Joanna New York-based singer-songwriter Rachael Sage has introduced her mesmerising single, ‘The Place Of Fun (Reimagined)’ but is now releasing a powerful video to go with it. Scheduled for release under Sage’s own label, MPress Records, this release arrives after a recent tour supporting legendary Scottish singer Lulu and comes directly from Sage’s recently released 15th studio album ‘Another Side’, where Sage combines acoustic folk melodies with contemplative lyrics, capturing the essence of classic ‘70s songwriting effortlessly.
The convivial ‘The Place Of Fun (Reimagined)’ is an acoustic, completely reimagined version of this favourite from Rachael Sage’s album ‘The Other Side’. With the upfront mandolin laying the bedrock of the song, ‘The Place Of Fun’ features guest vocals and mandolin by breakthrough, award-winning Americana duo Annalyse & Ryan. Sage’s signature finger-picking and acoustic guitars also set the foundation, which bursts with percussion provided by Austin-based Katie Marie (Sophie B. Hawkins), along with Sage’s own acoustic guitar and percussive grooves. The song explores self-examination and a yearning for connection with loved ones, as one can expect from Sage’s introspective songwriting.
Rachael discusses ‘The Place Of Fun’, revealing: “This song is one of those musically upbeat tunes that sounds like it’s a cheerful, groovy track – but when you really listen to the lyrics, it’s chronicling the ups and downs of relationship miscommunication and overthinking. Gradually the words unravel into the resolve to make positive, lasting changes in one’s life. I do truly think there’s wisdom in creating a space where the noise of everything you’re used to, whether it be advice from family, social media or a loved one’s expectations, is turned down so low that you can actually hear your own essence. As a chronic people pleaser, it’s always fun to try to write lyrics that encourage others to do the exact things I find so difficult, including meditating, reflecting, and choosing balance over chaos.”
‘Another Side’ is a reimagined companion acoustic album to Sage’s critically acclaimed record, ‘The Other Side’. The entirely acoustic instrumentation brings Sage’s intimate vocals to the front and centre, resulting in lush versions of her most carefully crafted, exquisitely realized work yet. Here, the alt-folk singer-songwriter has stripped back to the inner roots of ‘The Other Side’. With memorable Americana-infused hooks and folk-fueled poeticism, Sage’s timeless writing reminds us what’s most important is always worth waiting for, via songs steeped in just the right amount of best-is-yet-to-come optimism.
Following her recent tour with Lulu, which included performances at prestigious venues such as The London Palladium, Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, and Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, Sage also made her debut at The Great Escape Festival in May. Fans in the UK can look forward to her return in both July and in November, when she will be supporting Hue and Cry on their ‘40th anniversary full-band tour’.
