Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Shaner.
Hi Rachael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in downtown Savannah, GA. It’s where I learned to play the upright bass. And where I continue to play the upright bass with my band Lulu the Giant.
I was classically taught thanks to the arts programs in public schools, where I was able to grow and learn and have access to music opportunities I may not have otherwise had. I went to school at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta and then returned home to Savannah.
Since then I’ve played in many bands and toured all around the nation. In 2017 I released my first album, “Kingdoms Fall” as Lulu the Giant. Since then I’ve written, composed and released two more albums with my bands “Solid Gold” and “Don’t Tell My Friends (I Miss Them)”.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a woman in the industry has its own set of challenges. There were no female role models for me to look up to on the bass. Getting gigs and starting out I wasn’t taken seriously as a musician by male peers even though I had decades of work dedicated to my craft.
Also, growing up I didn’t come from a financially stable space so having access to music and the bass was challenging. This is part of why I host a free music festival called The UnderGo in underserved communities in Savannah. It’s important to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to pursue music.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I lead a band called Lulu the Giant. I am an upright bassist, lead vocalist, composer and writer for my band. We just released our third album at The Historic Savannah Theater I am lucky to be able to continue to make art and release it despite the pandemic limiting musicians and shuttering venues.
Especially as a female lead band featuring an upright bass. It’s an honor to still be making music and having the support of my home city Savannah.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Play with as many musicians in as many genres you can. Expand your mindset. If you are ever in a room where you think you are the best musician in that room, you need to find another room. Play with people better than you.
Make yourself uncomfortable. Perform in front of people in all kinds of spaces on all kinds of stages. Overlearn so you can underplay. Above all, be kind and persist.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: luluthegiant.com
- Instagram: @luluthegiant
- Facebook: luluthegiant
- Youtube: luluthegiant
- Other: https://luluthegiant.bandcamp.com/album/dont-tell-my-friends-i-miss-them
Image Credits
Andre Johnson, Shannon Zaller, Eric Love, and Jason Keeven
