Rachel Platten, the acclaimed songwriter known for her empowering anthem “Fight Song,” has returned to the music scene after a few years of personal challenges and growth.
In a recent interview, the Newton-born artist reflected on the overwhelming experiences she faced after the song’s platinum success in 2015, where messages from fans often read, “You saved my life.”
Recognizing the pressure of such sentiments, she shared, “It was hard for awhile to remain grounded. You start thinking you’re something really special, and that can ruin your art as well as your relationships.”
Through therapy, Platten learned to distinguish her role as an artist from that of a healer: “Hey, wait a minute — You saved your own life, I didn’t do that.”
This revelation has helped her approach her performances with a more balanced perspective, where her goal is to connect with her audience rather than bear the overwhelming weight of others’ expectations.
“May this reach people, may it make a difference,” she remarks, emphasizing her intent to share genuine experiences rather than carry the burden of being a savior.
The artist’s recent hiatus can be attributed to significant life changes, including welcoming two daughters and navigating postpartum depression.
These experiences profoundly shaped her latest work, “I Am Rachel Platten,” her first album in eight years, which showcases a shift from her earlier dance-pop style to a more traditional singer-songwriter approach.
Accompanying the album, Platten is embarking on a tour that features a stripped-down lineup, incorporating her skills on the keyboard accompanied by cello and drums.
She’s excited to play at intimate venues, such as Sonia on Central Square, where tickets have quickly become scarce.
Platten notes that this new collection of songs emerged organically from her emotional journey.
“It didn’t start off even being an album; it was just expressing myself in times of pain or elation or joy or frustration,” she explained.
This return to a more personal and confessional songwriting style aligns closely with her origins in the Boston music scene, where she performed at venues like Cafe 939 and was influenced by artists such as Tracy Chapman.
Chapman’s honest approach to music inspired Platten and shifted her understanding of songwriting possibilities: “Wow, you can be this honest and this confessional in your songs.”
Among the standout tracks on the new album is “Bad Thoughts,” which delves into her struggles with depression following motherhood and during the pandemic period.
Platten candidly discussed her battle, stating, “I was battling my own demons. And after I made it through the first bout of that depth of pain, I thought I’d write a song for myself.”
Initially, she planned to title the song “Listen to This if You’re Having a Panic Attack,” recognizing the weight of the topic but ultimately deciding for a more approachable title.
As she moves forward, Platten emphasizes her improved mental well-being, sharing, “I feel incredibly resourced. I’ve addressed these bad thoughts and demons that have been pushing me down for so long.”
With a new sense of hope and empowerment, she acknowledges the incredible support system around her: “I learned I had an amazing community of support; I got better through therapy, meditation, breath work.
Songwriting was a saving grace and reminded me that I am not those dark thoughts or that depression.”
Platten’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, and her return to music promises to resonate deeply with fans old and new.
image source from：https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/04/26/rachel-platten-returns-to-her-roots-with-boston-show/
