Singer-songwriter Rachel Griffin, based in Portland, Maine, has always been a natural performer. Rachel began performing in the musical theater at age seven, appearing in venues throughout the state. By her senior year in high school, Rachel realized that she felt most comfortable at the piano, and began developing the natural songwriting skills that she had since childhood. Growing up Rachel was influenced by the soulful singing and songwriting of artists like Ben Folds, Billy Joel, Carole King and James Taylor, and she incorporated her passion for their art into her own music. Following high school, Rachel entered the University of Southern Maine's School of Music where she studied classical and jazz voice and piano. It was then that she began to branch out to develop a grassroots independent musical career, one that has brought her a very large and loyal following throughout New England. In March of 2003, Rachel Griffin released her first independent CD, "Let It Go," a collection of fourteen original songs performed with full band. Rachel received rave reviews for her CD and live performances. The Portland Press Herald stated, "Rachel Griffin, at the ripe old age of 20, is putting out music like a veteran. She calls it 'jazz influenced pop.' I call it better than Norah Jones." Rachel Griffin has continued to be a prolific songwriter, and in March 2004 she released her sophomore album, "I'm Up to No Good." In reviewing the album, The Portland Phoenix wrote, "her vocal abilities continue to progress to the point where, on pure vocal talent (range, delivery, projection) she's likely among the top five local female singers, with people like Carol Noonan and Sara Cox" and described the title track as "scrumptious." The critical acclaim of her second album made a big splash in the local music scene, and propelled her to successful performances and interviews on radio stations WCLZ and WMPG. She has appeared on multiple local television shows, including the popular shows "207"on channel 6, "Daybreak" on channel 13, and "Live At Five" on channel 13. Rachel has performed at many renowned venues such as The Cutting Room and The Bitter End in New York City, and Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, California. She has opened for many talented singer songwriters, including Richard Julian, and two performances with Livingston Taylor. Rachel's songwriting skills have not gone unnoticed. Rachel won 2nd place in American Idol Undergrounds pop songwriting competition for her song "Alone". The contest was judged by Verdine White (from Earth, Wind and Fire), Preston Glass, and Kimberly Caldwell. Rachel also made it to the semi-finals in the NEMO songwriting competition with her song, "He Skipped Work". Rachel continues to write and perform throughout the United States, and the future holds exciting possibilities for thism emerging artist. As The Portland Press Herald reported, "We've got her early in her career, so take advantage..If I ever wanted to see a storybook ending for a musician, it would have to be Rachel Griffin."