2023 - The Origins
It all started in 2023, when Rachel recorded a concept album with producer Jonathan Flaugher. Having grown up a tomboy, Rachel had long harbored an interest in the aesthetics, communities, and lives of the lesbians who came before her. This interest grew into a song, then several songs, until Rachel had a thirteen-track LP loosely inspired by her queer ancestors.
The Ballad of Madelyne & Therese (the concept album, that is) was released July 21, 2023. Today, it’s amassed over 200k streams on Spotify.
Album Release Shows
The Lost Church
San Francisco, CA
June 2nd, 2023
The Lost Church
Santa Rosa, CA
July 13th, 2023
2024 - Early Concerts
By the time of the album’s release, Rachel had started to sense that it was more than just a collection of songs. The plot wasn’t there yet, but there were characters, there were themes.
After playing a series of narrated concerts to early audiences, Rachel began to flesh out the story of Madelyne & Therese. Here, The Ballad found its footing as a piece of theater, and Rachel was joined by a full band as she presented this new version to audiences.
Concert Performances
The Freight & Salvage
Santa Rosa, CA
November 27, 2024
The Lost Church
San Francisco, CA
March 23, 2024
2025 - Act I Workshops
Over the past year, Rachel has continued to develop the work for a theatrical context, writing new songs and gaining a deeper understanding of the characters. Now, the piece has become a 2-act play told through 23 songs.
In May, Rachel had the opportunity to present Act I at two New York City venues. Joined by her band, she performed workshop showings of the expanded first act to sold-out audiences, allowing her to see how this newly fleshed-out material was landing.
Now, Rachel is developing Act II ahead of upcoming performances at Potrero Stage in San Francisco, where the full piece will be presented for the first time ever.
Workshop Performances
Lethe Lounge
New York, NY
May 21, 2025
Paradise Factory
New York, NY
May 19, 2025