Manhattan-based singer/songwriter Rachel Zylstra reins in listeners with a uniquely modern alto, diverse songwriting, and lyrics that meander thoughtfully before they ring the doorbell and run. Having honed her dramatic flair on the theatrical stage during college, she fluidly relates to her audience with an easy self-deprecating charm that sharpens to intense emotional precision during each song's delivery. Enter the musical world she creates and be transported to snowy ominous nights, sunny days on the road, and into the minds of such characters as the winsome spinster and the delusional socialite, their stories unfolding over the notes of Rachels classical and cabaret infused pop melodies. In 2001 Rachel received an honorable mention in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for the song "Contentment" from an early self-released album. Since that early honor, she has garnered other marks of distinction, including first place at Calvin Colleges 2002 battle of the bands; winner of the 2002 Freedom Fest new artist competition sponsored by Northeastern Illinois' Shine 89.7 radio; and a nomination for best local folk album at the 88.1 WYCE 2003 Jammie Awards in West Michigan. Fall 2005, Rachel released her first full-length album, Most of It Is True, with a celebratory concert attended by more than 100 people at the legendary Bitter End in New York City. Most of It Is True has since seen critical acclaim and listener-supported radio airplay in geographical pockets from coast to coast and even internationally, with her music having been opened up to a whole new world of fans at the online music store, CDBaby.com. Rachel continues to write and has begun compiling songs for her next album. For more information visit www.rachelzylstra.com. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.