Getting To Know... Heather Rice

After captivating us with a fresh and alluring array of releases over the last few years, fast-rising singer-songwriter Heather Rice is back once again with her latest offering 'Now It's Out'.

Lifted from her forthcoming new EP 'Worth Loving', which is set to land next year, 'Now It's Out' makes for a wonderfully warm and embracing listen. Blending a heady dose of country and Americana-inspired textures throughout, she is definitely looking to draw us in with this mesmerising new cut.

So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her lately.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Thanks for asking! I first fell in love with my mom and dad's voices. They use to sing to me when I was little.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

My first favorite song was "if I Only Had a Brain". My folks played a lot of Disney music and Jazz and that's what I grew up on.

What was the first album you remember owning?

The first album I remember owning was Mariah Carey's "Music Box".

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

That's so hard! I guess the one that comes to mind first is "Imagine" by John Lennon because it's had such a positive impact on the world and that's what I hope my music does someday.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

I come up with concepts first, sometimes the tune festers in my head until I have a moment to sit down and write it. I have two little ones under 5 so a lot of my writing is at night or when they are napping. But I'm lucky that songs have always come easily and I rarely have writer's block.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

I am loving Aoife O'Donovan, Madison Cunnigham, Ashe, and Eddie Benjamin.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Well, I HAVE been fortunate to open for Sheryl Crow, Lady A, and Joan Osborne, but now I'd really love to open for Celine Dion, because I am her number one fan.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Life can be very hard sometimes for people and being a person that can inspire joy, a moment of gratitude, and encourage someone to enjoy their present moment; that's the stuff. That's why i love making music and playing live. It would be cool if my songs felt like virtual hugs.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Being your own artist and record label can take a massive amount of effort and energy. I'm frustrated no one has figured out how to clone me so I do more than one thing at a time!

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

"Stay present, enjoy the moment, gift the gifts you've been given." my first voice teacher Jo Traywick (in a note she gave me to read just before singing the amthem for the Rolex 24 at 16yrs old) "Appreciate your own sound." Carrie Manolakos, my current mentor.

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Heather Rice's new single 'Now It's Out' Is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.