Dayton Grad Releases 6-Song CD 'Now'

Jonathan Dayton High School grad Rachel Millman, who recently released a six-song CD titled 'Now,' said she's been singing since the moment she could speak.

"I always have a song in my head and I remember things being that way from when I was a little girl," Millman said. "I think I've always known I've wanted to pursue a career in music in some way. A big turning point for me was singing at my cousin's wedding when I was 17. It was the first time I sang with a full band and backup singers. It was an extremely thrilling experience."

The thrills just keep on coming for the 27 year old who recently released the video for the title track from 'Now,' a song Millman called "one of the biggest vocal challenges" she's ever had due to its range. 

"It pushed me vocally to places I didn't know existed," said Millman, who added that another track, 'Barricade,' also holds a place in her heart. "'Barricade' is also a very special track on the album as it's about my relationship with my now-fiancé. When I first heard the song complete I started to cry because it was exactly what I wanted it to be - it was a really special moment. The entire album encompasses a very special and important journey in both my personal and professional lives - it tells the story of where I started and how far I've come."

Millman, who graduated from Penn State University with a degree in telecommunications in 2008, wanted to focus on her singing career and launched her own label, Gila Enterprises, LLC.  She has been working as an independent artist for the past four years. 

"For me, being an indie artist is really about having control of your own career and especially the songs you record," said Millman. "That’s not always possible, which is something I witnessed firsthand when I had an internship at a major record label while in college. For this recording we mixed genres and created a sound that worked for my voice."

Millman said she counts making 'Now' among the highlights of her career which includes performing live on NBC’s “Weekend Today” in New York as well as singing 'The Star Spangled Banner' for 30,000 fans at Citi Field for The Mets vs. Phillies Game in 2011.

The singer adds that she has "been blessed to have such a strong and supportive" team surrounding her. For her single, 'Big Bite,' Millman reunited with former classmate and singer/songwriter Keith Harrison. The two starred in 'Jekyll and Hyde' during their senior year in high school.

While Millman doesn't have immediate plans to perform near her hometown, she said it's definitely on her mind. 

"I've been a bit quiet lately so I'm hoping to get back out there in the fall," she said.  "And eventually, of course, I want to record some new music; I love being in the studio."

To learn more about Millman, visit her website. Click here to watch the video for 'Now.' To view a remix of 'Big Bite,' which features the work of Harrison, click here.