Breakout singer/songwriter Rachael Nemiroff is celebrating her first Billboard placement in Nashville for her recently released single titled “Secrets”. The song, available now to download/stream, was also featured on the cover of Spotify’s New Music Friday Christian following its premiere and even made the top placement on the playlist. “Secrets” was co-written by Nemiroff, Beni Cowart (Tim Publishing), and Nick Schwarz (Provident Publishing). The song is based on Rachael’s own experiences with an emotionally abusive relationship and a devastating family situation that happened pretty much back-to-back. This sent her into a depression in 2020 and early 2021, but fortunately, she was surrounded by very supportive friends who helped her through the rough times. The song’s message is about being vulnerable and opening up to each other about the “secrets” that we are hesitant to share. Rachael is supporting Mental Health Month in May with her music and appearances, as she has always had a heart for mental health awareness. In this TCB Exclusive, Rachael opens up about the personal events that inspired the song and she reflects on early listener responses.
Congratulations on the recent release of “Secrets”! When did you first have the idea for this track?
It started in a writing session. I had a session booked with two people I’ve written with before. A lot of the times in the beginning of a session, I talk about what’s going on in my life or something that I’m coming out of. So Nick Schwarz, Benji Cowart, and I were in a session and I was sharing with them the season I was coming out of, and Benji started sharing openly about some things he was walking through. And I was able to connect with them on that.
As you’ve reflected on the personal experiences behind the heart of the track; how does it mean something different to you now?
After coming out of such a difficult time and being in a totally different season of life now, it’s just really cool to reflect. I feel inspired and hopeful when I do listen to it, thinking about where I was at that time and how God brought me through such a difficult season. I don’t know that it’s taken on a different meaning, but I feel differently when I hear it.
Why did you feel this was a track that needed to be shared right now, and how does the song’s message of vulnerability change from a small trusted group in the writing session to releasing it to listeners?
It’s scary when you’re being vulnerable! I think, too, it’s different when you’re sharing with close, trusted people some vulnerable things you’ve gone through. In songs I don’t always tell every detail, but enough where I have to think ‘am I sure I want to put that out there.’ I really truly felt led to be honest and share. I do think there is a way to share, especially through song, without sharing every detail. I do remember feeling nervous before putting it out.
What has stood out for you from the listener responses?
One of my favorite things is hearing from people about how my music connects with them. It’s one of the main reasons why I do what I do. I remind people that they’re not alone in what they’re going through. And that really has been a common theme that I’ve been seeing with messages from social media. People have been sharing they feel seen and not alone. One message that stood out to me is a sweet mom who messaged me – she shared how her third child was in the hospital for quite a time because her daughter had severe medical issues. The line that resonated with her was “can’t seem to get my head out of the cloud of my depression”. She shared she had originally started listening to “Secrets” to support me, but the song ended up being the only one which broke through her hard shell. So to hear that this song touched her and broke through this difficult time is encouraging.
How will you define success for this single?
I shared that one of my favorite things is getting to hear from listeners. And it’s a reminder of the ‘why’ behind what I do. So connecting with them, as much as I can, has really been something that’s kept me going. To know that my music is reaching more people is really cool!
What’s next for you and what are you working on now that you’ve released “Secrets”?
So I’m super excited – I’m working toward a record! There is a lot more music coming out, and I’m really excited about the message and heart behind them! The people I’ve gotten to work with – it’s been one of my favorite things to work with people that I absolutely love. And I’ve also gotten to have some people featured on some of the songs. I can’t share who yet because they’re still in the works, but there will be some awesome people featured on the songs coming out! I’m excited because they are people I’m inspired by and look up to! So I’m very grateful and excited about the new music!
What are you most expectant for in 2022?
I would say – I feel pretty hopeful so far this year. And I know that can be a common theme for people, but there have been past years where I haven’t felt that way. So for some reason, I feel very hopeful and things that I’ve been waiting to see have come to pass. And I also really want to start taking more adventures with my best friends – just travel more. I feel very hopeful and expectant for things that I’ve been working for.
