We first heard from Rachel La Scalla a year ago, upon the release of her debut single “Milennia”. That track introduced a multifaceted singer, songwriter, actress and model from New York. She makes deeply personal music inspired by her battles with drug addiction and mental health issues, which stemmed from the loss of her mother when the singer was just 15 years-old. Her sound is a genre-bending electro-rock mix of dark pop, alt-pop, and dark wave.
Although her emotional struggles continue, Rachel La Scalla changed the trajectory of her story when she relocated to Los Angeles in 2017 and launched a successful career in television and film. Since her musical debut, Rachel La Scalla has released a total of four singles, and connected with fans around the world on popular tracks like the percussive 2022 rocker, “Dodged a Bullet”. Now back on the East Coast, the multitalented creator just dropped her first new music of 2023.
“Possession” is the brand new single from Rachel La Scalla, released worldwide via all major streaming services on September 7, 2023. Originally written and recorded by 1990s alt-pop queen Sarah McLachlan, in Rachel’s hands the melancholy love song takes on an ominous tone. Deep dark ambient synths ride slow, cinematic, and haunting gothic beat. On the mic, the singer paints a dark and cinematic scene for her soulful delivery of McLachlan’s yearning poetry.
Check out “Possession” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Dive : Pop & Rock playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with Rachel La Scalla about the song. Check out her answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artist.
8 Questions with Rachel La Scalla
Where are you from?
I am from Staten Island, New York. I lived in Manhattan after graduating high school and stayed there until a few years in LA, where I began my creative career while working at BuzzFeed. I just recently relocated back to the East coast and turns out, I did miss winter!
How long have you been making music?
Music has been my passion my whole life, it’s the only thing that’s ever helped me calm myself and steer my mental health after losing my parents at a young age. A lifelong passion, I never had the thought to begin making music until I hit a rock bottom in COVID and had no choice but to begin creating art, or never get out of the ditch I was in. It worked! It’s been about 3 years now and I am just so honored I finally got to this point!
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
This track is actually with a new producer I began working with who, believe it or not, I’ve never actually met in real life! We found one another through mutual friends and created this song together. His name is Josh Sid Robinson (@jsraudio). I am 1000% confident there is no other person meant to develop this track with me but him. Josh developed the music and I recorded my vocals in my closet!
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Growing up I was so fortunate to be surrounded by music of different tastes from different authority figures. From doo-wop to Tracy Chapman to Journey to R.E.M., I truly enjoy the variations and massive range of where music can take you. Some of my key influences growing up were Tom Petty, Elton John, Fleetwood, Nirvana, Foxy Brown, and Taking Back Sunday. A eclectic mix, ha!
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
My mental health and lunacy in all honesty. I struggle with a few mental disorders; writing and creating music is one of the most pivotal tools that helps me navigate my emotional and psychological difficulty.
What inspired you to create this project?
Desire, passion, love. I find in my personal life looking for a larger than life dedication, commitment, passion and this song delivers it. A bit sadistic, a bit aggressive, a bit too close for comfort- it feels like me!
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I am currently developing additional tracks in the studio now so I can finally see all these beautiful humans on tour!!
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I hope reading about me getting into music at 36 can inspire you to go after a dream of your own. If you can read this, it isn’t too late! A big thanks to you, Bob, for sharing your time with me. Always a pleasure.