In the Country with Dave Woods:
Rachel & Ayden

Rachel & Ayden are a power duo established in February of 2022, located in the Greater Toronto Area, consisting of artists Rachel Jeans and Ayden Jacobs. Both experiencing a similar upbringing, growing up playing music publicly from a young age, they instantly bonded over their love for music and shared background. Rachel competed and won both Toronto’s Rising Star and Open Mic Canada, granting her the opportunity to record her original music in a studio at the age of 16. Ayden won the position of lead guitarist in The “Kid” Mitchell Band, which led to the opportunity of recording in a studio, playing live on the radio & a documentary on YTV. They are compelling entertainers, whether sharing their songs in an intimate writers’ round or rocking out with a full band. With each new performance & new release, Rachel & Ayden are winning new fans and building a very successful music career. Be sure to catch one of their shows the first chance you get!

It’s great to have Rachel & Ayden in the spotlight this month! For those who haven’t had the pleasure of seeing or hearing you yet, how would you describe your sound?
Rachel: Thank you so much for having us, Dave. Always a pleasure! We would describe our sound as Country/Rock/Singer-Songwriter. We tend to pull inspiration from some of the genres that we love most, and that’s definitely a few of them!

Both of you are powerhouse vocalists! Power with passion. Which artists have influenced each of you over the years?
Rachel: I find myself forever inspired by artists who sing with their hearts on their sleeves. The Eagles are one of my all-time favourite bands when it comes to musicality, songwriting and harmonies. I’ve been influenced by a mix of artists, to be honest. Ann Wilson, Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, Chester Bennington, Alanis Morissette, Etta James, and of course my Mum… just to name a few lol.
Ayden: A few of the vocalists that have inspired me over the years have been Ian Thornley, John Mayer & David Ryan Harris.

Ayden, tell us about being out on the road playing guitar on Steven Lee Olsen’s Country Night In Canada tour featuring JoJo Mason. Looking at the pictures online, it looks like one amazing show!
Ayden: It’s been an honour to be out on the road playing with Steven & JoJo. To have the opportunity to travel across the country in a bus with a great crew, playing music, it’s been an absolute blast!

You recently released a great cover of the Kameron Marlowe & Ella Langley duet “Strangers”. Tell us about choosing to record that song.
Rachel: When we both heard this song for the first time, we immediately fell in love with it. The writing & the dynamic between Kameron & Ella is a recipe for greatness. As a duo, we were immediately inspired. It was one of those “we have to do this” moments.

What led each of you to write songs in the first place? And what is one writing tip you can share with our readers?
Rachel: I wrote my first song at the age of 7. I’m pretty sure it was about ponies, but perhaps it could have been a hit lol! Writing songs has always been a way for me to share the most vulnerable parts of myself out loud; it has always been a therapeutic experience for me personally. I find that writing something authentic to you and your journey is always the most impactful. It has to come from the heart. Lean in & don’t be afraid to share the deepest parts of your heart & soul.
Ayden: The emotional outlet that writing music creates. Whether you’re happy, sad or angry, writing has been & always will be the best way for me to express emotion! One tip I can share is, don’t overthink it. Just let loose & play. Whether what comes out is amazing or not, the fact that you’re creating is all that matters!

What is it about country music that you love the most?
Rachel: Country music tells a story & takes you on a journey, which always leaves me feeling inspired as a songwriter. It’s also evolved into a vast array of sounds, infused with rock and pop; for someone who has never fit into a box or under the umbrella of one genre, that feels very freeing and exciting.
Ayden: As Rachel said, the storytelling aspect. The picture that is painted in country writing is next level, & if you close your eyes, it can really take you somewhere else.

And finally, what are the hopes and plans for Rachel & Ayden for the rest of 2025?
Rachel: We’ve really hit the ground running in 2025 and are hopeful for a big year ahead! With the experience gained from Ayden being on tour, and my time spent in Nashville connecting with amazing writers, we are gaining so much knowledge when it comes to our art and how to prepare for a tour of our own someday. We look forward to continuing to work on original music, with an EP this year, and exploring all that we can accomplish together as two artists with one common goal!

Check out this video performance from Rachel & Ayden of their version of “Strangers”: Rachel & Ayden “Strangers”