Rebecca Perl
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Rebecca Perl

Los Angeles, CA | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF

Los Angeles, CA | SELF
Established on Jan, 2010
Band Folk Singer/Songwriter

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"Interview with Musician Rebecca Perl"

For all of you who enjoy the folk sound of The Lumineers, Jewel, and Mumford and Sons, check out this budding new artist from New York! (Photos courtesy of Rebecca Perl)
With a name as short and sweet as Rebecca Perl, you would probably assume that the girl would be just as sweet. Add in a little spunk, growing up in Long Island New York, and you've got our next artist. Rebecca Perl is a musician who plays multiple instruments, not just someone who strums four chords on a guitar, and is just as sweet as her name sounds. But, hopefully, she’s not sweet to a fault. Over the phone, she appeared to be a little shy and I had to push her to get longer answers. This is not unusual since she sings a light, blues-y style of rock. A softer genre is generally played by a more introverted musician. But, luckily, her music is debuting in the midst of a folk revival in the industry. If she has a strong personality on stage and a strong debut album, Rendezvous, coming out April 27th, she might really score it big if she lands an opening gig for a big artist such as one of her favorites, John Mayer. So if you’re tired of listening to the loud club music of Rihanna, Beyonce, or Ke$ha, take a listen to her first single, Rendezvous. This Perl is quite a gem.

Q&A with Rebecca Perl
Your debut album comes out April 27th. Are you excited? How are you preparing for it?
We’re doing a release party at Webster Hall on the 27th. It will be the first time we get to play it live. We made the album pretty quickly, quicker than I thought. I met these two producers and they took a liking to my music. The past five or six months, I’ve been constantly writing and practicing in and out of the studio.
Are there any particular tracks that are you most excited to release?
I’m really excited to play all of them, but if I had to choose one it would be “Wind and Fire”. It’s a song that I wrote years ago but I’m excited to play that one. I really like all of them.

What was your inspiration for the title, and album in general, Rendezvous?
I think that I’m in a habit of writing songs that make me feel comfortable. Having a rendezvous with things or people was just something that I’ve always done. The album is a bunch of songs about little moments that I’ve had and remembering again.
As a new artist on the scene, it’s inevitable that you will get compared to other artists. I can hear a similarity to Avril Lavigne when she sings ballads. What comparisons do you hear most often?
I get Jewel a lot actually. Lisa Loeb [is another].

You recently opened for Teddy Geiger, Tyler Hilton, and Ryan Cabrera on their joint tour. How was that? Did you get to perform with them?
That was great. It was a lot of fun. [We started] right at the new year on January 4. [We went] down the East Coast, in New Jersey, New York, D.C., and Baltimore. It was my first time hopping on tour with musicians that were pretty established. It was a great time.
I played with Tyler more than with Ryan and Teddy, [Tyler] is such a nice guy. He’s fun and so good. I love his music. I love the other two [as well]. They’re all pretty flirty but that’s why they’re fun.

What was it like to grow up in a musical household?
My parents, uncles, and cousins all played guitar. I didn’t pick it up until I was 13. Everybody would just sit around and play songs, a lot of the oldies. My dad and uncle used to play The Beatles and The Rolling Stones a lot. [The] Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” is the one I’ll think of [when I think of my family] as well as Simon and Garfunkel. I grew up playing piano as well as the violin and French horn.
What music inspires you? Why do you choose to play folk rock?
Maybe, subconsciously, I like those styles best. I started with very pop-y music when I was 13 and 14. But, then I started to listen to artists like Dave Matthews and John Mayer. They have such a jazzy blues-y undertone that I fell in love with. I just started playing it. There’s just something about that rhythm that gets me. It all fits together well. - Viva Glam Magazine


"Rebecca Perl on a "Rendezvous" with an iPhone, Guitar & Chocolate Bar: Interview"

Rebecca Perl is on a "Rendezvous" with music of the folk revival kind and she has been a busy girl. "Good busy," she says. Her new album was just released on the 28th of April, she played a Comedy for a Cause benefit on May 9th, and the artist just finished playing multiple tour dates from New Jersey to DC with Ryan Cabrera, Tyler Hilton, and Teddy Geiger--three boys she calls "fun" and "flirty."

The singer songwriter credits her pursuit of a career in music to extended family get-togethers that always involved guitar playing and sing alongs, the support of her family and friends from both middle and high school showing up for her first showcase event on Long Island, and being inspired by her "favorite artist of all time" John Mayer and Dave Matthews Band.

I asked Rebecca straight away about the tour with the boys, which she said was not a caravan but commented that she wished it had been. "I think that might have been fun," she told me. Her voice over the phone conveyed a sincerity of sweetness one cannot feign and her adventurous "caravan" spirit came through immediately.

