By Elizabeth Moore
County Derry pop singer and former Voice contestant, Rachael O’Connor is making a major comeback after releasing her debut single.
Released on September 29, the single ‘Done with your love’ is an empowered break up song inspired by the likes of Little Mix’s ‘Shout out to my ex’ and Taylor Swifts, ‘Shake it off’.
The dance-pop track was co-written and produced by Cameron Warren last year in a bid for the 20-year-old Drumsurn singer to make her mark on the music industry.
“I wanted to write a break up anthem and I guess the title just came from there,” said Rachael.
“The minute we heard it, we knew it was something special.”
Following its release, the track was fully launched at London’s prestigious night club, G-A-Y Heaven, where the likes of singing sensations, Kylie Minogue, Sam Smith and Adele have performed.
“I was kind of in shock because they haven’t ever let anyone who isn’t in the game already perform there so I was kind of the first one,” said Rachael.
She continued: “I was a bit taken aback but obviously absolutely buzzing. It was a bit mental as I only had two days rehearsal so I was quite nervous but as soon as I went on stage the nerves just left and the adrenaline kicked in. The crowd was screaming and singing along, it was just crazy.”
Following her appearance on The Voice UK where she was mentored by global pop sensation, Kylie Minogue, the Drumsurn singer admits she has been working hard to break into the music scene.
Rachael said: “I was signed by the same management group as Kylie and ever since I have waited to get my own music out there. The goal is to get a major record deal.”
She continued: “If that doesn’t happen straight away I just want to keep releasing my own music, build a fan base and hopefully sell my own shows but we’ll see how it goes.”
As well as writing her own music, the former Limavady Grammar School pupil has been living the dream and touring the world with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance for the past few years. Rachael said: “After the Voice, I went on to understudy Nadine Coyle in Lord of the Dance and when she left I took on the role full time. It has just been amazing.”
This year, the rising young star was given the opportunity to perform at Derry City’s Fashion Fest, a sell-out catwalk show which showcases the work of local talents and well established designers.
Rachael said: “It was great. I was so nervous beforehand just because it was a home gig but I loved it. I want to do more at home now and everyone was so supportive which means so much.”
Since the debut of her new track, Rachael is determined to be a chart topping success.
“I want to be signed by a major record label, that was my goal in the beginning and it still is.”
She concluded: “At the minute I’m excited and I’m so delighted to finally have my music out and for people to hear it. The support has been incredible and as usual everyone is really supportive back home, commenting and sharing on Facebook. I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone and hopefully good things are to come.”
Rachael’s track is now available for download on iTunes and Spotify.
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