Rachael Sage & The Sequins have announced “Under My Canopy”, a warm and intimate acoustic reimagining of songs from their critically acclaimed 2025 studio album “Canopy”. It releases today (9th October) via MPress/Virgin/Universal.

Featuring fresh acoustic instrumentation, adventurous new arrangements, and an extraordinary cast of collaborating musicians, “Under My Canopy” is among the most soulful and thought-provoking works of Sage’s prolific career. The album transforms Canopy’s diverse collection of songs into what Sage describes as “an intimate musical refuge.” Her work has been woven from resilience, longing, and the determination to find light in the darkest of places. “Under My Canopy” finds common ground in themes of purposeful and joyful living, rooted in inclusivity, equality, and non-violence.

A summer of acoustic releases

The album was preceded by a run of releases across the summer and early autumn. First out of the gate on 7th August was “Everyday”, Sage’s long-awaited take on Buddy Holly’s beloved classic. It was reimagined with finger cymbals, claps, violin, cello, and an acoustic guitar contribution from Christie Lenée. Sage has spoken of “Everyday” as perhaps her very favourite pop song. It is a piece she has carried with her since childhood, and one she felt compelled to record in not one but two distinct arrangements once the sessions began. Sage will be donating proceeds from the Maxi-Single to the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation.

“Canopy (Acoustic)” followed on 28th August. The album’s title track features Kristen Ford and explores radical inclusivity, pacifism and environmental consciousness. Sage describes the song as an inspirational anthem, featuring one of the most memorable hooks of her career. It arrives as an emotional exhale and an invitation, in Sage’s words, “to gather, to feel safe, and to start by doing no harm.”

Exploring identity, loss and hope

On 18th September came “Underneath (Acoustic)”, a quietly devastating response to the epidemic of school shootings in America. Sage first performed the song the very day she wrote it, at an intimate show at New York’s Rockwood Music Hall. It is preceded on the album by an acoustic rendering of Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America”, which Sage frames as a deeply patriotic act.

Finally, on 2nd October, “Colorized World (Acoustic)” arrived, a deeply personal coming-of-age love song written in Sage’s mid-twenties. She wrote it around the time she came out as bisexual. Revisited now with lilting accordion and cello, the song takes on new emotional weight following the recent passing of the woman who first inspired it.

“I hope that by including this coming-of-age love song in the record,” Sage shares, “it makes even just one person feel more seen, and less alone.”

An intimate and emotionally rich collection

“Under My Canopy” is a record of remarkable breadth and emotional range. It moves from sun-drenched Americana warmth to achingly intimate balladry, from joyful pop exuberance to quietly devastating reflection. Across its tracks, Sage and The Sequins navigate themes of self-acceptance, political disillusionment, queer identity, grief, and the stubborn insistence on hope. The album creates an intimate acoustic atmosphere that encourages listeners to return and discover new details. Highlights include “Nexus (Acoustic)”, which fans can already enjoy alongside its acclaimed music video, directed by Nick Clark. The song honours Nex Benedict, a nonbinary student who died following a violent attack by school peers. It stands as one of the most powerful moments in Sage’s live set to date.

Sage produced the album alongside Grammy® nominated engineer and bassist Mikhail Pivovarov, who also handled mixing and mastering. The Sequins feature violinist Kelly Halloran, drummer Andy Mac and harmonica player Trina Hamlin. Cellists Dave Eggar and Ward Williams complete the ensemble, which also welcomes an exceptional roster of guest collaborators. These include guitarists Christie Lenée, Ben Butler, James Mastro, and Jack Petruzzelli. Percussionists include Doug Yowell and Quinn, alongside accordionist Rob Curto. Clarinetist David Krakauer and upright bassist Kerry Brooks also contribute to the album. Guest vocalists include Cassandra Kubinski, Kristen Ford and Americana duo Annalyse & Ryan. UK Blues Award winner Will Wilde completes the impressive lineup of collaborators.

UK tour dates and a celebrated musical career

“Under My Canopy” arrives just ahead of a run of UK dates supporting British singer-songwriter Emma Stevens. Sage has performed thousands of shows across the world and shared stages with artists including Imelda May, Rufus Wainwright, Jamie Cullum, Howard Jones, Judy Collins, and most recently supporting Wet Wet Wet on tour.

Since founding her own label MPress Records, Rachael Sage has steadily released a slew of vibrant, dynamic albums. In addition to being a six-time Independent Music Award-winning musician and producer, Sage is also a John Lennon Contest Grand Prize winner who has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, SXSW, and toured globally from Japan to Berlin. Sage is also a visual artist and former ballet dancer who performed with the New York City Ballet. A self-described “cancer thriver,” she is a philanthropic advocate who has raised money for a wide range of causes. This includes the Foundation For Women’s Cancer, WHY Hunger, American Refugee Committee/Alight, National Network For Youth (NN4Y), The Trevor Project, and Rainbow Mind (UK).