Americana/country singer-songwriter Rachel McIntyre Smith sat down with @skopemag to talk about her stunning new EP, “Glory Daze (Acoustic)” (out now).
@skopemag: Tell us about your new EP.
Rachel: “Glory Daze (Acoustic)” is a stripped-back version of my quarter-life crisis. It’s my experience navigating becoming an adult in a terrifying and tragic world, while reflecting on the amazing childhood that my parents worked hard to give me. There’s a little bit of comfort, sass, heartbreak, doubt, and a whole lot of nostalgia. These acoustic versions feel twangy and fresh – like springtime in Tennessee.
@skopemag: How did you decide what to include?
Rachel: Some songs don’t work acoustic, and some songs sound even better. I love it when my favorite artists put out different versions of songs! There were acoustic versions of all the songs on “Glory Daze,” and I picked the four that I really think are worth a listen. I hope folks enjoy it!
@skopemag: What is the story behind “The Woulds (Acoustic)”?
Rachel: I wrote this song after my best friend asked me, “What would it take for you to reach back out to your ex?” I started writing down questions I would want answered before I would reach back out. One question led to another. Most of the questions had the same format: “would I,” “would you,” “would we.” I took that list and my guitar out to my parents’ front porch. There are some woods by their property. The hook hit me when I saw the woods – “I never will so I live in the woulds.”
@skopemag: What is your favorite song on the acoustic EP?
Rachel: My favorite is “First Love (Acoustic).” It’s the way the song was supposed to be heard – just me and some acoustic instrumentation. I almost wish that I had included this version on the original EP. The whole EP could be summed up in the lyrics in the bridge: “Now I spend my days cursing my former self for always reaching for the higher shelf.” I love it because it just lets the lyrics be the focus.