Rising Music Star Rachel Kline Of Flowerbomb: “We can’t stop at just showcasing diversity on the screen; There needs to be marginalized identities behind the scenes, too, receiving equitable pay and treatment”
Diversity in the entertainment industry is important because, as Marian Wright Edelman once said, “you can’t be what you can’t see.” It’s important for people to see their unique identities represented in media. When diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences are showcased, it has the potential to amplify voices that are too often silenced and empower those who have been marginalized. But for it to really have a major impact on our culture, it can’t stop at just showcasing diversity on the screen. There needs to be marginalized identities behind the scenes, too, receiving equitable pay and treatment.
As a part of our series about rising music stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Rachel Kline.
Flowerbomb is a DC-based alternative rock band founded by Rachel Kline. Combining saturated guitars, ornate rhythms, and delicately raw lyrics, Flowerbomb creates a soundscape for nostalgia and heavy feelings accompanied by lush layers and dynamic sounds. Their debut album, Pretty Dark, was released digitally on December 18th, 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since it’s release, it has been commended for its honest, raw, and vulnerable voice, as well as its versatility in blending multiple genres. Flowerbomb combines elements of shoegaze, punk, alternative, emo, and indie rock to create their signature sound. Their song II, was awarded ‘Best Rock Song of the Year’ and their debut album, Pretty Dark was named ‘Best Rock Album of The Year’ during the 2021 Wammie Awards, a DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) based award show dedicated to recognizing local artists and musicians for their achievements.
Over the course of three years, Flowerbomb engaged in a meticulous writing and production process that culminated in the inception of Pretty Dark. A fundamental part of recording Pretty Dark was bringing together these different elements, with specific attention to overall sound, feeling, tones, and production, in order to create a truly unique record. Recorded at Bias Studios and The Lab Sound Studio, both located in Northern Virginia, Pretty Dark was engineered and produced collaboratively by Mark Reiter and Flowerbomb drummer and longtime friend, Dan ABH. The record was mixed by Reiter in spring 2020 and mastered by Mike Monseur. Shortly after the completion of Pretty Dark, Flowerbomb was invited to be a part of Mutineer Records, a label founded by Reiter in fall 2020. This collaboration was built on a shared passion for using art as a tool for engaging with social and political issues, as well as a mutual devotion to keeping the local music community alive. The Pretty Dark vinyl was released August 6th, 2021 by Mutineer Records.
Flowerbomb is currently promoting their new record Pretty Dark, writing and recording new music, filming music videos, and preparing for shows this Fall. When they’re not playing music, Flowerbomb enjoys eating tater tots, watching bad 90s sitcoms, and laughing…a lot.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in Northern Virginia, right outside of DC! I have two younger brothers and we always had a lot of pets in the house. My brothers and I all played soccer when we were kids, and when I wasn’t playing soccer, I spent a lot of my free time writing music and going to local shows and open mics.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I’ve been interested in music pretty much since I was born. My dad was in a band in high school and college so, starting at a young age, we bonded over a shared love of music. I started taking piano lessons when I was 8 because I wanted to play piano just like my dad. As soon as I knew enough to play chords, I started writing my own songs. I learned to play guitar in high school, and that was when I really started to pursue music more seriously.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
My drummer proposed to his fiancé on stage at a flowerbomb show!! He had me call her up on stage and then he got down on one knee! I was so honored I got to be a part of such a special moment.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
One time, I forgot my guitar for a recording session. I guess it wasn’t funny at the time, but looking back on it, I can’t believe I did that! I learned to be more thoughtful and responsible, especially when it comes to other people’s time.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
We have three singles and a cover that we’ve recently finished recording, and are now in the process of being mixed and mastered. We’re very excited to share them with the world this spring!
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Diversity in the entertainment industry is important because, as Marian Wright Edelman once said, “you can’t be what you can’t see.” It’s important for people to see their unique identities represented in media. When diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences are showcased, it has the potential to amplify voices that are too often silenced and empower those who have been marginalized. But for it to really have a major impact on our culture, it can’t stop at just showcasing diversity on the screen. There needs to be marginalized identities behind the scenes, too, receiving equitable pay and treatment.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
I don’t know that I’m the best person to give that advice haha. I personally struggle with burn out at times. One thing that has helped is having a strong support system. I think that’s important for everyone, but especially for those involved in industries that require a lot of creativity and emotional labor. It’s difficult putting yourself out there in such a vulnerable way, and it’s essential to have people in your life that can support you through the ups and downs.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
There are plenty of already existing movements that I’d like to amplify. More specifically, Black trans women have been fighting for freedom from discrimination, violence, and harm forever and, despite being the backbone of so many social movements, are often left behind when more privileged groups receive mainstream attention. I’d like to shout out Baltimore Safe Haven, a local trans-led wellness center that offers free services to trans individuals, providing opportunities for a higher quality of life. Here’s a link where people can donate if they want to support a movement already doing amazing work: https://www.transjusticefundingproject.org/donate-now/
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am incredibly grateful to my drummer, producer, and musical partner in crime, Dan. When I was 15, I started going to open mics at The Lab All Ages in Alexandria, where I met Dan. He became a mentor to me throughout the years and even recorded my first solo EP when I was 17! When I was away at college, I made a Facebook post asking if anyone would want to play some full band shows with me over the summer. To my surprise and excitement, Dan offered to play drums for me, and we have been playing music together ever since. It has been so cool to play music with someone who I’ve always looked up to, both musically and on a personal level. Without his continued support, sharing of resources, and dedication to helping me build my craft, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
I have “Your feelings are valid” tattooed on my ribs. It’s a little cheesy, but it’s helped me get through times where I felt like I didn’t have a right to feel the way I did. I like the quote because it reminds me that my feelings are real and legitimate, despite how insignificant they may feel.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Judith Butler. Their theories on sexuality and gender have changed my life and helped me gain valuable perspective on the way I exist and move through the world. They helped me understand a lot of my own gender and sexuality struggles and connect them to larger contexts and histories.
How can our readers follow you online?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowerbombbandva
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/flowerbombband
Twitter: https://twitter.com/flowerbombband
Bandcamp: https://flowerbomb.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gjzI9aDGNRI0nwSmAzr8W?si=N-uNyObESnKe1BqAH4Vgxg
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Rising Music Star Rachel Kline Of Flowerbomb: “We can’t stop at just showcasing diversity on the… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.