For several decades, Rebecca Folsom has built a career rooted in songwriting, performance, and authentic musical expression. Known for her powerful voice and deeply resonant lyrics, Rebecca has toured extensively, released multiple albums, and created music that connects across genres and audiences. At the core of her work is a commitment to honest storytelling and creative exploration. In this Community Spotlight, Rebecca sits down with Gary Gutierrez of The Lesson Studio to share her journey as an artist, her songwriting process, and what continues to inspire her today.
Q and A with Rebecca Folsom
Gary: Rebecca, you have had such a rich career in music. What first drew you to songwriting?
Rebecca: Songwriting has always been a way for me to process and express what I am experiencing. It started very naturally. I was drawn to music early on, and writing songs became a way to make sense of things and connect with others. Over time, it just became part of who I am.
Gary: When you sit down to write, what does your process look like?
Rebecca: It usually starts with a feeling or a phrase. Sometimes it is a melody, sometimes it is a lyric. I try to stay open and let the song come through rather than forcing it. There is a balance between structure and intuition. I have learned to trust that process more over time.
Gary: Your music connects with people on a deep level. What do you think makes a song resonate?
Rebecca: Authenticity. People can feel when something is real. When you are writing from an honest place, it gives others permission to feel something too. That connection is what I value most about music.
Gary: You have performed in so many different settings. What do you enjoy most about performing live?
Rebecca: I love the connection with the audience. Every room is different, and every performance has its own energy. There is something really special about sharing a moment with people through music. It never gets old.
Gary: How has your approach to music evolved over the years?
Rebecca: I think I have become more trusting of myself. Earlier on, there was more pressure to figure things out or fit into certain expectations. Now I feel more grounded in my voice and what I want to say. That freedom has allowed me to create more honestly.
Gary: For aspiring songwriters, what advice would you give?
Rebecca: Keep writing. Stay curious and open. Do not worry about whether something is good or not in the beginning. The more you write, the more you learn your voice. And listen, really listen, to music that moves you.
Gary: What continues to inspire you today?
Rebecca: Life, people, experiences, nature, all of it. Inspiration is everywhere if you are paying attention. Music is just a way of translating that into something you can share.
Learn More and Get Involved
Rebecca Folsom: Songwriter, performer, and recording artist – explore music, upcoming
shows, and recordings. Check out her upcoming Liberated Songwriting Workshop Series at
the Roberts Music Home in East Boulder Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm to 9:30pm on June
24, July 8, July 29, August 12, August 26, with a final concert August 28!
The Lesson Studio: Performance based music education in Boulder and beyond.
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