Rachel Hickey is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter who makes melancholic music that will swallow you up and break down your guard with her unforgettable voice. Rachel’s musical style can be described as folk-focused with a blend of indie, pop, and rock music inspired by artists like Florence Welch, Hey Rosetta, Joni Mitchell, and Half Moon Run.
Following her 2021 debut EP Getting By, Rachel’s sophomore 2022 EP So Long further evolves her indie/folk sound and earned her coverage in Exclaim! magazine as well as plays on CBC Radio One. Based in traditional narrative folk music, Hickey’s feeling-packed sound incorporates acoustic guitar, atmospheric supporting electric guitars, bass, synth, drums and a skillful combination of thoughtful lyrics and rich vocals to easily connect with listeners. Lyrical themes cover love, loss, mental health, and self-reflection, undercut by direct and honest delivery.
Hickey studied Psychology and English Literature at the University of Waterloo and joined several mixed-voice a capella groups during her time there, to which she attributes much of her musical growth to. Her education and experiences are evident in her compositions where her immersive writing and strong singing ability allow her to connect with listeners on a deeper personal level and characterizes her meaningful, roots-based sound.
Rachel is currently performing live across Canada in support of her latest EP and is preparing for her debut full-length album, “The Eve of St. Agnes”, due to release Spring 2024.