Interview with Heather Rice

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

I started singing and playing at such an early age and once I heard a song I just couldn’t stop listening to it.  It was such a natural passion and near obsession. I knew I wanted to live inside music for as many moments as I possibly could.  

If I were not an artist, I would likely be a counselor or life coach.  I have a good listening ear even in places like the grocery or drug store. I like having the time for other people and I know what it’s like be on the other end.  It’s really rewarding to connect with people.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

In this current and fleeting season I am raising two very little humans, but traditionally if I’m not playing music I’m setting stage and planning to playing of the music. Ha! The technical world behind the making and releasing of original music is complex.  Each song is a layered project from beginning to end and requires a ninja level of project management plus a strong knowledge of digital creative tools.  More is being asked of independent musicians than ever before.  I think it’s wonderful so many of us are rising to the occasion. 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I live in Charleston, SC.  We have a very creative and loving community here and a rich Jazz heritage. My background is in classical and Jazz so when I moved here I felt like I fit right in.   I frequently travel for gigs and getting to major cities is pretty easy and direct- which is important to me because I really like to spend as much time on the ground as possible. 

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

I love to play small intimate shows. I really love Brandi Carlisle I think we would be soul sisters and I definitely feel like I would fit right in with Lake Street Dive.  Creating a meaningful and fun experience for the listeners in my jam.  However and wherever that happens is cool with me. I’ve opened for Sheryl Crow, Lady A, and Joan Osborne and yet one of the best moments I’ve ever had was in a hotel lobby playing background music for a widow when I happened upon her wedding song.  Her name was Kathleen. 

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

“You’re perfect just as you are.  Enjoy your own music and everything will fall into place.  Most people around you don’t know what the hell they are talking about. ” 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

“Worth Loving” is coming out in January 2023 and it’s a song about truly loving others no matter how different they are from who we are. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, “Worth Loving” has a theme that I hope young children can really internalize. So many children are raised in racist environments and that toxic subtext can be a hard thing to get past.  Like Mr. Rogers’ songs, I hope that this song really resonates with all generations all over the world.”

 What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

My favorite songs inspire hope, faith in God, or faith in yourself. But I don’t put pressure on myself to make every song my “opus”.  I write about whatever is on my heart or some subject that is fascinating me at the time. I am an “in the moment” type of person and so the songs reflect the moment that I’m in. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I plan on continuing to write and release my own music.  My next single comes out in November and it’s a power ballad about falling in love.  The music video is pretty epic set in a beautiful country wheat field on the outskirts of Charleston SC.   It’s also on the EP Worth Loving which will be released soon after. 

Thank you so much for your questions and featuring me in your publication!