"When you’re on the road what are three things that we could most assuredly find with you at all times?" I asked Rebecca. "Good question. Definitely my iPhone. Definitely my guitar," she replied without hesitation. She gave the third thing a bit of thought trying to come up with something that she "can't live without." Her final conclusion was "a chocolate bar" and I realized two questions into the interview, Rebecca Perl was my kind of girl.

Of course I couldn't help but ask her if she was with Ryan Cabrera when he got the now infamous Ryan Gosling tattoo on his leg. "That did not happen while he was with me. I actually didn’t even know that he has this tattoo. This is new news to me," Rebecca said with a giggle. "I’m upset I didn’t even know this. That is the coolest tattoo I’ve ever heard of. He’s got a lot of tattoos. The coolest one that he has is underneath his arm. I think he has The Beatles silhouetted walking across his arm, which is the coolest thing ever."

Aside from being fun and flirty to hang out with backstage, Rebecca said Ryan, Teddy and Tyler taught her a lot. "I used to have a few drinks before I went on stage anywhere I was performing because it loosened me up a little bit and I got to the first show with them and everyone’s drinking tea and hot water and I’m like, uh-oh, I’m missing something. I’m the real newbie here that still has beers before going on a stage." The boys converted Rebecca into a tea drinker and she now has an affinity for green tea. "I was never much of a tea drinker and I think after that little tour I became a tea drinker."

Listening to Rebecca Perl's songs reminded me a bit of Emily Kinney's music, (the singer songwriter / actress best known for the role she plays as "Beth Greene" on The Walking Dead). Both of these artists write music that tell personal stories with a theatrical--almost written for a movie scene--feel. I asked Rebecca if she had spent time in the theatre or if musicals influenced her songwriting in any way.

"I do like theater," said Rebecca. "I’ve been to a lot of shows growing up. My mom was a big theater person so she used to bring me to shows all the time. I also was in a little acting school when I was five and six in my hometown on Long Island. I’m definitely familiar with show tunes and things like that and I think that I probably got some influence when it comes to story telling from there and setting the scene. It’s funny because most people could say that they can hear my music in a movie or even in a commercial that tells a story because they do tell stories from front to back. There’s always a lesson to be learned or there’s always something to be said about each and every song."

In “So Good to Me” Rebecca sings about wanting to be good to someone whom has been good to her. I asked Rebecca who generally has been good to her in her life. "I’ve been treated well, I think, by most people in my life because I like to treat other people well. I think it’s important," shared Rebecca. "When it comes to family, friends, even, strangers. I have this habit of bumping into people I’ve never met before but at the same time connecting with them just as much as I connect with someone I’ve known for fifteen years. You’ll find songs like that in the album also. 'Nothing But a Lot' is a track that is the epitome of that. Bumping into someone you’ve never met but opening up and being able to tell a side of you that maybe you don’t want to tell to someone that you’ve known forever."

"Nothing But a Lot" is a great example of the sort of relatable lyrics and storytelling Rebecca Perl's style imbues and instantly I connected with what she was saying, "Like when you meet someone on an airplane and you just start talking?"

"Yeah, exactly," she replied, "or you’re sitting at a bar and someone’s sitting next to you or while you’re standing in line at a mall and you get into a conversation." "I like that it all comes back to cocktails with you Rebecca," I told her and we both laughed. "I know. I realize that I’ve been saying that a lot. I’m not a drunk, I swear," she said giggling. It was an endearing moment. "Totally okay with me if you are," I said, "because we can go have cocktails together." Rebecca laughed, "That’s perfect."

Rebecca's song “Better” contains beautiful lyrics that convey an enviable relationship: “You make me better than I’ve ever been and I’m always a winner inside your arms.” I asked her, "Who makes you a better person?" Her answer to this question still lingers in my thoughts. "People who make me better are the ones that tell me to still chase after my dreams," she replied. "They tell me to keep going and never give up."

We also chatted about her song “Sticky” where Rebecca sings about hating confrontation--another highly relatable theme. "That song is actually a cute story. I do hate confrontation," she explained. "I think everybody that knows me knows that I hate to say no to things and I hate to turn my back on things… That was about actually dating two boys at once. (laughs). Being at a bar once again … Jeez, I’m at a bar everywhere now, [laughter] but … I’m at a bar and I meet somebody and I’m enjoying it and another guy that I was dating walks in and sees it. I don’t want to have to say, 'This is how it is.' I’d rather sort of ignore the situation and try to avoid it. [laughter] Which is not always the best way, but I do do that sometimes."

Which song title did she choose to describe her personality (my signature question)? "Jeez, there’s so many songs in the world. Maybe … Oh, man. Maybe “Change the World” by Eric Clapton. I write music because not only does it help me with what I’m going through and just purely enjoying the act of songwriting and creating melodies and things like that, but I also hope that whoever’s listening to it is changed in a way or is helped in a way. I truly just want to put out anything good and anything helpful to anybody." One thing is certain, listening to Rebecca Perl's "Rendezvous" album is certain to change the world one smile at at a time.

