Montreal‑based singer‑songwriter Rachel Dara is an emerging voice in alternative folk whose work blends narrative depth, emotional clarity, and a striking sense of maturity. For her debut album, The Next Big Invention, Rachel travelled to Cape Breton to record a live‑style folk project with Grammy Award-winning producer Mark Howard. The resulting eight‑track album is warm, intimate, and deeply personal, weaving stories of love, abandonment, resilience, and coming of age. Howard was immediately drawn to her lyrical insight, remarking that “her writing and style are far more mature than her age – “She has a feel and sound like Joni Mitchell.”
At just nineteen, Rachel has already built a notable performance résumé. In 2025 alone, she played a total of forty-five shows. She has appeared at festivals across Quebec, including the West Island Blues Festival, Montreal Ribfest, and Montreal Fringe Festival, where her storytelling and stage presence consistently resonate with audiences. Her reach extends into the United States as well, with solo performances at the New York State Fair, Brew York, and Pennsylvania’s Wally Lake Fest demonstrating her ability to connect across various audiences.
Rachel is currently preparing to release her new EP, Old at Soul and Young at Heart, produced on 2‑inch tape by Toronto’s Josh Goldman, known for his musical direction on Juno Award winner Kairo McLean’s Easy Now. The project highlights her evolution as both a writer and performer, offering a raw, analog warmth that complements her poetic songwriting. Her most recent single, “In The Darkness,” released on March 6, 2026, marking the next step in her rapidly developing artistic journey. Her next single release will be in May 2026.
Name:
Rachel Dara
Genre:
Alternative Folk
Founded:
2019
# of Albums:
1
Latest Album:
The Next Big Invention
Latest Single:
In the Darkness
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Katy Perry
Favourite musician now:
Billie Eilish
Guilty pleasure song:
Creep – Radiohead
Live show ritual:
I always make sure to be at the venue at least an hour before start time to set up. Usually even earlier. Vocal warmup an hour before, so I don’t forget. I never rehearse day of a show, so I reserve all my energy for the show. I usually spend 30 minutes to an hour on my makeup, and let my hair go wild and free!
Favourite local musician:
There are so many here in Montreal. Jordyn Sugar, Tatum Quinn, and Ash Lex are some epic artists based over here.
EP or LP?
LPs are great, especially for storytelling. I released my first LP (album), “The Next Big Invention,” last year, and it feels amazing to have one to my name. However, I’m going with EP, since I’m releasing my first EP, “Old at Soul and Young at Heart” this summer!
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl by choice, early bird by convenience (since I’m also a full-time psychology student).
Road or studio?
Studio is super fun, but the road is unforgettable. I get to meet new people, play on new stages, and locals tend to be especially enthusiastic about having an artist come in to play in their city from out of town. I once played a show in Central Square, New York, while touring the States. Being an indie artist from out of town, I was not expecting to play a packed venue, but I did! After the show, as I was about to leave, the venue owner introduced me to a man and his teenage son, and told me they had heard I was playing and tried their best to make it on time, but had missed the show. I played them three songs outside. It warmed my heart as much as it warmed theirs. It was beautiful to see that my music has an impact on people outside of my city.
Any shows or albums coming up?
I’m releasing the second single from my upcoming EP, “Old at Soul and Young at Heart,” in May, and a third in July. Stay tuned! The EP will be released this summer. You can catch me at the West Island Blues Festival in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on Saturday, July 4th. I’m playing many more local gigs (and some festivals out-of-town) this spring and summer as well! All my events are up on my website.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Omnivore West Island. Incredible food, love playing shows there.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Sherbrooke Street. Has the best vibes. I love thrifting and getting food on that street, and my favourite music store is there as well.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Kirwan Park in Côte Saint-Luc. During the pandemic, one of my best friends and I would ride our bikes there and hang out until sunset. When I wasn’t writing songs in my childhood bedroom, her and I were at that park.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
I have played many beautiful venues in Montreal, but Cafe Mariposa is especially close to my heart. I went to my first open mic night there, and have had many shows there since. It feels like home, always so warm and welcoming. A lovely community of local musicians gather round there as well, and they have the best hot chocolate and chicken salad.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Jimi’s Music Store on Sherbrooke. It’s my go-to whenever I need any equipment or repairs. In 2021, before heading to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to record my album with Mark Howard, he requested I find a Gibson or Martin parlour guitar to use. After searching every local music store and Facebook marketplace, there were none to be found (considering it was mid-pandemic). I then found a beautiful, reasonably priced silver Godin parlour at Jimi’s that Mark liked; I bought it and never looked back. I still play it live to this day.
