who I am [as I am about] going out performing. I’ve heard some wonderful things about South by Southwest. I’ve never been before.
So what is your number-one goal in going to SXSW this year? Is it to try and build a bigger fan base outside the Miami area?
Of course. We want to get people to know who we are. And the experience of it all. It’s not all the time that you get to participate in an event with so many different bands and so many different venues.
You’re originally from Texas, right?
Yeah, I’m originally from Texas—so I’m ready to bring it home! [Laughs] I’m always looking for an opportunity to come home.
Do you have any family or childhood friends who are coming up to Austin to see you?
Oh, yeah. I have a few classmates that went to school at the University of Texas and they’re hanging out there still, and hopefully they’ll be able to get out. And I have some family that’s gonna come in from the Houston area and the Dallas area.
Is Houston the area where you grew up?
Yeah, outside of Houston. A little small town called Lufkin.
Are you gonna indulge in a little Tex-Mex and barbeque while you’re there?
Of course! I can’t wait. Nobody does the Tex-Mex or the barbeque like Texas. I’m telling you, I’ve kind of been all over, and the barbeque in Texas is awesome. That’s something that you definitely need to experience while you’re there.
There’s not very much R&B represented at SXSW this year. What’s up with that?
Well, from what I understand, R&B is just really getting involved with SXSW. They haven’t really had a lot. So I really don’t know what to expect. That’s the reason we’re looking at the marketing—to try and bring out some people that like R&B.
Well, she’s a really different style of singer, but last year, one of the big breakout artists at SXSW was Amy Winehouse. So you never know…
Yeah, you never know!
How would you describe the R&B scene in the Miami area?
What’s cool about Miami—it’s known for music, but there’s all kinds here. There’s a little bit of hip-hop, a little bit of R&B and some Latin. But R&B is just in certain areas. R&B is more the kind of laid-back groove here. Clubs like Jazziz—Jazziz is one of my favorite venues because of the intimacy. And it leans more towards jazz, but the R&B crowd, you know, they migrate towards a more laid-back atmosphere like Jazziz. And you know, the Blue Martinis, and Mango’s is really known for that. But there’s not very many R&B clubs here. Your repertoire has to be really big in this area—you have to be able to do a little bit of everything.
What inspires you as far as music goes? Which artists have influenced you and your own music?
I am a huge Anita Baker fan. As far as male artists, Brian McKnight and Babyface are like my idols. I really love their music. I’m a huge Toni Braxton fan. I’m a huge fan of singing. You can capture my attention if you have a beautiful voice.
On your page on the SXSW Web site, your sample track is the song “Weekend.” Which seems appropriate, since the chorus is, “It’s shaping up to be a good weekend.” And your showcase is on Saturday.
Well, “Weekend” is one of my favorite songs when it comes to the more upbeat songs on the CD. Everybody seems to get into that song. I’m actually happy that that’s the song that’s on there. I hadn’t really got a chance to see what song was on there—when I checked, they didn’t have anything up there yet. So I’m glad to know that’s the one they chose. ‘Cause you’re right—we’re focused for the weekend. We’re definitely getting ready for it.
If you’re heading to SXSW, you can catch Rachel Brown in the Victorian Room at the Driskill Hotel on Saturday, March 15 at 8 p.m.
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