New Hampshire singer-songwriter Rebecca Turmel recently released her single “Am I Missing Something” and an accompanying music video. She describes the song as one that “expresses vulnerability, love, and loss” and that Anthony Riso, who produced the video, captured the reflective state she was in when writing the track.
“The video was primarily shot in the same field I took the picture at for the cover art, but it also includes the storyline of a romantic relationship from the beginning to end—including the aftermath of the betrayal I discuss in the song,” said Turmel.
Turmel fills us in on the backstory for “Am I Missing Something” and the writing and recording process.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background in music.
My story starts in the theatre. My very first performance was at the age of nine, and from there, I grew up performing in over a hundred stage shows throughout my childhood and into my college career. Then, I dusted off my guitar during my junior year of college and ventured out to open mics in the area to try something new. I played covers of popular songs and found a deeper love for telling stories with my voice and guitar. It wasn’t long until I picked up gigs at local venues and worked my way towards becoming a full-time musician. After being a cover artist for over three years, I am now transitioning into my recording career after obtaining my manager, Jim Yeager. I will be releasing my next single this month, and then the plan is to release another single every two months as he teaches me the ropes of songwriting. There are already four other tunes we have in the works that I cannot wait to share with all of you.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your new single “Am I Missing Something” and the accompanying music video.
“Am I Missing Something” was inspired by the heartbreak I was experiencing at the time, but it also came from my desire to start writing my own music. There was a lot of pain in my heart I could not escape from. I needed to find a way to truly process those feelings and work towards a place of healing, so that’s when I decided to sit down and see if I could find that through writing a song.
The inspiration for the “Am I Missing Something” music video came from what I was feeling when I wrote this song. I was in an introspective state, playing my previous relationship and the betrayal in my mind over and over again. I wanted my listeners to be a part of this experience visually and really connect to the story I am telling since I know it is one many can relate to.
What was the songwriting and recording process?
“Am I Missing Something” was the first experience I had with a song just pouring out of me. I tried writing a few times before, but it felt too forced, and I want my music to always come from a place of authenticity. With this song, I sat down to reflect on everything I was feeling at the time, and after an hour, I had written “Am I Missing Something.” It felt like a weight off of my shoulders. I knew this one was special, and it gave me a reason to finally step foot in a recording studio, which is something I had been dreaming of for a long time.
I recorded this song at The Underground Recording Studio in Randolph, VT, where I had the pleasure of working with the talented Vincent Freeman. It was my first time in a professional recording studio, so I was quite nervous, but that didn’t last long. Vincent created such a calming environment and continuously assured me that I was ready for this long-awaited moment. We recorded my guitar/vocals in one day and left the studio thinking we had a finished product, but then I sent a copy of the mix to Jim Yeager (my manager), and the evolution of the song began.
At that point, Jim was just an industry contact that I knew of. I respected his opinion and asked him to listen to the first mix of “Am I Missing Something” in hopes he would give me some feedback.
Instead, he told me he wanted to help me with my recording/writing career going forward and also help produce this song I was about to release. From there, we added a piano track, bass track, strings, and a drumbeat. He really helped me create the best version of my debut single.
Love the music video and the scenery. Can you share with us the process for the filming?
The music video for “Am I Missing Something” was shot in a day by Anthony Riso. We went back to the same field the picture in the cover art was taken at (which Anthony also captured) and began shooting all of the outdoor scenes. Once those were finished, we drove downtown and shot all of the “flashback” scenes with my ex-lover, played by Asher Clark. It was just the three of us, and the process was quite simple because of that. Anthony and Asher are both extremely talented artists, and I look forward to working with them again in the future.
Any behind-the-scenes memorable moments?
Yes — I am still laughing about the moment before we filmed the water scenes. I wasn’t familiar with the area, so I didn’t realize the water we were getting into was a part of the ocean. I was thinking it was just a lake, so it was a big surprise when I looked down as I was walking in and almost stepped on a large crab. Let’s just say we both weren’t too happy about the unexpected interaction. After that, Anthony and I were very careful about where we were wading in the water. There were so many of them, and luckily, none of us were pinched!
What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to “Am I Missing Something?”
I hope my listeners take away some type of healing, like I did. I realize the story and the themes I write about in this song are not unique. Betrayal in love is, unfortunately, something many people experience, so if that is the case for my listeners, I hope this song brings you validation and a step closer to the process of healing through your heartbreak. I know just how hard it can be.
Is there a particular lyric that speaks to you?
I would say the lyric that speaks the most to me is “what’s wrong with my love?” and that’s because I have asked myself that question so many times now. Especially because this was not my only experience with betrayal in my love life. When it continuously happens, it’s hard to not place the blame on yourself. You can’t help but wonder if you are doing something wrong or if there is something you need to change.
When did you first pick up the guitar, and what drew you to that instrument?
I first picked up a guitar in high school because my mother and father gifted me with this instrument. They bought me my first guitar as a Christmas gift. The only instrument I had before was my own voice, so it was honestly quite intimidating to pick up a guitar for the first time. Once I started teaching myself how to play, and things began to click, I was fascinated by the sound and what it added to my music.
Speaking of guitars, what brands do you play and why?
I currently own a Taylor, Martin, and Takamine. My preference is always my Taylor Academy 12e due to its beautiful sound, response to my touch, and comfortability to play. The beveled edge really makes a difference, and the size is perfect for me. It has a tone that I just have not found in other guitars yet.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, and Liz Longley are some of my top musical influences. I have always been drawn to female singer-songwriters, and each of these women have made incredible strides in the music industry, which is inspiring to me.
Will you be touring in support of your new music?
Yes, I do plan to tour in support of my new music. There are no dates set in stone just yet, but that is because we are still in the writing process. After a few of my singles have been released in the coming months, the plan is to hit the road and perform my new releases for you all!
Connect with Rebecca Turmel
Photographer: Anthony Riso
More info about Anthony: https://linktr.ee/arisophoto