Meet Rachel Lynch, Griffin Wade | Folk Duo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Lynch, Griffin Wade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel Lynch, Griffin Wade, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Rachel – The short answer is “because I thought I could”. The long answer is a little more complicated. I originally pursued a big kid job since I had worked so hard for my Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations. I had only played guitar for fun at that point, and for $15 here and there. I didn’t really know you could make money playing music on a smaller scale. Once I realized that being a musician was actually a job, it seemed like the only thing I was made for. Working for someone else for 40+ hours a week had made me depressed and anxious.  Once I started networking a little more and found my groove within the Oklahoma City music scene, I was exhausted from playing shows until 1am and then waking up for my corporate job at 6am. I realized I had to pick one and there was no contest. Playing music for people makes my heart so happy. It may be hard as hell sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Griffin – The ability to express ourselves, and to connect with others, feels nothing short of magic on a good night. That feeling is only something I’ve ever gotten from writing and performing music. The moment a teenaged Griff hit the road with the intention of playing anywhere and everywhere he could, was the point of no return. If you’ve got the bug, you understand the long drives, late nights, and countless emails it takes to make this less than luxurious lifestyle work, and we wouldn’t trade it for the world. So I’d say I pursue it because I want to keep that feeling alive, and to keep meeting the amazing people out there on the road. The shorter answer though, Is that I’m just a fool with a dream.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Rachel – I like to think we’re different as a musical act because we’re just so much FUN. When we’re onstage together, I feel like we exude happiness, giggles and love. It’s like a mix of a comedian and musician once we really get going. I’m so dang excited for this live album we’re recording on June 7th at the historic Blue Door in OKC!
As to how I got to where I am today, I really just put all of my eggs in one basket. I chose to be my own boss and create all the content, book all the shows, run all the social media accounts. It hasn’t been easy and it gets overwhelming at times (especially during slow season) but it’s SO incredible. Through this job, I’ve learned that it’s about tenacity. Going for what you want and having the patience to really hone your craft.
I want the world to know that we’re out here trying. We’re doing our very best to share our stories and to help people know that they’re not alone.

Griffin – When I first started making music in 2012, I pretty much immediately hit the road. I cut my teeth busking from town to town, trying to make enough cash for some more gas to venture onward.
I credit busking with developing my style and performance, as it is such a different animal than performing on stage.
While busking, you have to be able to spark interest from a distance, and then ideally be able to connect with the passing strangers who are absolutely not there to see you. And to me, that ability to convey and connect is what makes music the magical thing it is.
Making a living in the arts is far from the easiest job I’ve ever had, but it’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Every time I get overwhelmed by emails, calendars, bookings, rehearsals, promotion, etc. I get to remember this is what I have spent the last 13 years of my life working towards, and if I’m lucky, there will only be more to come.
I’ve learned you’ve got to really want this life if you’re gonna go for it, cause it sure isn’t for everyone. You’ve gotta set goals that take constant effort, while maintaining expectations and keeping your head up through the many joys and struggles that pursuing your art will ultimately bring. If you’ve got the bug, you understand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For food – El Coyote (New Mexican restaurant in Britton District) or Badass Brunch Burgers at Bar Cicchetti on Sundays, Goro Ramen in Paseo, Clark Crew BBQ off of Northwest Expressway (live music every Wed, Fri, Sat)
For art – Plaza Mural Walls in the Plaza District, the OKCMOA, DNA Galleries in the Plaza, Mycelium Gallery
For music – JJ’s Alley in Bricktown (every day of the week), Blue Note, The Blue Door
For fun – Up Down, a barcade in the Plaza District
(can you tell we love the Plaza District?)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Choice City Stomp team and people like them. They bring incredible musicians from all over the U.S. to come play their festival in Laporte, Colorado, and have such passion for everything they do. We love them so much!!
Without their support, we wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves.

Instagram: @griffinwade.music

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachellynchmusic

Youtube: https://youtube.com/rachellynchmusic

Image Credits
Jason Darter, Brandon Vogt, Jessica Herring, George L. Blosser