Rachael Sage

Acclaimed alt folk pop singer songwriter Rachael Sage and her stellar longtime band The Sequins have released a thoughtful new single and video, "The Best Version", ahead of their highly anticipated full length studio album "Canopy", a debut full band release for Rachael Sage & The Sequins. An expansive, uplifting chamber pop anthem which is magnified by orchestral strings and sparkling piano, "The Best Version" supports lyrics grappling with social media surreality, and the cathartic liberation of true human connection. Performed by Grammy® winning cellist Dave Eggar (Paul Simon) and violinist Kelly Halloran (Goo Goo Dolls), and produced with Sage and Grammy® nominee Mikhail Pivovarov, "The Best Version" is sure to lead listeners on self reflecting journeys of their own.

Rachael discusses the song, saying, "the best version of ourselves we present to the world through our phones and our search for peer validation may end up not being reflective at all of our core artistry or who we strive to be as human beings, when no one is watching. When humans are in the same room they tend to be more apt to look for the best in each other, nuances and all; while people in an entirely digital, virtual space may be more apt to generate conflict, judgement or rejection. The 'I love you, even if I’ve never met you before' could be about a doppelgänger in a distant place, with the knowledge that we are all human regardless of the surface things that divide us, or just a prayer, energetic release, into the global community of humans yearning to be be loved, seen and understood".

The official video for "The Best Version" explores the light and shade of social media through abstract, cyclical visuals, highlighting the internet's ability to connect us to each other instantly, but likewise, to trigger low self esteem and alienation. Violinist Kelly Halloran (Lainey Wilson) and harmonica player Will Wilde (Walter Trout) comprise a chamber pop power trio that feels simultaneously connected as one organism while starkly separate. Musically whimsical, but emotionally vulnerable, the cinematic clip was directed by Lee Malone and shot in London, which Sage fondly describes as her 'home away from home'.

Following on the heels of her 2 latest releases, 2023's critically acclaimed "The Other Side" and 2024's "Another Side", Rachael Sage & The Sequins' forthcoming full length album 'Canopy' continues her ongoing journey of storytelling, reinvention, and emotional connection. Sage offers listeners yet another beautifully crafted, deeply heartfelt collection of songs that feel like a refuge, woven from resilience, longing, and the irrepressible determination to find light in the darkest places. Equal parts reflective, mournful and optimistic, "Canopy" promises to be one of her most soulful and thought provoking works yet.

Produced by Sage with Grammy® nominated engineer and bassist Mikhail Pivovarov and mixed by Pivovarov and Grammy® winner Andy Zulla (Rod Stewart), "Canopy" is the debut full length album with Sage's signature band, the Sequins, violinist Kelly Halloran (Goo Goo Dolls), drummer Andy Mac (Pete Muller & The Kindred Souls) and harmonica player Trina Hamlin (Susan Werner). Additional special guests include cellist Ward Williams (Sara Bareilles), guitarists James Mastro (Ian Hunter) and Jack Petruzzelli (Patti Smith), organist Rob Curto (The Klezmatics), and cellist Dave Eggar (Paul Simon).

Renowned trumpet player Russ Johnson (Elvis Costello), percussionist and drummer Doug Yowell (Joe Jackson) and rising blues harmonica star Will Wilde (Walter Trout) also contribute their talents.