S4E5: Rachel Walker Mason

Nov 5, 2024

In a captivating conversation, Rachel Walker Mason, a British songwriter and GRAMMY voting member known for her musical 'The Circle,' shares her journey of self-discovery and the importance of authenticity in art. The discussion highlights the power of women supporting women in the creative community. Rachel elaborates on balancing her artistic aspirations with family life and the challenges of representation in theatre. She also reflects on how art can transform emotional struggles and foster a vibrant, inclusive community.

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

Artistic Reflections and Empowering Narratives

02:11 • 22min

Balancing Art, Family, and Creativity

24:24 • 12min

Exploring the Literary Legacy of Virginia Woolf

36:23 • 2min

Celebrating Iconic Television and the Power of Core Values

38:33 • 2min

The Lifelong Journey of Self-Discovery and Community Support

40:51 • 2min

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with songwriter and musical theatre writer Rachel Walker Mason about bravely making the things you dream of, leaning into authenticity and speaking aloud the things that often remain silent, women supporting women, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode!

Episode Notes

Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews
Guest: Rachel Walker Mason
Music: Chloe Geller

Episode Resources:

The Circle website

Follow The Circle on social media

Stiles & Drewe Prize

Listen to “Drown Without Water”

Guest Bio:

Rachel Walker Mason (she/her) is a GRAMMY voting member, the recipient of a prestigious British Citizen Award for contribution to the arts, and was named “a songwriting expert” by BBC Radio Four’s Today Programme. The writer of new British musical The Circle and winner of the Stiles and Drewe Best New Song Prize 2023, Rachel is currently writing songs with Grammy, Emmy and Ivor Novello award winners, The Voice UK and American Idol alumni, and Oscar nominees. Rachel is also a mentor for The GRAMMYs, Help Musicians, and the Ivor Novello Academy. She is also a featured artist for Columbia University’s Songcraft Anthology and an executive member of The Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Named a Woman Of The Year 2020, the only British musician to be inducted into the Indie Music Hall Of Fame, and hailed “an inspiration” by Prince Harry, Rachel is the youngest person to be made a Fellow of the London College of Music by Professional Achievement and is one of the British representatives for the World Choir Council. As a well-respected music industry judge, Rachel has been on the judging panels for Intercontinental Music Awards, The British Short Film Awards, Sky TV’s Sing: Ultimate A Cappella, The UK Songwriting Contest and many others. Rachel has written for hundreds of artists, including Jamie Lawson, The Puppini Sisters, Leslie Satcher (Willie Nelson, Jason Aldean, Kellie Pickler, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Martina McBride, Ariana Grande, Lee Ann Womack), Karl Morgan (Sam Ryder, Olly Murs), Mary Leay (Becky Hill, Cher), Luke Jackson (Amy Wadge), Gregor Philp (Deacon Blue), Luke Concannon (Nizlopi, Ed Sheeran), and Lloyd Hinshelwood (Mabel, Fleur East, Izzy Bizu).

Find Rachel Online:

Visit Rachel’s website

Instagram

Facebook

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The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!