Need something new for your playlist? Local musician Rachel Gross who goes by Florine (her middle name) released her first single, “Great Expectations,” across streaming platforms July 14. It’s a song she wrote last winter, when she had COVID — which made her already deep voice sound even deeper.
The song is about getting into a relationship and being a little disappointed when your significant other isn’t as into you as you would like.
“Growing up in a small town has definitely had an influence on my music,” she says.
A Moore County native that is currently going to school for commercial music and vocal performance in Nashville at Belmont University, Rachel first began voice lessons at 6 years old. She also grew up doing theatre and choir and her family enjoyed regularly going to broadway shows.
“There hasn’t been anything else I really wanted to do,” she says. “My parents have been my biggest supporters.
Rachel never thought of herself as a songwriter, but developed that talent by writing with others. She began singing covers and original songs at local spots last summer such as The Village Wine Shop, diVine Lounge and Brixx Woodfired Pizza. She typically sings R&B mixed with oldies covers everyone knows.
“I hope people feel something from my music,” she says.
Florine is also featured on “Stay” that was released last Friday by Pete Hollis. Pete has a retro, indie sound and has acted as a mentor for Florine. You can expect more songs from Florine to be released in the near future. Catch her next performance at diVine Lounge on Aug. 6.
