HOPING TO BE HEARD
RISE Magazine talks to a new musical light on the horizon, Rachela Leo.
Article by WENDY RUSH

I once heard someone claim that 70% of the contestants on Australian Idol come from churches.  I’m not sure whether this figure is accurate, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it was.  Music is an integral part of worship and singing is a way that many of us choose to praise God.  Some of the best known singers found their voice in church.  It’s a great training ground, not just on technique but also on the source of the gift.  It’s impossible to praise God without believing that he’s given you the voice that utters those praises.

Many of us choose to use whatever musical talent we may have within the church (that is, the greater body of Christ), sharing Christian music that builds up and encourages other Christians.  Always, of course, there is a hope that people outside the church might hear, connect, and believe as a result.

Some artists, however, have a calling to share their faith to the wider world.  Not an easy task as lyrics containing overtly Christian messages are usually shunned by mainstream broadcasters and music marketers.  I admire musicians who try to tackle this dilemma by weaving into their contemporary sounds, messages of hope and redemption that swim against the tide of negativity and destruction we so often find on the airwaves.

Rachela Leo is one such artist.  Her heart is to reach young people through her music and communicate to them the truth, giving them hope that there is a better life than the one they are living.

Her first single “Hear Me” has just been released.  The song came about as a result of her meeting Sandy Clark, a local film producer.  Sandy was looking for someone to write songs for DVDs she was producing on Christian healing.  “Hear Me” became the soundtrack to “Rebel Boss turns to Jesus.”

The smooth R&B sound gives emotive expression to the heartfelt lyrics “I need you to help me, I need you to save me; somebody told me you cared, so I’m calling.”

Sandy and Rachela met through a regular prayer meeting they attended.  Their meeting turned out to be an answer to prayer for both of them.  Sandy needed music for her DVDs and Rachela needed an outlet for her music, but mostly she needed encouragement and guidance.

Rachela started writing music at the age of 13 and10 years later she is fine tuning her first album.  She sings every Friday night at the Stamford Grand Hotel in Glenelg, South Australia.  While she performs covers in a range of styles including jazz, swing and dance, it may not be long before her audience is requesting her original material.

As is most often the case, music was a family affair when Rachela was growing up.  One of five girls and one boy, all are musical.  Rachela learned piano and violin as a young child then later started singing in church every week.  While R&B is her style, she says that operatic training has helped her to extend her range.  Her inspirations include Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Kirk Franklin.

“Funnily enough” she says “my opera training has helped me to sing more like Whitney.”

“I try to express my faith and values through my music, to bring hope to people.  Some songs are about lessons I’ve learned, or about something that’s happened.  Or they could be an example straight from the Bible.  I’ve also put Psalms to music.”

“I’ve seen friends who have got themselves in a mess. I write songs aimed at communicating a message to them that may help them in their circumstances.”

It is difficult for a young person to keep their principles in a world that applies so much pressure on a constant basis.   Sandy agrees and says “I admire her greatly for her Christian values.”

Another song she has written is called “No-one, No.” It encourages young women to stand up for what is true and right and good and to walk away from relationships that are abusive or destructive. 

“I went to school with a friend whose boyfriend was treating her badly.  I wrote ‘No-one No’ as a message to people like her, to tell them don’t let anyone treat you that way”.

Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel once said that when you play music, something happens in your spirit and in the spirit of the people listening.  Rachela would agree.  She says “words stick with you more when it’s to music.”

When you get the right music and the right lyrics, sung with the right attitude towards God and towards your audience, you can’t help but believe something special happens.  The Holy Spirit has been known to move in mysterious ways.

While Rachela is not short on offers to perform around town, she has been very careful to assess the opportunities against where she believes God is calling her.  “I haven’t just taken jobs to get out there and sing” she said.

In fact, she approached the Stamford Grand a year ago and they loved her so much she is still there.  “It’s not about the money.  I have to feel that God is behind whatever I do.”

Sandy is taking Rachela’s recordings to the US to look for opportunities, talking with the CBN and TBN networks (TBN is the world’s largest religious network), amongst others.  God willing, they will respond the same way that Mike Gravatt of Hawaiian radio station 95.5 The Fish did when he first heard Rachela’s music. “I listened to the CD and loved it” he said.  “I love her voice and the song sounds great!  My favourite track is the extended R&B mix and I think it’s awesome!...I look forward to hearing more about the successes (she) WILL have.”

Heaven knows the world needs more uplifting songs of truth, love and hope.  Heaven might just have positioned Rachela to be a leading light in a music industry that is too often shrouded in darkness.

Rachela’s music can be found at Dillon’s on Norwood Parade and at www.eternityfilmhouse.com.au.  She’s also online at YouTube and MySpace.