Had the pleasure to do an artist spotlight on Rebecca Porter to accompany the article I did on her debut album Roll With The Punches. I think doing both of these together really gives you a good understanding, so let’s get into it, because really, who is Rebecca Porter?
Rebecca Porter is a singer-songwriter from Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Rebecca started singing as a toddler and said she “always had an innate connection to music—it was like a familiar blanket I could wrap myself in. I could get lost in music, escape with it, celebrate with it. It could bring me closer to the people around me, or let me disappear into a song all on my own.” If you’ve never heard her music she said a good way to describe her sound would be soulful Appalachian honky tonk. She’s spot on with that answer too! Who inspired her to start making music? She said “My mother was my first inspiration. From a young age, I was in awe of her powerful voice and the confidence she carried when she sang. In a church of nearly 300 people, you always knew when it was her voice filling the room.”
Some artists that have influenced Rebecca the most? She gave a great answer of older and newer artists saying “Foundationally, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Etta James, Koko Taylor, Tom T. Hall, Willie and Waylon of course, and Bobbie Gentry. More currents include Susan Tedeschi, Hermanos Gutierrez, Tami Neilson, Yola, Miko Marks, Margo Price and Kelsey Waldon.” One of the questions I love to get answered is what’s been your favorite show or venue to play so far?
“Mountain Stage was incredible—the first time I truly felt wowed by a show. It wasn’t just the audience and their reach; their crew and entire team were outstanding. Dürty Nelly’s in Charlottesville, Virginia, feels like a home away from home and might just be the best dive bar in the state—and then some.” I think if you read all the spotlights you’ll learn about some interesting venues. So I love this answer because I’ve never heard of Dürty Nelly’s now I want to check it out.
What’s her dream venue to play at? There’s a few she said
“at the top of the list are Red Rocks, Ryman Auditorium, and I’ve come back around to the Grand Ole Opry. I’d also love to join Kendell Marvel’s Honky Tonk Experience, he is an amazing songwriter.” Have there been any major turning points in Rebecca’s career so far? Well she said “I just found out about two things this week, leading up to the album release, that I’m ecstatic to announce soon. Both feel like real turning points.
Looking back, my 2023 solo set at Red Wing Roots Music Festival was my first major festival appearance, and it opened the door to countless opportunities—including returning this June with my band, the Rhinestone Roses. Mountain Stage was another huge stepping stone, with an audience and community that are truly top-notch. In July, performing at the Kennedy Center was deeply meaningful, and the folks behind the scenes were so supportive of the message and music we brought. Just last week, a solo performance from 2025 Red Wing was featured as WNRN and NPR’s Song of the Day—completely unexpected and huge for me.
I can’t stress enough how crucial public media and broadcasting are for independent artists like me.” Love this answer because it hits multiple different times she can look back on.
What’s something about her or the band that people might not expect? She gave a answer for both saying “Well, I have my head tattooed, so I’m not sure much surprises people about me anymore, haha. But a few things to know: I have a huge sweet tooth, I’m obsessed with roses, and I’m passionate about animal rescue and pet adoption. I currently have three rescue dogs—Kirin, Jack, and Moe—two of them foster fails. Last year, I helped rehome five dogs through fostering. I also share my home with three bunnies: Smokey, Panama Red, and Loretta.
As for the band and me… we are pretty damn silly and love a late night Sheetz stop.”
What does Rebecca hope people feel when they hear her music? She said “I want people to feel seen and understood, maybe even empowered in their own situation—but I also want to give them space to let go, have fun, and forget about the hard stuff, even if only for a little while.” I felt this in her newest album for sure! Even had to send her a little “thank you for making this” text because I truly felt that. What does success look like for her in music? She said “I want to create meaningful work that not only fulfills me creatively but also supports my family. Success means having the freedom to explore my ideas, while being surrounded by people who uplift my work, challenge me when needed, and help me grow.”
How does she balance music with the rest of life? With “Coffee, morning walks, being around dogs, staying accountable to myself and others, using spreadsheets, phone notes and voice memos, paper calendars, and saving posts and links to revisit later—plus watching terrible reality TV, listening to true crime podcasts, and singing along in the car with my son and the band.”
What’s one piece of advice she’d give to someone just starting out in music?
“Figure out and remember your why.” I think that honestly can apply to life too. Do you have any upcoming releases or projects? Well she said “My debut LP, Roll With the Punches released on 8.8.25!”
Where can you find her music and follow her journey?
https://www.rebeccaportermusic.com/
Listen: https://vyd.co/RollWithThePunches
Instagram: rebeccaportermusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccaportermusic/Bandsintown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/8300593
Bandcamp: https://rebeccaporter.bandcamp.com/
Thank’s for checking out this week’s artist spotlight on Rebecca Porter! Y’all stay western and stay tuned for more!
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