Interview: Pagentri Discusses The Release Of “Dancing On My Own”!

Rising music sensation Rachel Tripp aka Pagentri has steadily been creating waves within the music scene & has now released her own take of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own”.

Pagentri has taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution about her latest release. Check out what she had to say below.

Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Pagentri: I’ve been singing and performing since the age of three. I come from a musical family, with my dad being a producer and touring musician, so it was in my blood and I had the “itch” from an early age. Growing up in a small town in South Carolina I always had big dreams, so my extracurricular activities consisted of musical theatre, recording background vocals at my father’s recording studio or travelling around the southeast to perform in a pop girl group or as a solo act. I jumped at any opportunity to be immersed in music.

With my determination and work ethic, I’ve been very blessed to have wonderful opportunities with my music, from being a semi-finalist on the X-Factor, performing for Alison Krauss at The Kennedy Center, performing at SXSW and being a top 15 finalist for Miss South Carolina with the Miss America Organization (which would lead to inspire my artist alias Pagentri).

In 2015, I left South Carolina and made Nashville my home to pursue my craft. Since the move, I’ve collaborated with an array of talented songwriters in the country and pop genres to create wonderful music and settle into my artistry. I’ve been able to grow and develop my alias which means an elaborate show or spectacle. I’ve been able to share some of my deepest emotions and vulnerabilities through my music and alias and continue to evolve and grow in one of the most creative communities in the world.

When did you first discover your passion for music?

Pagentri: My passion for music started with my father. From an early age, I was either in the studio with him or going to see him perform. I’d sit on top of a JBL speaker on the side of the stage and take in the live horn section, bright lights and the energy, and of course, I’d get my chance to perform during their band breaks 😉 From an early age, I knew I was put on this earth to perform and make people feel something special with my talents.

Have you always known that music was a career that you wanted to pursue?

Pagentri: I knew I always wanted to be in the music industry if it meant performing or working on the business side. I love the energy, the sex appeal and the creativity. I’ve always been a very go go go person, so I needed to be a part of a fast-paced industry that was constantly evolving. It’s so beautiful to be able to call a hobby an actual career.

You have just released your vision of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own”, what inspired you to create this version?

Pagentri: I’ve loved the song since I was in high school and it was definitely included as a track on one of my burnt CD’s. I was recently reminded of how great of a song it was when I had my Spotify library on shuffle (wish I still had my epic CD collection.)

I love the upbeat pop version, but if you listen to the lyrics it actually portrays a lot of vulnerability. I wanted my arrangement to really spotlight the lyrics, so I did a stripped-down version. The song is about seeing someone you love with someone else and having the realization that you’ve been replaced…it’s hard to come to the realization that you’re alone. I believe there can be a lot of strength in facing the vulnerability of being alone and a ballad version of the song makes that message even more powerful.

What does the song personally mean to you?

Pagentri: The song is all about facing your vulnerabilities and showing them to the world. I’ve always struggled with being vulnerable and letting others in, I think many people struggle with similar things with self-discovery, especially creatives. This song is a confession of me tuning in with my own emotions and vulnerabilities and realizing it’s ok to be an open book, in fact, there is a lot of strength in letting others see the raw, uncensored version of yourself and seeing the beauty of dancing on your own.

If listeners could take away one message from this song, what would you like it to be?

Pagentri: Discover the beauty of vulnerability. Once you stop censoring yourself, you really start living. I remind myself of this daily!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Pagentri: I am a very healthy and active person, so I love nutrition and working out! I am a Pure Barre teacher, which is a great full-body workout mixed with HITT and strength training. I believe it’s very important to dedicate time to self-care and well-being, so I can be confident in every other aspect of my life! I also love being a teacher, so I can help others do the same. Also, Pure Barre has the absolutely best music and the classes are all based on musicality, so it was a given that I would fall in love with the workout!

What song do you always keep on your playlist & why?

Pagentri: Tough one! This changes daily because I love so many different types of music from R&B, Country to Motown. I’d have to say “Ordinary People” by John Legend. I think he is a brilliant artist and very unique in his craft and I love the piano. I also love the lyrics because they portray so much truth. No matter where we come from or what our story is, we all go through shit and life is hard. We’re all ordinary people and sometimes we need to slow down this crazy ride of life that we’re on. I think we are experiencing that especially right now, but there can be a lot of beauty in taking things slow.

If you could perform a duet with anyone, who would you choose & why?

Pagentri: Alicia Keys 100%! She is a musical genius. I would actually be more intrigued in a private studio session with her because not only is she an artist but also a wonderful composer. There is so much unique creativity in all of her music. Side note, every artist should read her book “More Myself.” It’s amazing for any creative person!

Who would you consider to be the greatest inspiration within your music?

Pagentri: Alica Keys and this quote from her is why “I always want to stay focused on who I am, even as I’m discovering who I am.”

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you about pursuing a career in music?

Pagentri: To look inward and ask yourself why. Why are you pursuing music? Why do you want to create art? If the why is not for others and selfish and for yourself, then you are pursuing the wrong dream.

Finally, is there anything you would like to say to the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?

Pagentri: Never compare yourself to anyone else, because it’s just a distraction. Always hustle and stay focused on the long game because creativity is a process. There will be failures and frustrations, but it’s always an opportunity to learn and grow.

You can check out “Dancing On My Own” on Spotify below.