In this episode of Curious Goldfish, Jason English sits down with Rachael Sage, a powerhouse of the independent music scene whose career spans over two decades and 15 studio albums. A six-time Independent Music Award winner and founder of MPress Records, Sage has built a legacy on "alt-pop" sensibilities infused with the grace of her background as a classically trained pianist and competitive ballerina.

The conversation moves with the same fluid precision as Sage’s songwriting, focusing on three pivotal areas of her creative life:

1. Music as a Tool for Survival Sage discusses the genesis of her latest album, The Other Side, which was forged in the crucible of her battle with endometrial cancer. For Sage, songwriting isn't just a profession; it’s a sanctuary. She reflects on how the record became a vessel for her recovery, stating, "I’ll make love my... I’ll subvert shame." This act of turning private pain into public art is central to her resiliency, transforming what she calls "a soldier's grief" into a shared experience of hope.

2. The Intersection of Discipline and Whimsy Sage’s history as a dancer informs her "choreographic" approach to music. She describes how the rigors of her early training allow her to find freedom within structure today. This discipline has led her to share stages with legends like Judy Collins and Ani DiFranco, yet she remains grounded in the simple joy of discovery, recently finding inspiration in "jamming and walking on Main Street" with fellow artists.

3. The Emotional Architecture of "The Other Side" The episode reaches a poignant peak as Sage breaks down the title track of her new record. She describes the "valley of eventually"—a mental space where patience and faith collide. As she explains, "I could not breathe... hoping you will find me in the under of what my future should fire." It is a candid look at how curiosity about one's own future can be the ultimate motivator during life's darkest chapters.