Conversations with Rachael Moore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Moore.

Hi Rachael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thanks so much for having me! I got into music, because it was the only thing that made sense to me and the only thing I could see myself being happy doing. From a young age, music was in my life and my escape. I grew up hearing classic tunes my mom and dad listened to and I would learn them by ear on a keyboard in my room. I would play for hours, and when I was 11 I started flute lessons, becoming classically trained, and ended up playing well into my 20’s. I believed my future included auditioning and playing in large symphonies but life took different turns and while loving all types of music, I found myself interested in the specifics of some of my favorites, like how they were made, what the different instruments were, and what made someone write a song like that? I decided to enroll in an engineering and music production program at Full Sail University to see if it was something I liked or something I could even do. I was skeptical that I could pull it off because it seemed so technical and unattainable. I dipped a pinky toe in and when that went ok, I went a little further, and a little further and realized I was completely in love and there was no looking back. I finished with a bachelor’s and began thinking about where to work. Growing up in Texas, Nashville immediately felt comfortable to me, it reminded me of Austin, and I knew there was a strong music scene here.

Once I got here, working in music was not such a head-scratching, weird thing it was completely normal and I knew I had found my place. I set out to be an audio engineer first and try to learn and absorb as much of the process as possible, so that I could roll that knowledge and experience into producing down the road. Working side by side with someone to execute an image in their head musically always appealed to me. I decided to give myself 6 months, much like with school, and see if I could even do it. The 6 months came and went and I found myself with a job working for a very successful producer who was eager to mentor me, so I decided to stay longer. Fast forward to now, I have been in Nashville little over 8 years and my path has included working at some of the best studios in the world, working and learning from some of the best producers, engineers, musicians, and artists in the world, and immersing myself in the music community in Nashville. I still pinch myself that I get to do my dream job everyday AND get paid to do it.

What seemed to work for me was never having a backup plan, the only option was to just do it one way or another. Any closed doors were an indicator to take a different path and I am grateful for all of them. The most exciting thing about my profession is that the possibilities are endless as far as what the future holds. There is no telling what next month or next year will include. The other plus is there will never be an end to the amount of things I can learn, every day has a new experience in some way and I’m certain that will still be the case 20-30 years from now. I love that. Music is important and universal and my calling was always to connect with people through it, and I am thankful for the music community Nashville harbors.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As I mentioned before, I refused to have a plan B. I was told early on that statistically 75% of people who set out to work in the music industry typically end up doing something else after 5 years. It’s tough, and not for the faint of heart. Making my goal to be a sponge, and be around the best of the best to learn from, often meant working long hours and making very little pay early on, so I took multiple side jobs at times, in order to keep going. I sacrificed sleep, time off, hygiene at times, holidays, and seeing loved ones, just to name a few, in order to get myself in spaces that mattered. It tested me in all the ways, but I never doubted this path was what I was meant to do. When something gratifying does happen from time to time now it only makes it that much sweeter.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My day to day is being an audio engineer which involves the recording of music, and mixing, which is the polishing and creative interpretation of music. Nashville is a melting pot of music genres. It’s easy to come by country music naturally, but there is so much more if you look below the surface. I love to work on many genres, each one has its own perks and challenges. I love how it broadens my horizons and connects me with people I may otherwise never cross paths with. I mix for people all over the country and in other parts of the world, and then also work with clients in town at the various studios Nashville has. Even though music is my lifeblood, I love the part of my job that involves connecting with people. I’ve always approached my job as a customer service industry. Nothing fulfills me more than creating a space that allows someone to put their guard own and be at their best when creating. Those are the experiences I remember and am most proud of whether it be someone famous or an everyday person. Being a part of an experience that someone will take with them and remember for the rest of their life is gratifying.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you would like to work together or just reach out you can email me at: [email protected] or check out my Instagram: @rachaellmoore

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaellmoore/

Image Credits
Cederick Jones