Rachael McElhiney’s skills on the baritone saxophone, baritone ukulele and bass clarinet have added a beautiful layer to Reno’s music scene. Through a number of solo releases and band stints, she has crafted a musical style that is at times warmly comforting, and other times mind-blowing. Her latest EP, while you fall asleep, released earlier this year, is a folky collection of songs with moments of campfire storytelling (“every wish”), modern pop-star vibes (“my gummy”), soulful vocal power (“what do you want?”) and poetry-slam funk (“boysenberry”). To hear more, visit rachaelmcelhiney.bandcamp.com.
What was the first concert you attended?
The first concert I attended, I guess, was a school band concert, technically, ha ha ha. It wasn’t until college that I attended my first big concert with famous people—Bone Thugs-n-Harmony opening for DMX.
What was the first album you owned?
The first tape cassette I bought with my own money was Brandy’s first album, Brandy. I can still sing all the songs on it; I listened to it so much. The first CD I bought with my own money was Tubthumper by Chumbawamba. I picked it based on the cover, and it did not disappoint. I still cover a deep cut from that album in my own solo set.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I’m listening to a lot of Clown Core. I freakin’ love Clown Core. SZA is in there, and I’m recently into this album Purgatory by The Mystery Lights. My friend and bandmate, Spencer Kilpatrick, sent it to me. I’m also listening to a lot of his music, too.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I liked Bijou’s answer for this one: Taylor Swift. I’m just not in the realm of understanding her way of music, but she’s absolutely killing it and hopefully loving her cool-looking life.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I have three. Morphine: Dana Colley is one of my absolute favorite bari-sax players. I love all the bass instruments so much, so a band with bass guitar and bari sax was my ultimate when I first discovered them. Spinal Tap, and I’d also love to see Lauryn Hill live (and the Fugees). I felt so sad to miss this last tour that she went out on; it looked so amazing! I’ve loved her since Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I wouldn’t call it a “guilty pleasure,” because I don’t feel guilty about it, but the Spice Girls are my absolute pleasure! I still know every word and every inflection; I can recognize exactly who is singing what. My elementary-school friends and I used to sing their songs at recess, and we always had to be singing the right part for who we choose to “be.” I cannot get enough of Scary Spice. I wanted to be her so badly, and she shaped my love for leopard print.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Holland Project for life!
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Uh, huh, the good lord knows, I don’t really care where the green grass grows. Uh, huh, it’s a beautiful scene, I don’t really know if that’s a good thing,” Spencer Kilpatrick, “Failure Machine.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Bryan Jones, aka “Buffalo Moses,” is an artist who changed my life pretty significantly. He’s one of my best friends and bandmates for more than 20 years. He asked me to join his band Busted Blue early in our college years, and then he asked me: If he were to take the band on the road, would I go? I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. We left our school journeys and hit the road for about a decade of touring. I’m not sure if I’d be out performing to the magnitude that I do if it weren’t for him. Love you, Bran Muffin!
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’m asking Clown Core if I can play bari sax on their next album.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Send Me on My Way,” Rusted Root.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Spice Girls, Spice.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Everyone should listen to their hearts.