ICYMI: #WomanCrushWednesday IG Live featuring Rachel G

BY LAURA HARPER/WWR Staff Writer

From rock and metal to pop and R&B, few artists have played across quite as many different genres as the badass bassist Rachel G.

Despite her love for bass, Rachel G actually started her music career by playing the electric guitar. When she wanted to start a band in high school, she realized that all of her potential bandmates played guitar and none played bass. Then, after borrowing a dusty, old bass from a friend, her love for the instrument began.

“It grew on me,” Rachel G said. “It was just cool to see a chick on bass.”

Rachel G grew up in a small town in Texas but later moved to Austin to pursue her music career further by playing in touring cover bands. While Austin is usually known for its dynamic music scene, Rachel G says the vibe didn’t quite work for her and the clubs did not pay performing artists very well. That was when she and her boyfriend, who is also a musician, pulled up stakes and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.

With her cover band, Rachel G has performed a variety of genres from artists with very dynamic playing styles. After spending many years performing with her cover band, she needed to learn how to play every style, and did so by watching YouTube videos to figure out how to mimic various artists’ techniques.

Although female bassists are not typically the mainstream, Rachel G says she tries her best to keep up with some of her favorites.

“It’s great to see women playing guitar or bass with a bunch of men,” Rachel G said.

While the COVID-19 global pandemic has put a temporary halt on live performances and tours, Rachel G says she is currently working on a metal project with some friends as well as a pop tribute. Despite a surgery that required her to take about two months off to recover, she says she is excited to finally see her calendar filling up again.

On top of her original music, cover band, and upcoming projects, Rachel G has also been involved in a number of brand endorsements with large companies. She started seeking these endorsements a few years ago while attending NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants conference. At the event, Rachel G circled through all of the bass-related tables multiple times, trying out instruments and equipment.

“It was a challenge for me because I’m really shy,” Rachel G said.

Ultimately, the challenge paid off; at the conference, Rachel G managed to secure an endorsement with Darkglass Electronics, a company that specializes in handmade bass guitar equipment.

Another way that Rachel G fights back against her shyness is through social media, where she makes it part of her daily routine to post something every day. She says she gains a lot of encouragement through reading positive comments left by her fans, making her eager to share more.

For more on Rachel G, you can check out the entire interview on the @OfficalWomenWhoRock IGTV channel on Instagram.