Rachel Richards - Bio

Rachel is 32, married to Dave and is the proud mummy to two gorgeous boys, Jackson 21 months and Kyan 6 months. Rachel spent the first 21 years of her life in Mount Gambier SA, and 10 years ago Rachel began travelling around Australia on various construction jobs as a crane driver, working with her husband Dave. Although, Rachel has called Brisbane her home for the past 7 years.

Music has always played a big part in Rachel’s life, (especially country music). From an early age she played the organ and keyboards, sang and performed for family and friends. As time progressed she turned her hand to the art of songwriting, and began to play guitar.

Over the last 6 years Rachel has done exceptionally well on the Festival Circuit and has earned many singing and songwriting awards, some memorable wins being: Various TSA Awards, Overall Winner at West Moreton Country Music Festival, Overall Winner at Gold Coast Festival and winner of the Stan Coster Perpetual Trophy at the Broxburn Bash, for Best Bush Balladeer.

Rachel was introduced to the world of the Bush Ballad about 5 years ago by her good mate Bazza Salkeld and instantly she felt a connection to the music and it’s Australian stories and found it was clearly her “natural” style and what she was meant to do. She is very dedicated to persuing a career in Australia as a Balladeer. Mostly to preserve this important tradition. Rachel feels a sense of pride and patriotism in ensuring that this style does not disappear, because she’s proud to be Australian. Rachel loves to write and perform these great stories to a captivated crowd.

Rachel has just completed her debut album with talented producer Lindsay Waddington of Krosskut Records with The title track I’m a Country Girl, (In a Bush Ballad World) written by the legendary Keith Jamieson, Rachel’s rendition of Slim’s When The Rain Tumbles Down In July, a couple of Coster classics in Old Gilbert and the beautiful Bushman’s Song, and seven Rachel Richard’s originals, including award winning songs Weeping Willows and The Drover.

In 2007 Rachel was a Grand Finalist in the Bush Balladeers Star Quest and in 2008 has taken out the title as ABBA Bush Ballad Star Quest Winner. She was presented a beautiful hand made clock made from rare gidgee wood and silky oak and made from an old stirrup iron. It was presented by Slim Dusty’s wife and legendary singer songwriter Joy McKean.

As part of the 12 months as ABBA ambassador Rachel will have a single released to NFS, played nationally and will attend many festivals across Australia including, The Gympie Muster, Galston, Mildura, Bahram, and Bamera, Blacktown and will perform at the Adelaide Country Music Club.