Hey Friends!!

Although last summer seems years away now, the experience I had still warms me up like a giant sun whenever I think about it.

My experience on the tour was one of the most fun times I’ve had on my musical journey so far. Thomas Fiss kindly offered a spot in his van, so I got to ride with the boys, and (despite their lack of stopping for pee breaks) it was pretty excellent. The camps were such a wonderful reminder of my own positive experience at sleepaway camp (I attended Wicosuta in New Hampshire! ), and I absolutely loved arriving and taking the little tours around the activities and being reminded of being a kid again.

Every camp we visited had its own unique special thing about it, from climbing adventures to state of the art theatres, to beautiful lakes, to amazing athletic facilities. My drummer Craig and I felt like little kids again and wanted to take part in as many activities as possible (we were literally heartbroken upon being told that no, due to insurance purposes, we couldn’t be harnessed into the amazing trampoline-majig contraption at the Ivy League Day Camp in Long Island — that thing looked SO fun!).

And then there was the music. Ahh…

Playing for you guys was wonderful. You were such enthusiastic but mature listeners, such supportive fans, and fantastic participators. I loved having everyone sing along with me in my song “Some People Don’t Have A Clue” (hey, I guess it resonated! haha) and “Nothing Ever Happens.” I loved getting the honor of signing CDs for you guys and getting to meet so many of you and hearing YOUR stories.  I truly feel like I got to make friends along the road, many who have kept up with me on my adventures since the summer!!

So what HAVE I been up to, you ask? A lot, you guys!!! This year has been a dream come true, on so many levels.

After coming back from Sweden where I finished my record, I signed a record deal with Rock Ridge Music (ADA/WARNER MUSIC GROUP) & we planned for the April release of my record, Be Here. To build it up, I did a 46-date college tour this winter and spring, which you can read about on my Facebook page.

The record came out on April 26th, reached #4 on the iTunes charts, #6 on the Amazon Movers and Shakers list, was featured on the home page of the Deli, Paste, NY Examiner, LA Examiner, Portland Examiner, and much much more. It’s been a dream come true so far.  Honestly. I never in my wildest imagination could have dreamed up such amazing support (many of it from YOU guys), and I am so happy that the music has been resonating with people and reaching them. I just want to spread love to as many people as possible (as dumb and cheesy as it sounds, it’s true!). So if you want to help me spread the word, you guys can check out the new record on iTunes here or order directly from my merch store on RachelPlatten.com & tell friends!

We’ll also be doing a 3-month-long BE HERE tour around America joining up with some of my talented friends and hitting New England, the Southeast, Midwest, and hopefully the West Coast later this summer! Please check out tour dates on my website and come to a show if it’s in your town. It would be so wonderful to see your pretty faces again!

Well my loves, that is all from me! I am so grateful to have had the chance to meet all of you guys and play for you. I absolutely love writing songs & performing them for audiences like you guys is just the beautiful icing on top. Thank you for allowing me to (hopefully) spread some sunshine to you!

Lots and lots of love,
Rachel