Based in Byron Bay, Australia, musicians and yoga teachers Nyck and Rachel have been stitching together the power of mantra into soulful music for nearly two decades. Rachel, an internationally recognised kirtan artist, singer-songwriter and yoga teacher, learned the potency of mantra while studying yoga in New York.
This ancient practice of chanting was something she brought back home and, together with Nyck, set these powerful chants to music. With the help of Grammy-nominated producer Kamal Engels, they’ve crafted heartfelt arrangements that have touched listeners worldwide.
With her band, Subway Bhaktis, Rachel has released several impactful works, including their debut album Sita Ram in 2006, the One Drop of Love EP in 2009, and their sophomore record Rasa Lila the following year. Subway Bhaktis now returns with their latest release, the debut single “A Cup of Tea,” a track that perfectly distils the group’s evolution while maintaining their core message of their artistic intentions.
The single offers a dreamlike, ethereal listening experience, perfectly suited for moments of reflection and tranquility. This song marks a new chapter for Rachel, reflecting her journey through new beginnings and the importance of staying true to oneself.
The pure emotion and honesty instilled in the lyrics connect deeply with listeners, creating a unique and compelling piece that channels the themes of love and hope. “A Cup of Tea” is produced by the exceptional Kamal Engels, whose Grammy-nominated skills have once again brought to life an innovative and captivating sound, while the track also features contributions from composer and instrumentalist Jacob Zinman-Jeanes, whose talents add to the overall piece.
Setting a soothing indie folk scene with the lilting sway of acoustic guitar plucks, Rachel’s delicate vocals thread soft melodies and poignant storytelling lyricism above. Flowing with gentle vibraphone tones and warm piano plinks, she crafts an intimate moment of musical bliss that transports you to a serene place of contemplation, allowing time to pause and lose yourself in the enchanting melodies and elegant arrangement. It’s a beautiful new piece of classic songwriting, delivered via graceful musicianship, gradually building with the hushed taps of drums as the song comes to a tender conclusion.
We caught up with Rachel to find out more about her musical story with Subway Bhaktis, her new single “A Cup of Tea” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Rachel below.
Whatâs your earliest memory of making music?
I grew up surrounded by music because my father is a symphony conductor. I vividly remember playing the toy piano with him. But my first real memory is playing the violin and learning the Suzuki method with my mother at about four years old.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
Edie Brickell, Suzanne Vega, Tracy Chapman, and Kirtan artists like Deva Premal and Miten, Donna De Lory, and Wah!
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
I think itâs a totally internal thing. I just find chords and notes that make sense to me, and words appear. Often when I start writing a song, I have no idea where itâs going or how it will end, but somehow it works.
Whatâs been your highlight of the year so far?
Producing “A Cup of Tea,” my new single. We started putting it together in November last year. Iâd written it 13 years prior, and it has always been a very deeply personal, heart-based song. Bringing it to life with our Grammy-nominated producer Kamal Engels and having my son Jacob Zinman Jeanes contribute his musical inspiration was a collaboration made in heaven. Plus, my husband John Weddepohl, who is a musician, composer, and producer, and my brother Paul Zinman, a recording engineer, made sure that the unique sound and essence of the song was upheld.
What do you love about the Australian music scene?
It’s innovative and diverse, and we support each other.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
The song is dreamy and ethereal, perfect for reflection on love, loss, and renewal. I would settle in with a cup of tea and just take it in.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
At first, I used to belt out songs, singing as loud and strong as I could. I would harmonize with my band partner and ex-husband when we sang at gigs together. It was only when we partnered up with Kamal to produce our first CD, “Sita Ram,” as the Subway Bhaktis that Kamal suggested I work more on the intimate, more fragile sound of my voice.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
I really admire Gyan. Sheâs an Australian singer-songwriter, and her music is so inspiring!
How did you find making your new single âA Cup of Teaâ?
It was way more challenging than I thought it would be. Trying to stay true to the unplugged version when I donât play to time, finding the right musicians to work with, getting the right feel and sound, and sourcing the funds to produce the track. I ended up crowdfunding, which added to the challenges. In the end, I couldnât have been happier with how it turned out.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
That love isnât straightforward. That loss is inevitable, but renewal is there, and you can be loved just as you are.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Billie Eilish. She blows my mind.
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
To feel that sense of beauty and sweetness, to know they are that!
Whatâs been your favourite live performance so far?
Playing in Kirtan with a group of yoga enthusiasts.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
I love Bhakti Yoga Fest in Joshua Tree:
Deva Premal and Miten
Donna De Lory
Jai Uttal
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps?
The main thing is to experiment, play around with chord ideas, donât think too hard, and let your natural, intuitive creativity flow.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?
Continuing to build enthusiasm for “A Cup of Tea”
Live house concerts to share the new song and other songs Iâve been working on
Working more on music video production by creating videos for some of the other songs across our three Subway Bhaktis albums
Listen to A Cup of Tea below
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