FUN QUESTIONS FOR REBECCA
Nicole: What is your favorite brand of jeans?
Rebecca: Probably J Brand jeans. I love them.

Nicole: I think most of us have reached for a spoon and a quart of ice cream post a bad break-up. If you were reaching for a quart of ice cream which flavor would it be?
Rebecca: Oh, wow. It would probably be Ben and Jerry’s Peanut Butter or what’s the other one that I like? Phish Food, where they have those little pieces of chocolate and all that.

Nicole: All time favorite book?
Rebecca: I’m actually reading a book right now that I really love. It’s by Emily Giffin “Love the One You’re With.”

Nicole: What’s the last album you downloaded or purchased?
Rebecca: The Justin Timberlake album, the other day.
Nicole: Do you have a favorite song on it?
Rebecca: Probably “Mirrors” although each song is really like two songs. They’re like eight minutes long. - Life Of A Rockstar


"PHOTOS: THOMAS NICHOLAS AND SPECIAL GUESTS PERFORMED A BENEFIT SHOW AT CITY WINERY"

Actor/Musician Thomas Nicholas, best known for his role in the “American Pie” film franchise and the 1993 sports comedy movie “Rookie of the Year,” recently appeared at New York City winery and performance space City Winery to perform an acoustic concert in support of Musicians on Call, a foundation which brings musicians into hospitals to perform for patients.

The May 23rd event also featured performances by NYC-based singer / songwriters, Jesse Ruben, Rebecca Perl and Alexis Babini and actor/musician Michael Lombardi, recognized for his role in the dramedy tv series “Rescue Me” and the upcoming action/adventure flick “The Last Knights” (also starring Morgan Freeman and Clive Owen).

Additionally, the benefit show was hosted by Z100's Danielle Monaro and featured a special appearance by Chris Barron of NYC alternative rockers Spin Doctors, and “Real Housewives of New York” cast members, Heather Thomson and Carole Radziwill, who filmed portions of the event for a future episode of the show.

Check out photos from the 5/23 charity concert in Manhattan below, and give the gift of music by donating to Musicians on Call.

- See more at: http://nextmosh.com/2013/05/28/photos-thomas-nicholas-and-special-guests-performed-a-benefit-show-at-city-winery/#sthash.CJG0OvSQ.dpuf - Next Mosh


"Highlight Magazine interview with Rebecca Perl"

It's not everyday that you hear about a folk artist coming out of New York City, but Rebecca Perl is on exception
to that rule. "I'm actually originally from Long Island. I moved into Manhattan last and it's definitely a different experience! Songwriting on Long Island usually happened by the water, it was my little haven. I loved the soothing vibes it would bring." she says....

Read Article..
? - Highlight Magazine


"Island Studio Solution"

Rebecca Perl is a singer/songwriter from New York. Her music falls within the pop/rock genre, infused with the blues. Rebecca brings a brand new feel and an original vibe to the female acoustic music scene.
- Island Studio Solution


"Venture"

It is a challenging task to separate yourself from your peers. However, Rebecca Perl has pulled it off. The talented singer and songwriter from New York has put an edge to her pop/rock acoustic music with a touch of blues. - Alexandra Zawada


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

Born and Raised in the tropical paradise we call Long Island, NY, a child of the eighties and nineties, Rebecca announced at age 13 that she would be a singer songwriter when she grew up. Born into a very musical family, googling "How To Play Guitar" was all she needed before running with her dream. The pop music radio of the late '90s carried a heavy dose of acoustic pop music, and Rebecca gravitated to that sound. This is where she first saw artists like John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Jewel and Michelle Branch perform live, which greatly influenced her musical tastes. 

By 2012, Rebecca landed the first of many major gigs supporting Ryan Cabrera, Teddy Geiger, Tyler Hilton, Gavin Degraw, Vertical Horizon, Olivia-Newton John, Howie Day and others. All the while in 2013, she was writing new music and recording her debut album "Rendezvous." Rebecca sold out The Studio at Webster Hall for the release of "Rendezvous" in April 2013, the album garnered great reviews from critics around the world. 

Rebecca moved to Austin, Texas in September 2014 and has recently completed her second studio album, "Point Of No Return" marking a major event in Rebecca's life as a songwriter and performer, leaving it all behind to start anew in the music-rich city of Austin, TX. Aside from being the Live Music Capital of The World, Rebecca could hardly resist the plethora of delicious food trucks and the quirky atmosphere of Austin. She's gladly here to stay. 

Rebecca perform an official music showcase at SXSW on March 21st in Austin, TX, and on April 28th, Rebecca released her Sophomore album, "Point Of No Return" both digitally and on CD. 'Point Of No Return' combines the catchy sounds of folk and pop while remaining honest and truthful in the lyrics. She returned from her Southeastern tour in late May 2015 and has recently wrapped up a West Coast tour with Howie Day in August 2015. You can download "Point Of No Return" on iTunes.

Band Members