Photo by Corey Hayes

Rachel Zylstra grew up in rural small towns, taking piano lessons and joyfully singing unsolicited songs at the dinner table. After spending a half a dozen years in Grand Rapids, getting a theatre degree and jumping into the West Michigan songwriter scene, she leapt once again - to New York.

Refining her craft over time, she has been an artist in residency at the famed "home of anti-folk," The Sidewalk Café, released a 2005 album, Most of It Is True, and collaborated with some of her own musical inspirations, including a 2006 double-bill with Jason Harrod, and opening for Over the Rhine and David Bazan last year.

With clever chordal turns and a voice that is equal parts world-weary chanteuse and love-struck girl, Rachel tells stories of wit, learning, hope and heartache. On December 3rd she releases her newest album, Before You Could Decide.