By Matt Ryan
At just 21 years old, Rachael Wilson, the rich voice behind LA-based band Zelda, has taken an extraordinary journey. From a small-town in Amador County, near Lake Tahoe, known as the ‘girl with the guitar,’ she honed her craft early, performing nearly 100 gigs per year at music festivals and sporting events under the guidance of her father, Rick, since the age of 12.
Today, with over 10 million social followers as Freckled Zelda (@TheFreckledZelda), Rachael has transformed her social media stardom into international acclaim with her standout performance on America's Got Talent.
On AGT, Rachael wowed the judges, particularly the hard-to-please Simon Cowell, with a stunning rendition of "Colors of the Wind" from Disney's Pocahontas. Her performance on stage earned her a standing ovation and a firm “yes” from each of the four judges.
This performance didn’t just resonate with fans, it set the internet ablaze—it also caught the attention of LA Music Producer Sammy Oriti, a regular at the legendary NRG Studios in North Hollywood, home of many iconic rock bands such as Linkin Park, Papa Roach and Evanescence to name a few.
Oriti, who has an eye for discovering talent, was instantly impressed with Rachael. “I found one with a great voice,” he said to his colleagues at the studio, “it’s Freckled Zelda, she even plays the Ocarina!” Oriti wasted no time bringing her to NRG to record some songs. The result is the debut single, “Butterflies,” set for release on Friday September 13th, distributed by Universal Music Group. Butterflies features Gregg Bissonette on drums who tours with Ringo and Jimmy Johnson on Bass, both industry giants.
But Oriti didn’t just stop there. To ensure the debut single was nothing short of what NRG Studios is known for, he enlisted the help of renowned mixer and record producer Jay Baumgardner, a key figure behind the success of Evanescence and Papa Roach. Baumgardner, founder of Muso.AI, a trending music credits App, owns NRG Studios and brings decades of experience to the end result.
While in the preliminary mixing stage, Jay played the track for none other than Ben Moody, co-founder and songwriter of Evanescence. Moody, who has worked with artists like Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, and Celine Dion, jumped in adding some cool orchestral percussion and drum loops which gave Butterflies a cool cinematic edge.
This collaboration between Oriti, Baumgardner, and Moody marks a significant reunion. Nearly 21 years ago, Oriti was present in "Studio C" at NRG with Moody and Amy Lee as Baumgardner mixed My Immortal on the 72 channel SSL console. Two weeks later that song was all over the world. In a full-circle moment, Oriti sold his house to Moody shortly after his departure from the band. Now, two decades later, veterans of rock Moody and Baumgardner are together again helping Zelda recreate the magic. Look for the upcoming Music Video featuring wardrobe (photo) designed by Jacob Meir who has dressed a variety music stars from Michael Jackson to Rihanna. @forthestarsfashionhouse
Butterflies is more than just a new release—it’s a testament to the power of social media and the enduring impact of talent shows like America's Got Talent. Currently working with concert promoters Dirty Monday’s, doing live shows at The Bourbon Room on Hollywood Blvd keeps Rachael busy in studio and rehearsal.
14 year old YouTube sensation Yoyoka from Japan, who has appeared on Ellen, performed with Cyndi Lauper and Fall Out Boy, will be playing drums with Zelda for several shows as 2024 comes to an end. At 8 years old her drumming lit up the web which lead to praise from rock legends Dave Grohl, Ian Paice and Robert Plant.
As music trends cycle every 20 years, Zelda might just be the band to bring some fresh flowers to the table, all while reuniting the team and studio that once brought us Evanescence. Catch Zelda on Halloween at The Bourbon Room or on November 16th at Dirty Fest. The album currently being produced by Oriti at NRG is projected for release first quarter 2025.
If the debut single Butterflies is any indication, we’re all in for something really cool. Media Contact: Rick Wilson [email protected].
