Rachelle Van Zanten

Being a mom has been wonderful. I have never been so in love before as I am now with my baby girl. She is a tough little trooper and has managed to melt my heart into a puddle. The next album should be interesting to say the least. I am enjoying my time off the road and out of the studio and am cherishing everyday that is filled with Winnie the Pooh, big smiles, bath time, walks through the bush, and lunch time by the lake. Happy New Year everyone. Hope to see you out there on the scene in 2012. Love Rachelle and Charlie Bee.

Only a month and a bit left to go until I will have a little bundle of joy with me on my epic and not so epic journeys. Just got back from Iskut, B.C. where we danced our faces off to the Andy Louie Band at the Sacred Headwaters Festival. It was a long drive but scenic in all of its majestic beauty. As we drove farther and farther into the mountains I felt a sense of sadness knowing that this incredible wilderness is under siege right now due to its rich resources and potential for quick industrial grabs. I saw Mount Todogan in all its splendor and felt as though I should hold a vigil while traversing the Redchris/Fortune Minerals road. The tipping point is so near. When I close my eyes I can hear the new songs coming. They are mostly laments, pleas from the spirits in the trees for some solution to this mess. This is the last wild frontier. It is hard to take this on while trying to have a peaceful pregnancy. My only hope is that my child grows up with a love and respect for this land that will infect those around he or she. Please check out SPOIL by the talented Trip Jennings. http://vimeo.com/19582018

It is finally haying weather and I am too big to fit on the tractor. My 7 month Lil Frontkicker does not need any trauma from a roaring diesel tractor hitting rough spots in the field. Instead I am going to head to Telkwa this Thursday to play a set at Music in the Park before then heading to Smithers and opening for The Trews and Sam Roberts. This shall be an evening of incredible music and hopefully a cheese platter at some point.

The Historic BC Cafe is all that and a sack of potatoes. Yes this town is lucky to have such a exquisite food establishment with locally grown potatoes. Did I mention the potatoes? Oh and they are about to have locally grown beef as well! Hot diggety dog. I am in Hazelton, Old that is and am marveling over the real curds decorating my neighbors poutine. If you are passing through this area, make sure you stop on an empty stomach.
Ok, so back to the music. It has been a busy week playing gigs at night for the Skeena Rising Tour and teaching songwriting during the day for the Youth Empowerment Program. My little Honda's bumper is slowly falling off but she is still purring steady. Today we need to make it to Terrace and then tomorrow to Prince Rupert. I have faith.
Highlights thus far were working with the talented youth of the Northwest- Justice, Stirfry, Shiela #1 and #2, you all wrote incredible songs and I can't wait to see where they take you. The crowd at Hazelton Secondary School was electric and made the show so fun. Kispiox Valley Kids, you fed my soul and made me sing and play my heart out. We are posting the "My Country" video this weekend so for those of you far from here, stay tuned.
xo