About Rebecca Folsom
Colorado singer-songwriter, Rebecca Folsom believes every lyric, every note, every musical collaboration carries the potency to change the world. With her new recording, Sanctuary, Rebecca is on a mission to do that one listener at a time. Moving with ease through her four-octave range she plucks the instrument of the heart with tender fearlessness and fiery passion all meant to awaken unfettered aliveness.
Rooted in folk and gospel, the songs from Sanctuary intimately tell universal human stories. Each song, written with or for marginalized communities, is intent upon bringing voice to the parts of ourselves and of our society we have exiled. These heartfelt, raw, and honest stories reveal where the myth of separation is causing great human suffering. The songs are exquisite sonic landscapes that face our suffering and offer heartfelt, one-at-a-time solutions. From lilting intimate storytelling to the unbridled rise of impassioned choral harmonies, Rebecca’s new songs are potent medicines. If you need a dose of light and hope and fiery inspiration for the truth, the shadowy depths, and the goodness of humanity, reach for the songs of Sanctuary.
Her songs hit “like little earthquakes.” - Westword Magazine
Rebecca’s songs are “at once literate and emotional, and ... strike just the right note of connection.” - Dirty Linen
These days, Rebecca is finding and sharing connection by turning towards, listening, simply embracing what is, and taking practical effective action from this moment.
Born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, Rebecca’s formative years were inspired by the alternative pulse that beats in a town nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. She grew up running trails and writing songs amongst the pines and aspens, capturing inspiration from the plethora of spiritual teachings along with the sanctuary of the natural world.
Seasoned in a 20-year Zen Buddhism study, Rebecca meets these changing times with a much needed equanimity centered in relaxing into the Wisdom Of Uncertainty. It’s in this open spirit of being teachable that Rebecca has traversed the many bridges that have led to her latest album, Sanctuary. With Sanctuary, Rebecca uses her platform to serve the underprivileged, to inspire collective change, and to create an international movement.
In the spirit of collaboration, Rebecca wrote the songs for Sanctuary with activists, Zen masters, NYT Best Selling authors, Forbes America’s 100 Self-Made Women, social justice organizations, and those impacted in compromised, disempowered situations. Prisoners, refugees, Vietnam vets, homeless, elderly, and many others came together into creative circles with Rebecca. Together, superficialities fell away. They traveled the dark and the light, crossing the bridge of common humanity where the sunlight of spirit shines in even the darkest places. There, they shared in authentic conversations and deep listening. They found tears and laughter, and the natural inclination to share common human values.
Rebecca brought together a team of the highest caliber in the production of Sanctuary, each harmoniously sharing talent, aliveness, and love. Album producer Tom Wasinger, a three-time Grammy winner, deepened the intimacy, added a grass roots foundation, and entrained a magical resonance from a wizard’s chamber of instruments from all over the world. Six-time Grammy winner, Shaun Martin, co-produced the title track. Grammy nominees Sally Barris and Mark Oblinger lent their voices and songwriting prowess. Nick Forster and James Tuttle of eTown brought their big hearts and production talents. The band members that have had Rebecca’s back for more than 20 years were once again reliable pillars in the production. The involvement of many resulted in the sonically-rich, deeply touching gem of Sanctuary.
Rebecca has played on BBC television/radio for an audience of 1.5 million, Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, The Bluebird and Opryland in Nashville, TN, and numerous festivals nationwide. The song Sanctuary was a semi-finalist in the “2021 International Songwriting Competition.” Her album Extraordinary Days debuted with the song Better Times hitting Number 1 on the National Folk Radio DJ Chart and spending five months on the Top 50 National Americana Country Radio Chart.
Rebecca laughs and says, “I tend to live in extremes. I decided a long time ago that I would channel my intensity into the positive power of creativity. I relish in the joy in living, and thrive in helping others become greater, truer, happier people. From my personal past history, I’m not afraid to walk with others through some dark places. Sometimes we have to face into the shadows of life to free ourselves into a brighter future.”
For more than 30 years, she has been a transformational teacher and leadership coach. Nicknamed “the Creativity Shaman” by her clients of all ages and backgrounds, Rebecca has inspired thousands of individuals, large and small groups, and leadership teams of national and international corporations. She helps all seekers break down limitations, open more creative flow, and embrace more amazing life experiences. Her vocal empowerment workshops galvanize individual freedom and the creation of conscious communities. Her philanthropy includes serving with Blue Sky Bridge (a child advocacy organization), The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, Onetreeplanted.org, and IRC International Rescue Committee, to name just a few.
In addition to her 11 released albums and vibrant coaching career, Rebecca has written and published two books of poetry and created numerous paintings of fine art.
Passionate about elevating creative freedom, love, and authentic connection, Rebecca believes in daring to dream our wildest dreams, author the change we want to see, and trust in the goodness that shines from within.
With the songs of Sanctuary, you might find yourself singing along, dancing, weeping, or raising your hands in motivated celebration to rise up and live into our greatest human potential.