Rachel Laven EPK
Contact
USA / Australia Booking: Ben Grace - ben@blackoakartists.com
OR
UK/EU Booking & All other inquiries:
Rachel Laven - rachel@rachellavenmusic.com
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Short Bio
Rachel Laven is a “country fried folk” artist whose music is steeped in the Texas songwriting tradition. Her sound was shaped by her cherished influences: Susan Gibson, Brandi Carlile, Guy Clark, and Sheryl Crow and through years of performing, writing, and honing her craft in the rich musical landscape of Texas.
Raised in a musical family in San Antonio, Laven began performing at a young age, writing her first song at 10 and recording a debut album with her family’s band, The Lavens, by age 13. Her early start laid the foundation for a presence onstage that is markedly sincere, assured, and soulful.
Laven’s breakthrough came with her 2016 win at the prestigious New Folk Songwriting Competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival. That same year she released Love & Luccheses, her sophomore solo album that showcases her warm vocals and her economical ability to craft intimate lyrics that explore love in all its forms.
She’s toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe, captivating audiences with her genuine presence and evocative storytelling. Whether performing solo with an acoustic guitar or backed by a full band, her songs connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Now based in Nashville, Rachel continues to write, record, and perform while working on her third full-length album, Hard Truths. The project explores life’s complexities—grief, growth, and the quiet strength found in vulnerability. With a voice that’s both commanding and comforting, Rachel Laven stands as a compelling voice in contemporary Americana music.
Long Bio
Rachel Laven | The Secret to a Good Life
Written by Collins De La Cour - Agent/PR Green Room Music Source - Nashville, TN
Laven is an earnest observer. American Roots Music has a long tradition of proficient storytellers breathing life into the characters of their songs. In listening to Laven’s ballads you can hear the quality of her watchful eye surveying a scene, piecing together the most relevant colors and textures of a personality and giving easy shape to the characters that she describes… READ ON
Quotes fRom peers
Awards & Accolades
2025 Official showcase at South East Regional folk alliance
2024 Keychange US Talent development program artist
2023 occupy Blue rock artist residency
2023 Official Showcase at Southwest regional folk alliance
2018 Official showcase at Folk alliance international
2017 Runner up at No depression's songwriter awards at Freshgrass fest
2017 larry joe taylor songwriter showcase semi-finalist
2016 New Folk Winner at Kerrville Folk Festival
2016 Third Place at Songwriter Serenade Performing Songwriter Competition
2010 "Best Vocalist" San Antonio Current
2010 "Artist of the Year" Texas Music Coalition
2010 JAck Skiles Music Scholarship Winner
2007 World Folk Music Competition Winner
2006 BBC Next Big thing contest - top 15 in the world
Press Links
DORE’ Magazine Spotlight October 2019
San Antonio Express News Article January 2017
San Antonio Express News Article July 2016
Lonesome Highway Review October 2016
Lone Star Music Magazine Review August 2016
Notable shows
2025 30A Songwriter’s Festival - 30A, FL
2025 Ramblin’ Roots Revue - High Wycombe, England, UK
2023 Blue Rock Studios - Wimberley, TX
2023 Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival - Dripping Springs, TX
2022 City Winery - Nashville, TN
2022 Planned Parenthood Women’s Luncheon - San Antonio, TX
2019 Welcome Home Festival - Kerrville, TX
2019 Brudenell Social Club - Leeds, UK
2019 San Antonio Stockshow & Rodeo - San Antonio, TX
2019 Luckenbach Dancehall - Luckenbach, TX
2018 Gruene Hall - Gruene, TX
2018 Summertyne Americana Festival - Newcastle, UK
2018 Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival - Inverness, Scotland
2018 Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International - Kansas City, MI
2017 Truck Festival - Oxfordshire, England
2017 Kerrville Folk Festival Mainstage - Kerrville, TX
and many many more!!
Stage Plots
