Rachel Platten is more than just a pretty face. The pop singer, perhaps best known for her single “1,000 Ships,” has been compared to the likes of Alanis Morissette, Carole King, Tori Amos and Regina Spektor. She is a girl who is poised to continue to make a splash in the pop world and we are lucky to have chatted with her before she gets too famous! Catch her Saturday at Smith’s Olde Bar playing with Bess Rogers.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first concert I remember going to was a Dave Matthews concert at what used to be called Great Woods (now called the Tweeter center – ugh) in Massachussetts. I am sure I went to shows with my parents before that, but this was the first one I remember going to alone with friends. It wasn’t cool to get actual seats, but rather, to buy lawn seats in the back of the ampitheatre where god knows what was going on… it definitely was not appropriate for a 15 year old to go to alone, but we somehow convinced all of our parents to just drop us off. I don’t remember any of the concert except for hearing the two songs i recognized and freaking out and screaming along at the top of my lungs. It was pure magic.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?
I have a terrible memory for these things, and tend to only be able to draw back into the very recent past, but I honestly think playing Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Varsity Theatre last week was one of my favorite shows ever. I’m opening for Matt Nathanson on tour the next couple months and this was our third show supporting him. We recently added a third piece to the band (my friend and incredibly talented musician Bess Rogers) now plays bass synth, ukelele, backup vocals, and guitar and it finally gelled that night and just felt incredible. The sound was terrific, the crowd was so supportive and into it, and it just felt right stage.
What is the best gig you have ever been to?
Brandi Carlile at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City in 2005 (i think??) & Arcade Fire at New Orleans Jazz Fest last April were my two favorite live shows. Brandi’s voice is so powerful, I think I might have sobbed through her entire set. Arcade Fire is ridiculous live, I had a 102 temperature and had to leave the show early and missed Cyndi Lauper coming out for an encore with them of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (I regret it to this day :(((, but even the half of the show I caught, fever and all, was crazy good.
Gig you would most like to play?
Glastonbury all the way. I recently discovered the ovation channel and when I’m off tour I watch it kind of all the time. They constantly stream old Glastonbury’s and I’m obsessed with it. When they show the bands view of the stage, I love pretending it’s my view and that I’m up there. Those crowds at night are crazy!!!
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Red Rocks (one of my other favorite ever venues), with Snoop Dogg, (who I’d get to do a duet with), Arcade Fire, and Patti Griffin. It would be a completely random bill that probably would confuse the hell out of ticket goers, but whatever you guys.
Catch Rachel Platten tomorrow at Smith’s Olde Bar
