Rachel Curtis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Rachel , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Being outside, sitting in the grass or hiking, is a very meditative way of grounding myself again with who I am in what I value. 🙂
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Rachel Curtis! I’m an independent alt-pop artist and songwriter originally from Michigan, now based in Nashville. My music blends introspective lyrics, emotional vocals, and cinematic production, often exploring themes of growth, healing, and transformation. I’ve been performing for over a decade and have had the honor of opening for artists like Gladys Knight, Mat Kearney, O.A.R., Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tracy Lawrence, Tyler Ramsey (of Band of Horses), Will Hoge & more.
Beyond the stage, I’m also the founder of my own artist-led label, Curtis Creative LLC a company I built within the last 6 months with the support of some incredible people and investors who believe and value creative control and my long term vision with music.
My work is especially personal. I live with two rare genetic conditions, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, and I often write through the lens of resilience, invisible struggle, and what it means to grow through the hard seasons. My most recent single, Growth Rings, is a reflection of that journey inspired by the idea that, like the rings of a tree, our experiences quietly shape who we become.
Right now, I’m rolling out a series of singles accompanied by visuals, storytelling, and a goal to build my audience and return to live performance with intention. I love connecting live, meeting people & hearing their stories.
At its core, my music is about depth, connection, and creating music that helps people feel seen whether they’re navigating change, healing or just embracing joy.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest and most powerful memories is singing at my first talent show when I was five. I remember spending hours practicing and memorizing the lyrics to my song. I even asked my mom to make me a butterfly costume so I could visually bring the music to life on stage. I was so nervous to get up there — but I did it. And that moment, pushing through the fear and letting myself be seen, gave me my first real taste of what it means to feel powerful. I’ve believed ever since that vulnerability is a form of strength. Sometimes that is a hard thing to do.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Going through hardships with my chronic genetic illnesses — Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease — has taught me deep empathy for others facing difficult times. Everyone is carrying something, some kind of suffering, even if it’s not visible. It’s shown me that vulnerability isn’t a weakness — it’s actually where real connection begins. Suffering creates space for shared humanity and a chance to relate through life’s harder seasons. What matters most isn’t avoiding the pain, but how you choose to move through it.
When I think of the word “success,” it often sounds like some kind of destination — but what I’ve learned through pain is that success is really about movement. It’s about showing up, growing, and evolving, even when things are hard. Just like suffering teaches you to keep going through uncertainty, success, to me, is not a moment you arrive at — it’s how you choose to keep growing in the midst of it all.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to building a body of work that tells the truth — even the hard parts. Whether it’s through lyrics, live shows, or conversations around chronic illness and resilience, I want to create music that helps people feel less alone. I know that kind of impact takes time. It’s not about chasing quick wins — it’s about growing something real, brick by brick, song by song, connection by connection.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Empathy. A deep need to connect. I’ve walked through enough seasons to know that what stays is how we show up for others and ourselves when everything else falls away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelcurtismusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelcurtismusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-curtis-42a689184/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelcurtismusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqLHQDN2_sbnzOo73bsCjMw
- Other: https://linktr.ee/rachelcurtismusic
Image Credits
Maddie Ormond for all photos, Live photo Eric Palmer
