Rachelle Plas interview

Rachelle Plas is a French player who learnt her craft at an early age in group lessons provided by Greg Zlap in Paris. She won various competitions at French music festivals which led on to her touring Europe and beyond with her band. After making a splash at the World Harmonica Festival in Germany, Rachelle became the face of Hohner’s Golden Melody harmonicas. She has gone on to record two albums since, with her fusion of blues, soul, pop, rock & electro bringing her fast flowing harmonica style to a new and younger audience.

Select the Chapter Markers tab above to select different sections of the podcast (website version only).

Rachelle's website:
https://www.rachelleplas.com

Rachelle's boutique store, where songs and teaching material can be purchased:
https://www.rachelleplas.com/victoryswaymusic-boutique-store

YouTube videos:
Hohner Masters of Harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z_DrIDsQSw

SBW I’ve Got To Go:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd43fxbelFI

Orange Blossom Special:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajrNA6sPoDM

Mellow Down Easy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwXt3Tj377A

French Harmonica Players:
https://www.planetharmonica.com/Ressources/FrenchHarp/FrHarpUK.htm


Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram at SEYDEL HARMONICAS
and Blows Me Away Productions: http://www.blowsmeaway.com/

Chapters

• 1:37 Rachelle’s roots and Paris
• 3:18 When Rachelle started playing harmonica
• 5:01 Other instruments Rachelle played when young
• 5:58 Lessons with Greg Zlap
• 8:43 Rachelle forms first band
• 9:18 JJ Milteau
• 10:49 Rachelle’s first gig
• 11:26 Won competitions
• 14:00 First album ‘Profile’
• 14:33 Appearance at World Harmonica Festival
• 15:44 Rachelle becomes Hohner endorsee
• 16:23 Judge at competition at WHF
• 16:36 Rachelle is on packaging for Hohner Golden Melody
• 17:38 Judo champion
• 21:56 Toured around Europe, Canada & Thailand
• 23:33 Summer camp in London
• 24:28 Second album Cyclone
• 25:30 Third album soon to be released
• 31:08 Open Your Eyes single
• 34:05 Hohner United In Sound videos and tuition videos
• 35:20 Orange Blossom Special
• 37:08 Stevie Wonder influence
• 37:33 I Got To Go and Mellow Down Easy
• 38:54 Other influences
• 39:22 Female harmonica players
• 41:53 Rachelle’s playing style
• 43:01 How to play fast
• 44:44 Improvising
• 47:07 Hairstyle
• 47:59 Chromatic harmonica
• 48:49 10 mins question
• 49:37 Harmonica of choice
• 50:46 Favourite key of diatonic
• 51:07 Different tunings
• 51:32 Overblows
• 52:15 Embouchre
• 52:31 Amps and mics
• 55:01 Effects pedals
• 55:39 Future plans