God’s undying love is what motivates Rachel Zello to share the Good News with the world. She is not only a gifted songwriter, but an amazing singer as well. After catching the eye of the Grammys, BTSCelebs wants you to meet this daughter of Christian missionaries who is already captivating the world with her God-given talents.
BTSCelebs: Who is Rachel Zello?
Rachel Zello: I would describe myself as a real person who loves God, worship, and tries her best to loves people. Whether I walk into Walmart, interact on social media, or write and sing songs, I want to be approachable. Jesus is real and approachable for me and I want my life and music to encourage others to be open with Him about their very real and messy lives as well, heartache, questions and all. There is a tone of worship in all of my songs, and it’s extremely important to me that the music I put out is completely backed by scripture so that when someone listens to it, they don’t just hear a catchy tune or a pretty song, but they hear truth, because that’s what sets us free.
What first sparked your interest in music?
I honestly can’t remember what first sparked my interest in music. From singing at the top of my lungs to the car to Hillsong’s Darlene Zschech as a little girl, or rewinding Disney’s Mulan at least fifteen times so I could sing and dance around the living room, to being a part of the worship team for all of high-school, I have always loved singing. Music is therapeutic for me and I find that it often can speak louder and reach a deeper level of the heart than most other things. However, worship is what really drives my passion for music. Worship isn’t only shown through music, but music is one aspect that I love to worship and show adoration.
Which song from your latest album do you hope resonates with listeners?
I think that each song can resonate with different individuals depending on what situation they’re in, but my prayer is that either ‘Beautiful’ or ‘Free’ resonates with listeners. ‘Beautiful’ is a very honest prayer to deeper understand who God is and become more like Him in order to adequately love the people around us. The album title is actually taken from the bridge lyrics of ‘Beautiful,’ ‘Wake this heart in me to the beauty that’s within the mystery’ and it’s taken from Colossians 2:2-3 that states that the mystery of God is Jesus. That is the goal of the entire album, that people, no matter where they are at in life, would experience Jesus, hunger for more of Him, and know that everything that has been lost can be replaced with healing and freedom through Him.
Is there any specific advice you hope singles and married couples takeaway from your entire album, “Within The Mystery”?
Immediately, my song ‘First Love’ comes to mind when I think about what I want singles and married couples to take away from the album. I love being married and I love my husband, but some of the best years of my life were when I was single. You discover yourself and understand love at such a deeper level when you know Jesus as your first love. You know that you are loved and you know how to love because it’s been shown to us through the cross and life of Jesus. In this, single, dating or married, it’s much easier to find contentment. My biggest advice I hope every person can take away from listening to my album, ‘Within the Mystery’ is to draw in closer to Jesus because He promises to draw closer as well and only when He is the first love in your life will you ever be truly fulfilled.
Tell us about one unforgettable experience you had during the songwriting process.
I love Celine Dion, so when I was co-writing the song ‘For Your Glory’ with two absolutely incredible songwriters and friends, I remember all of us singing Celine’s lyrics, ‘that’s the way it is’ right after singing the melody of the lyrics, ‘for your glory’ because the tune sounded like it was about to burst into a Celine Dion song. For the rest of the day we were all humming her melodies and harmonizing with each other. Aka. It was a great time.
From India to Guatemala, you have already touched the world with your positive music. Which international location left the biggest impression on you?
I actually have two places that left a huge impression on me. Growing up as a missionary kid and having traveled to over 25 countries before my music ministry really catapulted, I sang and volunteered in an orphanage in Uzbekistan that held over 400 mentally and physically handicapped children. This was a trip that touched my heart and showed me a deeper level of love, joy, contentment, compassion and gratitude. I’ve been to India 6 times, and 5 out of the 6 has been over Christmas (also my birthday) and New Years, spending it in a home that rescues children from human trafficking. India is definitely the international location that left the biggest impression on me. It is a place that will awaken all of your senses at the same time. However, the kids are what make it so special for me. They are my family and I have a relationship with each child. There is nothing like watching them go from a place of abuse and timidity and grow into a future of hope and a life that’s worth living. Every sale from my music goes directly back into supporting these children.
What should we anticipate from you in 2020?
In 2020, I will be filming more music videos and digitally releasing more songs off of the album along with the official music videos. Traveling and performing live concerts are in the works and I will continue to engage with my follower friends on social media.
Learn more about Rachel by visiting her official website, RachelZello.com.
BTSCelebs sends a special thanks to Rachel Zello and her team for the interview and images.
