1.) We’re super-excited to be speaking today with acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Rachel Ana Dobken; greetings and salutations, Rachel!

Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how has the freshly-minted autumn of 2023 been treating you?

It’s been extremely busy and non-stop – ha! But in the best way. I am super stoked to be sharing with you guys all of this new music that is on the way that I’ve been working super hard on. Autumn is always a refreshing time in general, so ready to keep it rolling.

2.) Major congratulations on the brand-spankin’ new release of your amazing single Cruel, Cruel, Cruel! What inspired this beautiful new tune?

Thank you so much! Well, in a nutshell the song is about a romantic situation in which someone has shut you out and left you no other options but to be hurt and move on. My then best-friend and creative partner turned almost boyfriend decided (I have my theories, but, in my opinion- fears and anxieties) to end our relationship before it could even start. He decided, nope, this ain’t gonna work, and cut and ran in what felt an unnecessary way. We truly loved each other deeply and finally when it came time to confess our love for one another it all went sideways. He cut me out, decided to stop talking to me and moved away. Every time I tried to “can we please just talk about this?” (I even wrote him a 4 page later!!!)I was met with massive disappointment and silence. It felt brutally intentional. “You know how much I mean to you, and still you do this,” kind of intentional. Hence the raw emotions of, “Cruel, Cruel, Cruel.”

One day while showering I heard the entire hook come to me (“Cruel, Cruel, Cruel the way you love to disappoint me)… and in almost the next breath the entire verse and chorus structures…

3.) You produced Cruel, Cruel Cruel alongside Erik Romero. What did that collaboration look like in the studio?

It was amazing. Working with someone like Erik is the reason I make music and why this makes it all worth it. Someone who is as passionate and loving as you, Erik puts all of his time and love into the music he makes with his artists. You can just tell. The intentionality and attention he paid to my specific tone references and artists that I loved (for this song in particular it was heavy on the White Reaper, Angel Olsen, Raymond Baxter, Briston Maroney side of things) was not only a relief but someone every producer should strive to be like. He has a way for extracting out of you the things that matters and asks all the right questions. He’s organized and intentional and thorough in everything he did. He is also open to any ideas and as well as knowing when to chime in with his. One of the most talented and intellectual individuals I’ve worked with for sure. 

4.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates Cruel, Cruel, Cruel from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?

Oh man! Must I answer this about myself (haha)? Well… I think to start the fact that I am a songwriter and also a multi-instrumentalist (drums, guitar, vocals, keys and I did the 1st three on this song) sets me apart from the others. I write my own songs and not only that but I hear a lot of the parts in my head. Once that happens, almost immediately after I write a melody/chord structure I will hear the groove. Then I will work out the parts (drums, guitar etc). When it comes time to record, I will lay down the drums with my bassist (Dan Haase) to a scratch track of my guitar and vocals. Then the guitars.

But in terms of sonically ? I feel like my music is kind of all over the place (not in a bad way per se) is because not only are my influences all over the place (everything from Jeff Buckley to The Band to Incubus and Thelonius Monk) but I am a MASSIVE music nerd so I take a lot of time and intention in creating my music and honing my sound. Although when it comes to the initial WRITING phases, I allow whatever to fly out of me to just fly out. I do not confine myself to sound a certain way. Which also may be why it sounds “like me” and hopefully that’s a good thing. 

But I think overall, and I feel this is always what’s sets people apart into that “x” factor of what makes them uniquely themselves, I am true and genuine to myself and what makes sense to me. I have a strong belief and hold myself to the standard that whatever I make must have heart, intention and be fucking honest. LIVE YOUR TRUTH and I think all people living from this place will always be operating from a position of authenticity and true potential that will allow them to tap into their own greatness. 

5.) Word ‘round industry campfire has it that Cruel, Cruel, Cruel is the opening volley for what is going to be an epic 2024 release of your new LP Acceptance! Can you give our ever-inquisitive readers a hint or three as to what they can expect from the new album?

Well I am super stoked to put this album out into the world (yes its been too long of a time coming)! It’s more heavy and psychedelic than anything else I’ve yet to put out. It’s thicker and more fuzzed out, with ripping guitars and really loud in your face moments mixed with some really nice quieter dynamic moments. As a player I feel I have leveled up in every way and everyone who has heard it agrees (drums, guitar, vocals, keys… I really pushed myself). The players as well- we have some special guests (I can’t mention just yet) but when I can’t wait. But my main core guys I want to shout-out – Dan Haase (bass), Erik Rudic (guitar) and myself (drums, guitar, vox, keys)… it was mostly produced by Erik Romero (The Front Bottoms) and Paul Ritchie (The Parlor Mob) and I couldn’t have without them. 

