Making waves in the world of EDM, Rachel Braig, known by her moniker, Essy, is a singer-songwriter, was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, and revealed to American Songwriter in an interview, at 11 years old, she started honing into her musical talent through piano and songwriting. Throughout the years, she has continued to develop her lyrical prowess through songwriting programs at Berklee College and New York University’s Steinhardt School. Essy would later attend her home-state’s university to indulge in Psychology and Media Studies by the age of 20.

Since 2018, the burgeoning talent has since collaborated with the likes of Mike Pappas, and Hunter Hayes in songwriting, while providing vocals for major cuts by Ship Wreck and Star Party. Essy’s versatility shines throughout her debut, 5-track EP Second Thoughts, released on May 9, 2020, receiving assistance with production from Sam Martinez. Its lead single “Pulse” would go on to achieve over 400,000 streams on Spotify since its debut.

Essy’s 2021 EP Cry For Me marks her second body of work, containing 6 total tracks, opening with the intro “Restart,” and closing with the disco-pop heartbreaker “Stardust.”

Since 2022, Essy has released a string of standalone singles, which recently include the acoustic-tinged “Any Man” and the rock-influenced “Dear Kathleen.” Essy’s primary focus in her songwriting comprises of exploring the nuance and overlaps of romance and friendship, as well as self-identity and confidence.