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Charla's Bio

Born into a music making family, Charla remembers singing as much as she remembers learning to speak. Growing up in an environment constantly surrounded by music and creativity, there is no question why she has such a wide range of musical style.

 

In 1991, while attending Baylor Dental School, Charla began hearing songs and seeing pictures in her head that she knew had to be expressed.

 

While finishing dental school she started playing with a folk band in Dallas, TX and soon after, branched out to play and record with one of her close friends.

 

Later on, she ventured into a few solo albums, one to reach out to those hurt by abortion (“Whiter than Snow”), the other to reach out to the people she had met in Nigeria suffering under civil unrest (“Sanu”). Since, she has been growing in home recording studios, writing songs, collecting songs, and sharing these songs with others. Charla has also been learning varied instruments (guitar, keys, mandolin, dulcimer, whistles etc.) for the past 10 years.

  

Some of those songs are being released on her new project, “Open Wide,” January 30, 2010, produced by Scott Macleod of Harvest Sound Productions in Nashville, TN.

 

One of Charla’s favorite parts of life is mixing sounds from countries that she has visited, and pouring out her life story through these tunes.

 

Another big part of Charla’s creative expression is visual artistry and dance. Therefore, expressions of art, sound, and dance can be expected at any of her events.

 

She has found a niche for this type of creative expression at The Foundry in Nashville, TN. The Foundry is a place existing for the purpose of seeing others blossom in their creative gifts.

 

Charla hosts “Open Mic Night” at The Foundry the third Tuesday night of every month where she finds fulfillment in being a part of developing other people’s creative gifts. Charla also leads worship once a month at The Foundry’s church service, Fortress Fellowship.

Charla's New CD: Open Wide

Just Released

What People Are Saying About

"Open Wide"...

"Made me cry, so beautiful!!!!!"  
-- Tricia Dawson

"I thought song number one was my favorite.  Then I thought song number two must be my favorite...and then I realized I couldn't pick a favorite!"
-- Tamra Boyce

“The Holy Spirit’s anointing is so upon this recording. I have experienced so much peace, healing, revelation, and ushering into the awesome presence of the Lord in such a deeper level. I sensed the singers and musicians’ purity of heart and hunger to praise and worship Almighty God, which allows for others to enter in also!”
--Donna Muller

“I’ve been wondering if there is a song that God will speak through in order for songwriters to be inspired. I believe that the song 'New Song In My Mouth' will be inspiration for those songwriters that have lost hope and even need renewed belief that God can put a new song in their mouths. This is a song of hope for His people, especially songwriters.”
-- Dia Liggons


"'OPEN WIDE' is an album of vulnerable praise. It is absolutely creative and a breath of fresh air...it never gets old! What Charla Rainey did on this album is an inspiration for other songwriters and worshipers...an encouragement that praise and worship doesn't have to fit a certain format or look a particular way. How freeing!!!"
-- Callie McKinney

"I have been playing this album over and over! It is a musical love story between Creator and created, inspiring the created to create, in order to point back to the Creator. My heart and spirit were awakened as indie-folk lyrics and music gently knocked on childhood dreams of love and innocence, purity and purpose. I was moved to healing and refreshing tears through the revelation of truth contained in this most special, remarkable gem."
-- Christina Norton

"From "Warrior Bride" to "Open Wide," Charla calls the listener to follow her in an epic journey of seeking out our Lover's heart. The drums especially draw me into this journey because they speak of something hidden that must be discovered; and I find myself more than willing to jump in and discover it. My favorite song is "Inside the Fortress." The spoken word and drums on this song sent me swimming in a river of God's presence past myself and into my soul. This album showed me how intertwined my soul is with God's, and that is why I love this CD."
-- Sally Boyce

"There are certain artists that I classify as different...like crazy, beautifully anointed, or just 'right on.' Some of these I consider to be Misty Edwards, Rita Springer, and Jason Upton. While they may not be known by the main public, they have the BEST music that has the ability to make you laugh and cry. Their music touches something so deep inside your soul. Charla Rainey's music...is in that category!"
-- Lexi Adams

Join us on the 3rd Tuesday of each month
in a coffee house setting.
We wanna hear YOUR song!