INTERVIEW: Rebecca Porter Summons Classic Country To Create “Prime Rainbow Conditions”

Rebecca Porter is a Harrisonburg-based singer and songwriter making her way from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Rebecca commands any stage with her genre-bending, uniquely powerful voice – seasoned with a dash of country and sassy, southern heart and soul. Whether soaring with listeners to the highest of highs or singing them through the lowest of lows, as a songwriter, Rebecca has a knack for delivering the humanity of everyday life.

Porter’s new song “Prime Rainbow Conditions” channels classic country perfection with swooning guitars and the clear, brilliant tone of Porter’s voice documenting the early weeks of lockdown. In our interview, Porter digs in to the influences she pays homage to in the song.

Who are some of your musical influences?
My number one musical influence is Dolly Parton. I started belting along to the White Limozeen and Eagle When She Flies albums, via cassette tapes, when I was five years old. Dolly and her lyrics continue to inspire me to this day.

The sound of “Prime Rainbow Conditions” was specifically influenced by albums from some of my other music heroes. The explorative nature of the Raising Sand album by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. The power and dreaminess of the Walk Through Fire album by Yola. The raw yet beautiful sounds of “Dear Diamond” as well as “Well-Rested” and “Dear Old Sun” by Miranda Lambert. And lastly but certainly not least, the flow and build of “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves.

Explain the title of your song.
May 2020, I was sinking into the couch with my young infant on my lap, fighting falling back into depression, three months into a global pandemic. One day while scrolling through social media, I saw a local music acquaintance posted a picture of a rainbow. I commented that the afternoon called for rain and he replied that yes, the impending storm was prime rainbow conditions. When I read his response, it hit me hard… in a good way.

In that moment, those words were the metaphorical separation of old storm clouds gathered in the sky and a chance for me to see the sun. Over the next days, I penned and plucked out “Prime Rainbow Conditions.” The lyrics of the song embodied one turning point in my life, but universally it delivered the humanity of everyday struggles and left listeners with a glimmer of hopefulness.

Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
“Cheer Up Little Darling” by Angaleena Presley. This song isn’t a sad song but it’s also not quite a happy song. It dances amongst the raw moments, maybe right after the most painful part of whatever you’re going through, letting you feel that pain, but also opening you up to the possibilities of pulling out of that darkness.
The instrumentation is simple yet striking. The narrator lead in, the beautifully honest tone of Angaleena’s voice. The song may be coming through a speaker or stereo, but it sounds and feels like it’s happening all around you.

What’s the best way a fan can support you?
Sharing! Whether it’s listening to my music with a friend, sharing music via social media, by word-of-mouth, adding a song to a playlist or even bringing a friend to a show. There are so many ways (lots of free ways too!) to share independent artists like me. Monetary contributions are always welcome and helpful, but I truly believe that when people are invested enough to share my music, the other stuff will follow.

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
Attend and showcase at AmericanaFest! As a singer-songwriter, as well as a human being, their efforts for more representation encourages me. It would be a dream come true to not only witness the magic, but also be a part of it.

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