Photography by Rob Aguiar.

In conversation with GTA power-duo, Rachel and Ayden. Rachel Jeans and Ayden Jacobs experienced a similar upbringing, growing up playing music publicly from a young age, they instantly bonded over their love for music and shared background. Since their inception into the music industry, they each have been focused on performing, writing, and recording. Together, this duo continues to reach new heights, elevating each other with each performance.

Rob Aguiar: We first met at a gig at The Moonshine. With every note, your exceptional talent was clearly evident. I’m so excited to chat about songwriting, creative vulnerabilities and your journey as a whole.

Rachel & Ayden: Thank you so much, Rob! That means a lot to us. We’re happy to be here – thank you so much for inviting us!

RA: You are firmly carving out your spot within the Country Music genre, but your live sets are filled with classic rock covers. Share your musical inspirations.

Rachel: We’re honoured to be a part of the country music scene, which holds so much unbelievable talent. My parents are both musicians; my mom a total rocker chick, often being compared to Janis Joplin, and my dad often playing classic rock or country tunes around the kitchen table, I couldn’t help but be introduced to and fall in-love with a plethora of styles and genres. The Eagles, Witney, Janis, Bread, Kansas, Journey, the list goes on.

Ayden: I feel like our love for country music is mutual. The story telling, the production, the sweet guitar licks. However, we love to pay homage to our musical upbringing. I grew up learning to play guitar to Guns N’ Roses tunes, Van Halen, Extreme as well as some more blues roots stuff like John Mayer & BB King. Playing tunes from these artists is always fun to throw into the live show!

RA: Vulnerability is an essential ingredient of great songwriting and believe it’s strength. What role does vulnerability play in your creative process?

“Sometimes all it takes is a few days away from the instrument to come back to it with fresh ears.”

— Ayden

Rachel: I have always written from a very raw place. Creating music, especially writing, is like reading your diary out loud, and vulnerability is a huge part of that and it’s what people connect to. We are all on our own journey, but often overcoming shared experiences, and this is what I love the most about music; the power it holds to connect us all and feel, heal, or whatever you need in that moment in time. As artists we can sometimes be in our heads by approaching a song from a “how can I make this a hit?” standpoint, but It’s my belief that what’s most important is staying rooted in your own artistry, and that vulnerability and authenticity is what is going to connect with people overall.

RA: Ayden, when you’re arranging songs with Rachel, how do you decide on the guitar’s role - whether it’s driving the rhythm, adding texture, or taking the lead - while at the same time ensuring the lyrics and vocals remain the focal point of a song?

Ayden: I feel like it’s really a matter of taking in the meaning & intention of what the song is about/what the lyrics are saying. If it’s a sad story, taking strides to a more laid back guitar part. If it’s angry, maybe something a little more aggressive. However, it’s also fun to play with opposing ideas where maybe a lyric is sad but the music behind it feels happy for a bittersweet feeling. In regards to lead playing, I love to fill in space where I can & try to have a musical conversation between a vocal melody & guitar part while also leaving space to not overcrowd the song. It’s all about serving the song.

RA: How do each of you navigate moments when songwriting and guitar playing become stagnant and creativity feels out of reach?

Rachel: I just recently experienced another block, whilst heading to Nashville specifically to write, and they can be quite frustrating and nerve racking even. In my experience, the key is to just keep going. Keep writing and creating even if you think it’s awful. Just stay consistent and something will click. Out of 10 songs, if one of them is really good, you’re doing great. Take the pressure off, get in a room with artists who inspire you, co-write, and just let it all go. Fresh perspectives are so helpful in getting the creative juices flowing again!

“There’s no such thing as a solo artist. It takes a village and I firmly believe there’s room for all of us at the top, and it’s better to go there together. ”

— Rachel

Ayden: Sometimes all it takes is a few days away from the instrument to come back to it with fresh ears. Even picking up a different instrument can spark inspiration in moments of drought. Another way to handle a creative block is surrounding yourself with other musicians. Many times I have been so inspired when watching/jamming with other musicians.

RA: Rachel, when I spoke to Nicole Rayy during last summer’s Harmonia Fest, I asked her and others what it's like being a female country artist. Their responses varied and all had the same underlying tone that the country genre is a bit of a “boys club.” What are your thoughts?

Rachel: This is a funny one considering whilst in Nashville recently I wrote a song called The Boys Club, on this very topic, with Elyse Saunders, David Madras, and Jakob Miller, which was very therapeutic haha! There are so many amazing, bad-ass, female voices in this genre that are on the rise and taking up space. There’s this “women supporting women” energy that really connects us all. And not only women, but the men in this industry supporting us too. I’m so grateful to my fellow artists for sharing this space with me. There’s no such thing as a solo artist. It takes a village and I firmly believe there’s room for all of us at the top, and it’s better to go there together.

RA: I look forward to hearing more at the Glimpse Productions Country Music Showcase in Mississauga on April 27th at The Rec Room, Square One.

Rachel: Thanks so much for having us, Rob! This was such a great time.