Rachael Sage Turns Adversity Into Hope on New Album ‘Under My Canopy’
- Rainbow_Rocks
- August 28, 2026
- Entertainment
- #ColumbusOhio, #IndependentJournalism, #IndieFolk, #MPressRecords, #QueerArtist, #RachaelSage, #RainbowRocks, #UnderMyCanopy, LGBTQIA+
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Written and Photographed by LGBTQIA+ Independent News Reporter — Kyle Williams — Rainbow Rocks — RainbowRocks.space — August 27th, 2026
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, activist, and MPress Records founder Rachael Sage has spent her celebrated career transforming vulnerability, loss, and social injustice into soundscapes that offer listeners a true musical refuge. As she prepares for the upcoming release of Under My Canopy—an intimate acoustic reimagining of her acclaimed 2025 album Canopy—Sage continues to champion resilience, inclusivity, and purposeful living through her art.
Finding Strength Through Force of Will
Set for release on October 9th via MPress, Virgin, and Universal, the new record strips her expansive Americana-pop and neo-folk arrangements down to their emotional cores. Reflecting on the philosophy that has sustained her through personal trials—including intensive ballet training, childhood bullying, cancer, and bereavement—Sage notes that her outlook is hard-earned.
“I don’t think I was a naturally optimistic person,” Sage explains. “My optimism feels largely ‘earned’, or like it evolved from force of will.”
Rather than letting adversity define her, Sage relies on music as a concrete tool to gather people together in community. That communal spirit sits at the very heart of Under My Canopy, functioning as a collection of songs specifically curated because they feel essential for the current cultural moment.
Confronting Reality and Uplifting Community
The acoustic album tackles heavy, real-world issues while maintaining an overarching message of hope. Tracks like “Nexus (Acoustic)” address the devastating consequences of bullying, drawing inspiration from the tragic death of Nex Benedict, while “Underneath (Acoustic)” confronts gun violence in America. Conversely, songs like “Just Enough” and “Live It Up” lean into self-acceptance, joyful connection, and the unwavering belief in human unity.
Collaborating with a stellar roster of musicians including longtime bandmates The Sequins, Kelly Halloran, Andy Mac, Trina Hamlin, Dave Eggar, and many others, Sage crafts a deeply intimate listening experience that moves fluidly between folk, Americana, and acoustic balladry. Furthermore, her heartfelt interpretation of Buddy Holly’s classic “Everyday”—with proceeds from the accompanying maxi-single supporting the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation—serves as a joyful call to remain present and awake to love.
Under My Canopy arrives on October 9th, followed by an extensive UK tour alongside Emma Stevens featuring stops in London, Bath, Southampton, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Milton Keynes.
