From Derry to Madison Square, we chat to Derry Girl Rachael O'Connor who is shooting for the stars

Derry girl Rachael O'Connor has seen her career take new heights in recent years as she flys the flag for Derry across the globe touring with Duran Duran and performing on the Jimmy Kimmel show.

At just 16 years old, Rachael appeared on the Voice UK as the youngest contestant in team Kylie Minogue. After reaching the quarter finals, she went on to perform with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance on the famous London Palladium stage.

Rachael got to perform on the US Hit talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Last year, the 25 year old began touring with Duran Duran after what Rachael described as the most chilled audition of her life. 

Speaking to Derry News, Rachael said: "I had toured with an Irish dancing show and one of the crew guys worked with Duran.

"I randomly received an email last summer asking if I wanted my name to be put forward to be a backing vocalist for Duran Duran.

"I was working for my dad at the time in an Estate Agents in Derry- I did that through the pandemic as there was no singing work- and I thought the email was a scam until I realised I knew the guy who sent it. 

"I emailed back and said, 'Absolutely, put me forward.' I then sent some singing videos and got an email to go over to London to sing to the Tour Manager and lead vocalist, Simon Le Bon.

"I sang a bit and that was it, I got it. I was like, 'sorry what?' It was so chilled," she laughed. "They are really chilled, laid back, lovely people. I kind of had an audition but it was the most chilled audition I've ever had. Sang a little and then was told I'd be going on tour. Mental."

Rachael is due to perform with the band again at New Year in America after what she describes as a whirlwind year, "I started with them in September of 2021 performing across Europe and touring America with them. It has been a complete whirlwind since. 

Rachael has performed to sold out crowds singing alongside Duran Duran

"The things I have been lucky enough to do and see- things you wouldn't think you would ever do or see- it's the dream really. The Jubilee, the Jimmy Kimmel Show, Las Vegas, Madison Square, Hollywood. It has been so amazing."

Rachael said everyone is extremely supportive, especially her family. Rachael is the musician of the family.

Despite her dad being able to sing, she says it was her dad's father, her beloved Granda who has since sadly passed, that was the musical spirit in the family. 

"I got it from my Granda," Rachael added. "I think- I hope- he would be really proud of what I'm doing now. I'm sure he'd be buzzing. He was a tough critic every time I sang but he was also a brilliant support."

Rachael also has two older brothers who says are really sporty, not musical, but they support her every step of the way. 

She continued: "I also played in Dublin and all my family came down to see me which was great. Of course Mum and dad were close to tears. Dad won't admit it but he definitely was and Mummy cries when I sing twinkle twinkle so she was blubbering."

Rachael is now based in London after moving two months ago. She lives with school friends and is loving the experience.

Rachael had her first experience of touring at just 17 years old

"London can be scary and it can be lonely so I'm really grateful to be living with good school friends, I'm still trying to find my feet and keep busy," she said.

"There are so many people doing so many things with music. I am a small fish in a big pond. 

"But, home is only a flight away. I'm used to being away from home because I started touring when I was 17. 

"It was still weird coming back from tour and not going 'home home' and instead coming to London. But, it is great and I really can't complain. I love my roommates, we've all known each other since we were 12; it is home from home."

Rachael recently released her single Domino, as she starts to focus on releasing her own music.

Rachael said she is nervous but excited to release more of her own music after her latest single Domino was released

Rachael said: "For the last six years, I've been songwriting and there are so many songs I'd like to release but it just wasn't the right time. 

"I did release one a few years ago but I was younger and I didn't know what I was doing and looking back it just wasn't me at all. Now I feel like I am more in control and I am ready.

"I wrote Domino five years ago, it was on my first songwriting trip in Stockholm, Sweden and I was there for a week. 

"The whole week I was writing break up songs and by the end of it I was just drained. I was like 'This has been a negative week, we need to end on a positive note.'

"I wanted to write a love song but not a really cheesy love song. I came up with Domino. I had started to tour with the Irish dancers and the song was about making a relationship work no matter what; riding the wave, getting through it, and trying your hardest.

"I honestly forgot about the song, because you write so many, and then through the pandemic I was relistening to them all. I heard it and realised I loved it and wanted to release it. 

"It is a slow song, but not a total ballad. It means I'm not stuck to one genre. I can go wherever musically. We have six singles lined up and ready to go over the next year."

Rachael said it can be daunting releasing your own music; especially the thought of people back home hearing your work, "I think releasing your own music is nerve wracking but I think releasing music when you're from such a small place like back home is more nerve wracking.

"You know everyone and obviously you're not just aiming for people back home to listen to your music, you'd ideally love the world. 

"But you always have that in the back of your head. It is like letting everyone in your local village read your diary. Still, it has been so amazing. Everyone has been so lovely and supportive, I'm excited. It has been the most incredible few years and long may it last."

You can listen to Rachael's new single, Domino, on all major music platforms and follow her music journey via her Instagram @_rachoc 

Rachael is set to perform with Duran Duran in the USA at New Year