6.) What made Cruel, Cruel, Cruel the perfect choice to release as the first single off of the upcoming LP? Do you feel that tonally the song is representative of the album as a whole?

The song is catchy AF (if I do say so myself) or so I’ve been told! At almost every show we play someone comes up saying “oh my God what was that “Cruel” song I can’t stop singing it! So it was an obvious choice. Plus I love the fact that it’s an upbeat and kind of like a RAD (Rachel Ana Dobken) take on a punk song. It a fun and fast-paced 3:20 song that people can bop to. And as someone that loves to write 7 min. Pink Floyd-esque tunes, this one is easy to digest haha! I think the fact that the song has ripping fuzzed out guitars it is representative of a portion of the record, but in reality its a bit brighter than some of the other songs. It definitely fits but it feels like a nice entry into the musical mind of this next batch of tunes. Start light and keep going heavier… get ready!  

7.) Who inspires you musically?

I love love this question. I have many that I can list so I’ll start with some of my overall influences….Jeff Buckley, Incubus, The Band, Paul Simon, Fiona Apple, Thin Lizzy, Thelonius Monk, Pink Floyd, My Morning Jacket… then there’s other more recents that also were heavy sonic references for this single- White Reaper, Briston Maroney, White Denim, Angel Olsen, Ty Segall, Liz Cooper, Rayland Baxter… I could go on and on… 

8.) On the heels of the release of Cruel, Cruel, Cruel can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?

Absolutely, we are working on dates for 2024 and couldn’t be more stoked. This year and summer was incredibly busy with shows each weekend and we are now slowing down a bit to prep for the big release and shows next year. BUT in regards to this rest of 2023, we have this month (October) Sleepwalk in Brooklyn, NY on Oct 27th and working on something in Philly for November. Also, I’ll be out in LA in Oct a bit and may have a pop-up date coming up soon but please follow me on Instagram (@rachelanadobken) to find out about all shows as I use this the most and will announce updates here!!! 

9.) How is Cruel, Cruel, Cruel similar to some of your past music? How is it different?

I think it’s a little bit more in your face a little bit more fast-paced. Like I said, RAD but doing a bit more punk rock. It still has an intentional pocket groove (this is the one thing that all my songs truly have in common, my drumming will never not have a flavor of pocket/groove) and a lot of my favorite guitar tones (just THICKER) … I also feel for this record, and this song in particular, that I’ve gotten a lot better at getting straight to the point in my songs. I am specifically talking about melodically and in terms of structure (chorus, verse, bridges, interludes etc). For this song I wanted to hit everyone over the head with the hook immediately and not give them anytime to wait- “Cruel, Cruel, Cruel the way you loooove to disappoint me…” so we went back and re-recorded that as the intro. Also, some of my favorite drumming ever is on this track… 

10.) As a singer-songwriter, which generally comes first for you – The lyrics or the music?

It is usually two-fold, I rarely write just words without hearing music behind them. That being said I do occasionally write some poetry that I really like and feel should be incorporated into a song somehow. BUT typically I hear melodies in my head (all the dang time) and especially when it needs to come out (I’m feeling or dealing with certain situations, etc) it will fly out of me. Usually I’ll hear a melody, right after I will hear the groove (what it means to be a songwriting drummer!!!) And then I’ll write lyrics. Sometimes I’ll hear lyrics with the melody immediately. This is usually 50% of the time.

11.) At the end of the day what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin to Cruel, Cruel, Cruel and the upcoming 2024 album Acceptance?

Well yes please spin Cruel on Spotify, Apple Music/whatever you listen on (thank you and I love yah forever)! But that’s an obvious… I think the most important thing for me and so much so the reason I create and put my music out there is to connect with others. It’s in hopes that others will feel less alone and can feel a sense of unity and relief in knowing we all feel the same. We all struggle, and I feel more so than ever with in crazy world, we need help. We are not meant to do this life alone. I feel that loneliness constantly and as someone trapped inside my own head, and I have to make a conscious effort to remind myself that I am indeed not alone and we are all in this together. I write songs in ways that I hope others can feel, especially with a song like Cruel that is packs such a visceral punch, I hope you can realize whatever is going on with this person you are hung up about, whoever ghosted you or make you feel gutted… they certainly ain’t worth it. Feel what you gotta, move on and let someone way more deserving of your time into your life. 

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