The music of emerging Americana artist Rebekah Gilbert may remind you of the raw, introspective songwriting of Patty Griffin, the smooth, atmospheric vocals of Norah Jones, or the heartfelt, soulful power of Brandi Carlile. Simply put, Rebekah — who splits her time between Birmingham and Nashville — is a local voice with a national sound.
This year, she’ll release a new EP titled Secret Keeper, a haunting collection that blends blues and folk ballads with country and banjo riffs. Get to know this talented FACE of Birmingham!
How did you first get into music?
I grew up in church, and that was my first real experience with music. My mother was a singer, and she played piano. So, all the time, she was either singing or had music on. I guess it was in my blood.
So you grew up with music, but you didn’t get into the recording industry until adulthood? Did you face any challenges starting later in life?
In Americana music and country music, there’s a lot of focus on the younger generation at record labels. But I’m an independent singer/songwriter. Being independent, being my age, I know what I want. I don’t see a lot of challenges as much as I see opportunities.
One advantage is that I don’t have a lot of time to waste. Also, I’m an empty nester. My kids are grown. I have time to do this now. I didn’t have a lot of time to do it when they were young, or I didn’t take the time to do it when they were young. Now, I can just focus on what I want to do and go work hard at it.
What musicians inspire you most?
Brandi Carlile is one. I love her lyrics. I love that they’re raw and honest, and I love her delivery. She’s so passionate when she sings and performs. Joy Williams is another one. I love the honesty of her lyrics. And I’m going to go way back to my Christian music days and say that Amy Grant has always been a huge influence for me.
That was my first real exposure to any kind of contemporary music, because as a child, I wasn’t allowed to listen to country music or rock music or anything like that. Amy Grant was a Contemporary Christian, and I could listen to her! Her vocals, her smooth delivery, and she has such a sweetness about her music when she sings. Also, Patty Griffin has been a huge influence as far as her lyrics and songwriting style.
One of your latest singles, “Somebody Else’s House,” is about family secrets. Can you tell us about it?
When I was in college, I found out that I had a family member, about four or five generations back, who was a moonshiner. He also had an entire second family that lived a few miles down the road from where he lived.
This song was the first release from my new EP, which will drop in October. I’ve got singles coming out throughout the spring and the summer.
What can we expect from the forthcoming EP?
The theme is secret-keeping. It’s about addiction, chasing dreams, and relationships. They all kind of intertwine around the same theme. Almost every song is really dark lyrically, but some of them have a fun, upbeat tempo. Some are ballads. We tried to say the really hard things in either fun or beautiful ways, but I would say that every song on there is a little bit haunting.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
I was part of this mastermind group for artists, and part of it was about limiting beliefs and changing your mindset. At that time, I wasn’t really playing out publicly because I was so scared of playing guitar and what could go wrong.
One of the facilitators said, “When you feel nervous or scared, that’s the same feeling you feel when you’re excited. So, just tell yourself you’re not scared or nervous; you’re excited.” This made all the difference for me.
Also around that time, I was listening to a Mel Robbins podcast, and she talked about the same thing. She said people always ask, “What if everything goes wrong?” But Mel Robbins said, if people asked, “What could go right?” it could change their lives.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love to read. I like to \play around on the guitar. I like to sing for myself. I have a cat named Phoebe, so I love to cuddle with her. My husband Mark and I love to watch movies and binge-watch the next best show that’s out. And we love to go out on our boat during the spring and the summer and lie in the sun.
Where are your favorite places to listen to live music in Birmingham?
WorkPlay is a great place. I love Iron City because they bring in some bigger acts, but it still feels intimate. Avondale Brewing — I’ve seen quite a few people there, including Jon Batiste. I love that Birmingham has smaller venues but can still bring in bigger acts.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Last great book you read: The Women by Kristin Hannah. It made me cry. It made me laugh. It made me angry.
Bucket list travel destination: London
Favorite podcasts: I love Mel Robbins and The RobCast by Rob Bell.
Three things you can’t live without: Coffee, lipstick, and books.
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