As more and more of the Millennial generation look for leadership in video games, Radio Disney, pop culture, and their own community of youth, there is a hope that a figure will rise up pointing them toward Hope… pointing them toward Love. It is possible that such a person may be found in the small stature, but big presence of fifteen- year-old, singer-songwriter Rachel Chan.
Born and raised in the rolling valleys of Simi Valley, California, Rachel is the oldest child of world-renowned, New York Times best-selling author and speaker Francis Chan. The welcoming, and spirit filled environment Chan and his wife Lisa have built provides a creative haven for this young songstress who admits her parents, “try to be the best picture of Christ they can be for me.”
This summer, Chan signed with in:ciite Media to release her debut record, “Go,” on January 10, 2012. With a firm foundation below her feet and an unwavering focus on Jesus, Chan has embarked for the first time up the steep road of record making. Working with seasoned pop music producer, Dave Lubben (Kultess), Rachel is the co-writer on all ten tracks featured on her recently completed debut CD. “I learned in a tangible way that relying on the Lord for my lyrics was the only way to create something productive. I’ve never necessarily considered myself a songwriter, but it was when I sought the Lord for His words, that I truly was able to write them in the Spirit. There is such a peace that I have about everything written because each word was prayed over. Writing these songs reminded me all over again exactly what I love about my Savior, and the things He does in my daily life that make me go weak in the knees.”
An honor student at a California public high school, this Junior finds passion in communicating with others, whether in her native English language or, as she’ll tell you, learning a new one; This year her favorite subject is the Chinese language. Either way, her music has provided Chan with the opportunity to reach her peers at an identifiable level and talk to them about their day-to-day struggles through songs like “Even Here” and “Prove It,” the new radio single set for release November 2011 which features a surprising collaboration with her father’s thirty second rap reflecting on the role of a caring father.
“I think kids my age find it difficult to abstain from drugs and physical relationships,” explained Rachel. “I’ve seen many “friends” or peers around me who try and get rid of their problems by getting drunk or high… as for my Christian peers, I think we struggle with disobeying our parents by arguing with them and rebelling against them. I think young Christian girls struggle with honoring their father and mother. That is one of the reasons why I wrote the song “Prove It,” to put a sort of funny twist on what a godly relationship between father and daughter should look like.”
There has not been, since the early days of Amy Grant, Rachel Lampa, Joy Williams, and Rebecca St. James, a young talent like Chan, with such an important story to tell through an endearing smile backed by an uncompromising boldness for Christ. Certainly these artists, and especially Chan, recall with admiration the legacy and responsibility attached to being a voice of her generation … a responsibility Chan willingly takes on as a blessing afforded to her by a great and moving God!