Having already made their mark with a string of impactful offerings this past year, LA’s Mortez are back at it once again with their anthemic new single ‘COVEN’.
Bringing back more of that theatrical alt-rock aesthetic they are quickly earning a reputation for, ‘COVEN’ continues their ascent as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now. So we sat down with vocalist Rachele to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
My mother (Sioux Lehner) owned 3 dance studios in Mt. View, CA. Growing up as a competitive dancer, I was heavily influenced by the genius of Tori Amos, Imogen Heap, Fiona Apple etc. As a child watching Britney and Christina Aguilera explode on the scene, I was convinced my destiny was to be a popstar. I left for Nashville at 18 to record my first EP, then eventually made my way to LA. After getting cast in multiple girl/boy groups, I finally had the opportunity to record my first solo album with rock Legend Mutt Lange. This led to a deal with Q Prime, along with major radio play, shows etc. Like many artists, I was eventually dropped and had to start from scratch (3 more times). This business is definitely now for the faint of heart.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
As a kid, vocally Christina Aguilera was my main girl. As a writer I was into Tori Amos, Sarah Brightman, Sia, Fiona Apple. Presently on my “Halloween Witch Mix” playlist you’ll see artists like Kerli, Lana Del Rey, Queen herby, Freya Ridings, Sleep Token, The Pretty Reckless, Florence + The Machine.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
Working with Mutt Lange for 2 years and then flying to New York to sign with Peter Mensch and Cliff Bernstein of Q Prime was definitely one of the most memorable experiences to date. Seeing my name on Sirius XM 11 times a day was beyond mind blowing. It was a dream come true for a minute.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
I lost my Mom to suicide in 2009. Even before I lost her, it had already been a tumultuous, rough road with our family. I will never be the same, but I have absolutely channeled my grief, rage and sadness through my music. Songs about redemption truly help me heal. As a survivor of assault and ( R ) I am an advocate for women standing in their power, taking back their power and allowing themselves to heal. Music and being creative in general is so cathartic. Though the business is brutal, the simplicity of making art is the true magic of expression and healing.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
I moved to LA in 2010 when the music industry was still extremely problematic. I was a young girl living out the cliché story of every male music manager or producer pushing ultimatums or just plain being unprofessional. It was very dangerous, and still is, in my opinion, to be a solo artist with no team or parents. Finding mentors and safe trustworthy people to protect you is so vital to the success of an artist. I pray that the industry continues to change in regards to accountability and professionalism.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
Our band Mortez feels like the Redemption chapter in my story. Though I’ve always had a sprinkling of songs about triumph and resilience, I feel so fulfilled as a writer to be staying true to that message with our entire catalog. Mortez is about the “Mortezians”, the community we’re building, and healing together as a coven. It’s fantasy mixed with real life pain. Walking through the fire of trauma to come out on the other side victorious.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
Songs come to me every which way you can think of. It might be a melody I hear in a dream, a track Brett has started working on, a concept or lyric idea. For our new single “Coven” by Mortez, the melody came to me in a dream. We then stacked acapella vocals for the chorus topline which then brought the inspiration for the lyrics.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
I want the fans to feel like they have a family in the Mortez coven. I have chosen family now and know the pain of feeling alone and completely disconnected from immediate family. A live show where the Moretzians can dress up in full costume and escape for a while. To all female musicians, continue to tell your stories, learn how to produce, demand respect and find people who will guide and protect you. I have a podcast “Haus of Royale” where many female artists have come on to share their stories. I will continue to do whatever I can to help women shine.
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Listen to Mortez’s new single ‘COVEN’ below.