Featured

There is something wonderfully reassuring about an artist who continues to find new ways of telling familiar stories. For Rachael Sage, music has always been about more than melodies and memorable choruses. It is a means of understanding the world, embracing vulnerability and finding common ground in an increasingly divided society. Released today (9th October) via MPress/Virgin/Universal, “Under My Canopy” sees the acclaimed singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist revisit her 2025 studio album “Canopy”, transforming its richly layered arrangements into something altogether more intimate. Alongside her band The Sequins and an impressive collection of musical collaborators, Sage has created a record that feels comforting without shying away from difficult subjects. There is grief here, certainly, but also romance, compassion, humour and an unwavering belief that music can bring people together. For an artist whose career has consistently defied easy categorisation, “Under My Canopy” feels like another natural chapter in a remarkable musical journey. Finding the heart of the song The decision to revisit an album acoustically is hardly unfamiliar territory for Sage. Her previous release, “Another Side”, offered a similarly stripped back interpretation of her 15th studio album, “The Other Side”, allowing listeners to experience familiar material through a different musical lens. Previously speaking exclusively to Maverick about that project, Sage explained how touring had fundamentally changed her relationship with her songs. “Often on tour, listeners ask, ‘What album sounds the most like what I’ve just heard you do live?’ and it can be a struggle to point to anything that’s not highly produced alt-pop.” Having performed extensively with her violinist, cellist and harmonica player, she became increasingly drawn towards the honesty and immediacy of acoustic arrangements. The experience also reinforced something that remains central to her songwriting philosophy. Rather than simply removing layers of production, Sage and her collaborators have reconsidered the emotional character of each composition, introducing delicate strings, acoustic guitars and expressive instrumental flourishes that give the songs room to breathe. The result is an album that draws listeners closer to the stories behind the music. A little shelter from the storm At the heart of “Under My Canopy” is the idea of finding sanctuary in an uncertain world. Its title track, “Canopy (Acoustic)”, featuring Kristen Ford, explores inclusivity, environmental awareness and the importance of treating others with compassion. Sage describes the song as an invitation “to gather, to feel safe, and to start by doing no harm.” It is a simple but powerful philosophy, particularly at a time when division and hostility so often dominate public conversation. Throughout the album, Sage approaches difficult subjects with an admirable sensitivity, balancing her willingness to confront uncomfortable realities with an instinct for warmth and melodic beauty. One of the most affecting moments arrives with “Underneath (Acoustic)”, a response to the devastating prevalence of school shootings in America. Originally performed at New York’s Rockwood Music Hall on the day it was written, the song reflects the immediacy of Sage’s emotional response. Its placement alongside her interpretation of Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” adds another dimension, exploring what patriotism might mean when accompanied by grief, disappointment and a desire for meaningful change. Elsewhere, “Nexus (Acoustic)” honours Nex Benedict, a nonbinary student whose death following a confrontation with school peers prompted widespread discussion about the treatment of LGBTQ+ young people. These are not easy subjects, but Sage has never been an artist particularly interested in taking the easiest path. Her songs acknowledge pain while continuing to search for understanding. Love in a colourised world Perhaps the album’s most personally revealing moment comes with “Colorized World (Acoustic)”, a song Sage originally wrote in her twenties while coming to terms with her bisexual identity. Revisited decades later, the composition carries an entirely different emotional weight following the death of the woman who first inspired it. The new arrangement introduces accordion and cello, giving the song a gentle, nostalgic quality that complements its reflections on young love, identity and memory. “I hope that by including this coming-of-age love song in the record, it makes even just one person feel more seen, and less alone,” Sage explains. It is a sentiment that captures much of what makes her songwriting so compelling. There is something particularly moving about returning to a song written during a formative period of life and discovering that its meaning has evolved alongside you. Experiences that once seemed immediate and overwhelming can become treasured memories, while the passing of time brings fresh understanding. For Sage, revisiting older material is evidently not about nostalgia alone. It offers an opportunity to acknowledge the person she once was while celebrating the perspective she has gained. The joy of musical collaboration Although “Under My Canopy” is deeply personal, its creation has been anything but solitary. Sage once again worked alongside longtime collaborator Mikhail Pivovarov, who shares production duties and handled mixing and mastering. The Sequins provide the musical foundation, with violinist Kelly Halloran, drummer Andy Mac and harmonica player Trina Hamlin joined by cellists Dave Eggar and Ward Williams. During an earlier conversation with Maverick, she spoke warmly about Annalyse & Ryan, who feature within the album, recalling how their friendship developed within the Hudson Valley music community during lockdown. “They hosted musical events with multiple artists and invited me to participate. That’s how our relationship began, and we’ve toured together since,” she explained. That sense of friendship and shared creativity is central to the atmosphere of “Under My Canopy”. The arrangements feel like conversations between musicians, with individual contributions supporting the songs rather than competing for attention. Everyday magic and musical memories Among the album’s lighter moments is Sage’s affectionate interpretation of Buddy Holly’s “Everyday.” Released as a single in August, the recording features finger cymbals, handclaps, violin, cello and acoustic guitar from Christie Lenée, bringing a playful freshness to the beloved classic. The choice also carries a particularly lovely personal connection. In a previous Maverick interview, Sage revealed that her father’s record collection had been an important part of her musical upbringing, introducing her