Ep. 7 S5 Rise Up with Rachel Steele

Rachel Steele’s connection to Rise Up by Andra Day runs deep. It’s more than just a song she enjoys—it’s been a source of strength through some of life’s toughest moments.

Back in eighth grade, Rachel remembers standing outside after school, waiting for her high school ride home. That's when she caught her reflection in a car window, something about that moment shifted how she saw herself. It was like a sudden realization that she wasn’t as happy as she once was, and from there, things got harder. Anxiety crept in, followed by depression and struggles with anorexia.

Fast forward to high school, music became a major outlet. That’s when she first heard Rise Up, and it instantly spoke to her. The lyrics felt like they were written just for her, encouraging her to keep going even when things felt impossible. She played it on repeat, using it as motivation in therapy and on rough days when she needed to breathe a little easier.

Music started to mean more to Rachel—it wasn’t just something she listened to, it was something she needed. She began writing her own lyrics at 15, using songwriting as a way to express what she couldn’t always say out loud. She didn’t play an instrument, but she found that putting words on paper helped her process everything she was going through.

One of her best memories tied to the song was with her best friend, Madison. Madison discovered the song around the same time, and they would blast it together in the car, singing at the top of their lungs. Whether they were feeling emotional or just having a good time, Rise Up became part of their friendship soundtrack.

Rachel’s love for the song even led her to a huge opportunity—auditioning for The Voice at 17. She sang Rise Up for the producers, pouring her heart into the performance, with her mom cheering her on from the side. She didn’t make it to the next round, but the experience was still a win. It proved how far she had come, from struggling silently in eighth grade to standing in front of industry professionals, owning her story through music.

Released in 2015 on Andra Day’s debut album Cheers to the Fall, Rise Up became an anthem of resilience. The song was nominated for Best R&B Performance at the Grammys and has been certified quadruple platinum. Day, inspired by jazz greats like Billie Holiday, has a voice that carries raw emotion, making the song even more powerful. She originally wrote it for a friend battling cancer, hoping it would bring comfort and strength in her recovery.

For Rachel, that’s exactly what the song did—gave her strength. She still listens to it regularly, not because she needs it the way she once did, but because it’s a reminder of how far she’s come. Whether she’s singing along in the car or just letting the lyrics soak in, Rise Up continues to be a song that moves her.

She encourages anyone who hasn’t heard it to give it a listen. Whether you’re going through something difficult or just need a boost, it’s one of those songs that has a way of making you feel like you can take on anything.

Rise Up (the song)

You can catch the full episode here or on all popular podcast listening platforms.

To Connect with Rachel Steele: @rachelsteele2 and rachelsteele556@gmail.com

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