Rachel Zylstra: Press

A theatre background at Calvin College may contribute to the onstage effervescence of Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and pianist Rachel Zylstra, but for the most part, the musically mature 23-year-old engages her listeners with a genuine love of performance and an unwillingness to be predictable.

Offering a pop sound influenced by everything from cabaret and jazz to folk in her original works, Zylstra’s style is brushed with Broadway flair. This is one act that’s not packaged or disimpassioned.

“A good handful of my songs are character-based or autobiographical,” says Zylstra, who has released two independent albums and is compiling a third. “I like to probe into life’s questions.” And while many of her introspective lyrical musings (“Am I thinking about nothing and saying too much?”) may stem from personal curiosity, they are colloquial enough to appeal to a diverse audience that easily succumbs to Zylstra’s skills and charms.

“Life needs a soundtrack, variety is the spice of life, and I like to think my music is… various,” she said, her viewpoint edged in the same wit and humor that peppers her live performances.

Bearing resemblances to and drawing influences from artists ranging from Sarah McLachlan, Radiohead, Tori Amos and Rufus Wainwright, Zylstra’s tracks vary from mellow takes on love to upbeat life perspectives, and her goal is to increasingly expand and layer her vocals with virtuoso depth.

“In pop music, having a really prominent piano or something that even has a classical sound isn’t very common, which is why I appreciate what Tori Amos and Rufus Wainwright do so much,” she said. “That’s also what I’m striving for. If I had a band that consistently backed me, we’d share the burden of creating a full, textured sound. I love that sound. As an artist playing one instrument, though, that’s a real challenge for me. So I create different piano parts to keep my sound interesting.”

Zylstra also appreciates the music scene in Grand Rapids. “I’ve been very encouraged and supported,” she says. “This has been a really good place to see where my music can take me.” She’s performed at Pete Brown’s Office, WYCE events – including the Jammie Awards – Schuler Books and Music and Gibson’s Grapevine, among others.

The pianist’s self-released albums, The Vineyard Sessions and Out the Window Next to Me, are available at Schuler Books & Music and can be sampled, as can unreleased tracks, at her Web site, www.rachelzylstra.com. Consult the site for upcoming performances.