The Standard

Last night’s Desert Nights at The Standard, Hollywood was a hoot. The boys from Filligar were super cute (gotta love bands that rock Springsteen covers) and The Blank Tapes killed it. But Rachel Goodrich? Rachel Goodrich stole the show. Performing in her socks, last night’s version of her hit song, “Lightbulb”, was so toe-tapping that the videographer couldn’t stop herself from humming along. Don’t worry if you missed it, though. Last night’s gig was the first of a three month residency. Rachel Goodrich will be joining our Desert Nights line-up the last Wednesday of the month in both February and March! We recently sat Rachel down and asked her about gators, the Golden Girls, and what it’s like to be the founder of a musical movement.

We think Rachel is the bees knees and after you read this interview, we’re sure you’re gonna agree.

The Standard: First question, why are you so awesome? Just kidding, how about starting off by telling us a bit about where you’re from and how you got into music.

Rachel Goodrich: I’m from Miami, FL where the sun shines half the day and rains the rest. My father plays guitar. I grew up in a musical home and began playing at an early age.

The Standard: You’re considered the pioneer of Shake-a-Billy. In layman’s terms, please explain “Shake-A-Billy” to our readers.

Rachel Goodrich: The idea of came from the time I used to hand out percussion to the audience. Everyone shook to my western swing and it became a hootenanny…“shake-a-billy” was the only appropriate explanation. but really…it was joke that turned into a dream

The Standard: Living in Florida, have you a) ever seen an alligator in the wild? b) ever eaten alligator? and c) are you a fan of the Golden Girls or do you feel that show was a gross misrepresentation of the state?

Rachel Goodrich: Ahh! The golden girls…everything about that show makes me feel very strange

I have seen an alligator in the wild.

I have never eaten alligator.

Chewy image…

Not into the idea of it…

But who knows where this road goes…

The Standard: Tell us about the day you heard that a little publication called The New York Times dubbed you “Queen of the Miami indie rock scene”?

Rachel Goodrich: Amazing! I knew they were going to feature an article on this event held at Churchills Pub in Miami about 4 years ago called “Hear Miami” featuring a handful of local acts….but I didn’t know they were going to blow a picture up of my face and dub me queen! I was shocked!! I reconnected with people I hadn’t spoken to in years..everyone was really excited. It was a good day.

The Standard: Tell us your top 5 songs you listen to over and over?

Rachel Goodrich: *more like albums:

Lee Hazlewood- Cowboy in Sweden

Nina Simone - Nina Simone Sings The Blues

The Beatles - White Album 

The Beatles - Beatles For Sale

Beach Boys - Friends

Joni Mitchell - Blue   


(I put 6)

The Standard: Word on the street is that you play a killer kazoo. Got any tips for us non-professional kazoo aficionados?

Rachel Goodrich: Always get the yellow one !

The Standard: If you could pick any musician/band to perform with, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Rachel Goodrich: Lee Hazlewood. Honestly, I’d just like to be in the same room as him. Why? Because I admire his vision

Rachel Goodrich will be performing at The Standard, Hollywood’s Desert Nights on February 22nd and March 28th.