A recent transplant to Minneapolis from the back roads of northern Wisconsin, Hanson's songs strike a chord somewhere deep in the hearts of all Midwestern-born travelers, teachers, and soul-seekers. Her sound is familiar, yet not overly derivative, from a timeless era of true classics. Rachel’s voice blends beauty with power, and floats over a musical landscape of air and stone.
In 2010, Hanson established roots in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She was lead singer and guitarist for Back Alley Blossoms, an all female folk/bluegrass band, for the group’s lifespan of three years. Setting off on a solo journey, Hanson spent the following year writing and recording her self-titled EP, released in the summer of 2015. A very introspective record on many counts, the EP was completed in a classic home recording space by friend and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Sachs.
Hanson performs extensively in the greater Upper-Midwest, both as a solo artist and collaborating with groups of accomplished players. Most recently, she has been backed by Evan Middlesworth on Baritone guitar and Collin Carey on drums. Her debut full-length album is in the works, engineered by Evan Middlesworth at Pine Hollow near Eau Claire, WI.