Over the past few years, Rachael Sage has witnessed countless friends and fans dragged through the social-media ringer.
“They throw up their proverbial hands and feel so continually misunderstood that they’ve had to go on social-media fasts just to feel sane,” says the New York City neo-folk artist. “More often than not, interactions and self-consciousness on these platforms seem to increase anxiety and self-doubt, sadly.”
All of which provided fertile creative ground for Sage’s latest single. A buoyant, theatrical pep talk weighted with just a hint of sadness, “The Best Version” is among the more most hopeful tracks on Sage’s Canopy, available October 24 on her own MPress label.
“I’m imagining a sort of blissful, off-the-grid state of being, where you might gaze into a night sky, imagine your soulmate living in other parts of the world and feel simultaneously tiny and huge,” she says.
Sage’s 16th studio release is also the first to give her backup band, the Sequins, equal billing. The lineup includes violinist Kelly Halloran (Goo Goo Dolls), drummer Andy Mac (Pete Muller & The Kindred Souls), harmonica player Trina Hamlin (Susan Werner) and cellist Ward Williams (Sara Bareilles).
“I’ve been playing with them for a bunch of years now, and this is about as eclectic musically as we’ve ever been,” says Sage. “But that also feels pretty appropriate given the intense ups and downs and constant pivoting that navigating these chaotic times requires.”
A cancer survivor, Sage sees herself as “naturally optimistic.” “I’m always seeking positive ways to chronicle our collective longing to do better—to be kinder, more compassionate and understanding toward one another and our beleaguered planet,” she says. “As the title suggests, the goal for Canopy was to create a record that feels inclusive, welcoming and reassuring. And celebrates our shared humanity.”
We’re proud to premiere Rachael Sage & The Sequins’ “The Best Version.”
—Hobart Rowland
See Rachael Sage & The Sequins live.
