About the artist
Rachel Laven is an “outlaw folk” artist whose music is steeped in the Texas songwriting tradition and influenced by classic country, roots, blues, and bluegrass music. Her sound is rooted in authenticity and shaped by years of performing, writing, and honing her craft in the rich musical landscape of Texas.
Raised in a musical family in San Antonio, Laven began performing at a young age, writing her first song at 10 and recording a debut album with her family’s band, The Lavens, by age 13. Her early start laid the foundation for a career marked by sincerity, craftsmanship, and soul. Laven’s breakthrough came with her 2016 win at the prestigious New Folk Songwriting Competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival. That same year she released Love & Luccheses, her sophomore solo album that showcases her warm vocals and her economical ability to craft intimate lyrics that explore love, longing, and resilience with nuance and grace. She’s toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe, captivating audiences with her genuine stage presence and evocative storytelling. Whether performing solo with an acoustic guitar or backed by a full band, her songs connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Now based in Nashville, Rachel continues to write, record, and perform while working on her third full-length album, Hard Truths. The project explores life’s complexities—grief, growth, and the quiet strength found in vulnerability. With a voice that’s both commanding and comforting, Rachel Laven stands as a compelling voice in the contemporary Americana landscape.
