You might recognize the name Rachel Potter from her appearance in the Top 12 on the TV show X-Factor. Originally from Florida, Rachel is now in Nashville taking her career to new heights.

We had the opportunity to interview her and of course we seized the moment. Learn more about Rachel below.

In your own words, let our readers know who you are, where you are from, and what style of music you create.

Well alright… my name is Rachel Potter, I am from Seminole, Florida and I am a pop country singer/songwriter.

I understand you now live in Music City. How is Nashville treating you?

It’s great! I visited for about 3 years before making the move and ever since my first visit I knew I wanted to call Nashville home. I love the people, the community, the small town feel, but the big city opportunity. People are so welcoming and really know how to have a good time and savor the good stuff in life.

Coming from a musical home and being raised around music, did you see yourself doing anything else?

I think I always tried to convince myself that I could do something else because my parents encouraged me to be a doctor or lawyer, but inevitably the answer is no. I was born to do music, and settling for anything else would feel like a waste to me. So the struggle never really has gotten me down, because the alternative is much worse! I did however get a letter from myself that was put in a time capsule when I was 12. I talked about how I would hopefully be an entertainment lawyer by the time I received it. Man, was I wrong! But I do HAVE an entertainment lawyer. I like that plan much better. 🙂

When and How did your voyage into theater take place? Did it interfere with your pursuit of being a recording artist? Or have you been able to find a balance?

Funny you should say “voyage” because my first venture into theater was The VOYAGE of the Little Mermaid at Disney World! I played Ariel. Up until then I was strictly a recording artist, and it was my first time doing anything musical theater. I went on to do a few more roles at Disney, including Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Nemo in the Finding Nemo Musical. I guess at that point, you could say, I got the “bug,” I loved it and wanted to pursue Broadway. I moved to NYC and after 2 years of knocking on every door I could find, I finally got a break and was cast in Wicked as the Glinda understudy on tour. I then went on to make my Broadway debut as Wednesday in The Addams Family, followed by the Mistress in Evita. All the while, however, I still continued to write and record country music. Eventually I realized that if I wanted to pursue my recording career seriously, I would have to remove myself from the allure of being in a broadway show and keep my nose to the grindstone in Nashville. I have been able to find a balance at this point in my life, because although I love Broadway and hope to make my return someday, this season of my life is full devotion to my music… and I am really enjoying that.

What was the biggest challenge getting onto X Factor and then making it into the Top 12? Has that experience opened the doors for more opportunities?

Having been a stage veteran when I went on the show, I never expected to be as nervous as I was! I mean, I performed for thousands of people every night on Broadway for years. But when I stepped on the X Factor stage, it all went out the window. There’s so much pressure associated with those types of shows, because you’re literally asking to be judged publicly in front of millions of people on a reality tv show that is not interested in your future, but merely the future of their ratings. I found that to be the hardest part, the pressure and the nerves.

Ultimately, the show has brought nothing but good things to me. It brought me an audience of people that are actually interested in the music that I make! And that, in itself, is priceless.

You’ve been on Broadway, you’ve performed in Disney productions, and you made into X Factor’s Top 12…. what’s next? Where does Rachel Potter go from here?

Well, hopefully up! I have just finished my first full length album entitled Not So Black and White which I will be releasing March 3rd! I co wrote 10 of the 13 tracks, and I am also including my X Factor audition song, Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” I am very proud of this album and very excited to see how people like it. You can expect to see lots of content coming out this year between the album, music videos and covers on YouTube, as well as a tour that I am booking now!

What’s your favorite part of living in Nashville? Where can we see you perform?

My favorite part about living in Nashville is the community. Everyone you meet is here for their dreams, even if they’re not in music. It’s an inspiring place to live and the energy is palpable.

I perform often at The Row in midtown on Saturday nights and keep an eye on my website for any additional gigs around town!

Where can we connect with you online? Listen to your music?

So many places!

• www.rachelpottermusic.com
• facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelpottermusic
• twitter: @therachelpotter
• instagram: @therachelpotter
• youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rachellindseypotter

Any last thoughts? Shout outs?

Thanks for having me! 🙂