Rachael O'Connor

Rachael O'Connor
Background Information
Birth Name	Rachael O'Connor
Born	Drumsurn, Northern Ireland 1998
Occupation	Singer, songwriter
Genres	R&B, Pop, Rock
Active Years	2014-present
Associated Acts	Duran Duran
Singer

Rachael O' Connor is a singer, born in Drumsurn, Northern Ireland, in 1998.

Background

A veritable teen prodigy, Rachael’s musical career began at the age of 16 (2014), she braved the stage of The Voice. Singing “Clown” by Emeli Sandé, her vocals enthralled the audience and got three of the four judges to turn their chairs, an impressive feat for someone who hadn’t even begun their A levels. She ended up picking Kylie Minogue to be her mentor (as if there were any competition); it was a match made in pop heaven.

“Working with her was amazing! She is just so lovely; she is nurturing and really cares about you. Because I was so young, it was nice to have a mentor that did that.” When leaving the show, Kylie shared some advice that still resonates: “I was upset when I left and she wrote an email telling me that the industry is filled with highs and lows and to just put all this experience into my music. So that’s what I do.”

Her first single, “Done With Your Love”, was released in September 2017; and is an upbeat break-up anthem.

Rachael said (2014, age 16):

"I’m from a really small village in Northern Ireland called Drumsurn, I love it but there really isn’t much opportunity for budding singers like me. One of my biggest fans is my Nan, Patricia –she’s always really supported me and has taught me to dream big - that’s the reason I auditioned for The Voice. One of my biggest fans is my Nan. I laugh at my own jokes and like to buy clothes I don’t need. I do live in a bit of a bubble and people are always asking me if I’m naturally blonde which is soooo unfair. I can’t help it if I ask stupid questions & believe everything I’m told…!I’m a bubbly, giggly, character and my friends are always laughing at me. My biggest fear is actually birds - gosh they scare me! I’m always running away from pigeons - it makes me go bright red. Singing has the opposite effect, it’s the one thing that makes me feel the most relaxed. Actually performing in concert, then winning a BRIT & then chilling with Beyoncé and One Direction would be really relaxing. As long as there are no birds involved.

Trivia

• FAVOURITE SINGERS? Adele, Emeli Sande, Beyonce
• DO YOU HAVE ANY BAD HABITS? I always itch my nose which looks bad caught on camera but I swear I’m not picking it!
• WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE? Audition for this wonderful show of course (brownie points deserved!)
• ANY PHOBIAS? I’m scared of birds
• WHAT’S YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? Running away from pigeons on public streets always embarrasses me and everyone I’m with. Oops.

Duran Duran

Belfast Telegraph reported (Sept 21, 2021):

A Co Derry woman who appeared on The Voice UK seven years ago has told of the “surreal” moment she stepped out onto the stage at the Isle of Wight Festival as backing singer for pop legends Duran Duran.Rachael O’Connor (24), from Drumsurn, was working at her father’s estate agency during the Covid pandemic when out of the blue, she received an invitation to perform with the New Romantic idols at several high-profile gigs.

She recalled:

“I couldn’t believe it when I was actually given the chance to audition for such a legendary band. Someone I had worked with previously on an Irish dancing show was working on stage production with Duran Duran and emailed me out of the blue to ask me if I’d like to be considered as a backing singer. Of course I jumped at the chance and the very next day I’m on a plane to London to meet Simon Le Bon and sing in front of him. I simply could not believe it. I was so nervous but Simon was so nice and really put me at ease. He played me some songs to sing, then played Give It All Up from the current Duran Duran album which features Tove Lo on co vocals and said, ‘Off you go…sing Tove’s part’. I sang it and he said, ‘Right, looks like you’ll be hitting the road with us then.’ I could hardly believe what I was hearing and immediately afterwards looked at the list of amazing hits that Duran Duran have had over the years and knew I had a lot of learning to do.”

Social Media

https://twitter.com/_rachoc
https://www.facebook.com/rachaeloconnormusic/
https://www.instagram.com/_rachoc/