Meet Rachel Hull

We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Hull recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Mental health is a topic that holds a special place in my heart. My journey has been a long one, with plenty of highs and lows.
I grew up dancing and singing ever since I was a little girl, thanks to my mom, who signed me up for my first dance class. We would also spend lots of time in the car singing together or in the living room and I occasionally still listen to those songs when I think of her.
Our relationship was irreplaceable.

She was there for every performance I was dancing in, and was there to build me up whenever I needed.

In August of 2018, she passed away. And I felt my whole world crumble.
I was only 16 at the time, and I had to realize that my main support system, and biggest female role model wouldn’t be around anymore.

Our family struggled massively with the loss. We were broken.

I spent the next couple of years trying to navigate this grief, and I found that the “easier” option would be to forget, and to push it all away.

I did everything I could to distract myself. Never gave myself any free time, stayed busy with school, seeing friends, and plenty of dancing.

Eventually this all caught up to me once more hardships came my way, and I spiraled.
I felt numb. My smile didn’t feel genuine anymore. It was just a way to try to convince people that I was ok.

It got to the point where a few friends of mine sat me down one day. They said “you haven’t been yourself in months, and we are worried.”

So I made a decision, to leave the only town I have ever known to start a new life. That is one of the scariest, yet one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I left all my friends behind and my brothers to go live in Austin, Texas when I was 18 years old.

At this point I was at the lowest point in my life. I was lost, confused, and so frustrated that things hadn’t gotten easier.

But after a few months, I found ways to start trying to build a new life. I found a job, a dance studio, and starting making new friends.
I attended a dance intensive called Commercial Dance Intensive, and I found my love for dance/performing again.

A few months later I ended up attending a dance school called Theater Arts Preparatory School in Las Vegas which was incredible, and shortly following was offered my first contract as a professional performer.

Even writing this now and looking back, I now realize that I’ve made it to the other side of every one of those mountains I’ve had to climb.

I get to do all the things I love here in NYC. I don’t know where I would be if music and dance weren’t a part of my life. It has brought so much peace, and joy into my life in more ways than I could’ve imagined.

There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of my mom, she was the greatest light in my life. But I will always have her to thank, for singing with me in the living room, and I’m sure she still sings along with me now.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

This past year, I have begun writing and releasing my own music.
I was so nervous to since my songs felt very vulnerable, but I’m so glad that I did.
I have two songs released, the very first one being “If Walls Could Speak” which was the first song I have ever written.
And “Lead The Way” which was released last November.
These songs mean the world to me since they were my first leap into showing who I am as an artist.
Music has always been such an escape for me, but I had no idea I would one day make my own.
I hope to reach people who find my music relatable, and enjoy an acoustic/folky vibe. Although I might be trying some other vibes soon 😉

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

“Consistency is key”
Finding ways to keep myself going day to day when it comes to making music has helped me immensely, even if that means I’m only writing one verse.

“Try to be as authentic as possible”
Especially now in a social media age, I like to try to make my music be as “Rachel” as possible.

“Surround yourself with good people”
A strong support system will take you far.

To anyone starting out in music, coming from someone who is still learning and stepping into this as well, always keep learning, and keep an open mind. Take advice from people who you admire and always be you. Don’t try to make music that is just like anyone else. Maybe you will set the next trend.
Let doors open naturally, and the ones that close you know just aren’t for you.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

This past year has been incredibly impactful for me in so many ways. The biggest way has been music.

I was so terrified to put my music out there, and I finally decided to take the leap and release my first 2 songs on Spotify.

It was the scariest yet the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.

I never imagined myself releasing my own music, but I am so so glad that I did.

It has given me confidence to know that I can do things that scare me, and has made me more vulnerable, and more willing to express my emotions.

It’s been such a cool journey and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @rach_hull_
• Other: Spotify:
  

Image Credits

Photos: Zoe Benjamin (1 and 2)
Me: (3 and 4)