Hello there Excitable nation! Time to meet the latest fan spotlight. Here is the story of Rachelle Mueller!
During Rachelle’s middle and high school years, she states that you are influenced by your peers as to what music is cool or trendy, but it was mostly main stream stuff. So it was her brother Dallas who is 3 years older than her who would blast different music that she had never heard on the radio. “Tool, Silverchair, Pearl Jam, etc. Among the music he listened to was 311. Their unique combination of reggae and rock really resonated with me. It was an instant vibe I couldn’t get enough of!”
For seeing 311 live, Rachelle’s count is at 19. Her 20th show will be this year at Red Rocks on October 2nd. “I went on the 311 cruise in 2019 and was rockin’ my face off along with my fellow excitables in Vegas 2020 when the world was shutting down!” First show for her was in 2001, in her hometown, in her very own high school auditorium. “When I heard they were coming to my little town of Twin Falls, Idaho I couldn’t believe it. This was the first time I skipped school to go stand in line for tickets at the Music Exchange. Seeing them live was like an alternate universe, I was hooked!”
As for favorite show, she chose the 311 cruise. “If you have not been on the 311 cruise, I’m here to tell you it’s worth every penny!! The positive vibe and atmosphere all over the boat was so infectious. It was hard to get any sleep because there was so much live music and things to do all hours of the day. As we were setting sail off the coast of Florida, we were going underneath a bridge and 311 was singing “Stealing Happy Hours.” With a drink in my hand and my big brother by my side it was a snapshot in time that I will never forget!! Trust me I will never miss another cruise opportunity.”
There are many songs that can hype Rachelle up or get her through life’s dark moments. If she had to choose one, she said it would have to be “Champagne.” “As a single mom of 3 I have struggled with relationships. This song always reminds me that I am important and have a ton to offer the right person. As the song states – I will never understand you, When will I stop trying, I mean, cus its just not how I planned to, Spend my time til dying. I can only move forward and not dwell on the choices of others. The ones who are meant to stay will stay!”
Rachelle said the song “Dodging Raindrops” was a real momental one for many during 2020. “So many people dealt with mental illness during this time and struggling with the closure of the world and the unknown if life would ever be the same. ‘Why do I stay inside, I should be livin life, Instead of watchin through the window. No use in playin safe, Not gonna hesitate, I know the storm is only mental.’ As the dust has settled and things are becoming normal, I have traveled more this year than ever before. I don’t hesitate! I know life is short and can no longer take it for granted. I think 2020 helped me to see that we can’t predict the future so its best to live your life now!”
Born in Minot, North Dakota, Rachelle moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, when she was just 4 years old. There she stayed until she went to the University of Idaho in Moscow from 2002 – 2006. “During my college career I traveled abroad and spent a semester at the University of Sunshine Coast in Australia. After graduation I moved to Seattle Washington for a bit until I was blessed with my first son. Not having family in the area I decided to move back home, which is where I reside now.”
In 2016, Rachelle took a huge leap of faith and left a job she hated to pursue teaching! “I did not have my teaching license, I had no idea what grade level I wanted to teach but just knew I loved kids and having summers off to be with my own children seemed pretty sweet. A small town outside of Twin Falls took a chance on me that year and I am currently going into my 6th year, teaching 3rd grade at Kimberly Elementary. In 2019 I started my masters degree online through Western Governors University and can say I have a Bachelors in Journalism and a Masters in k-8 education!” Rachelle has 3 amazing kids of her own – Ledger, 13, Rigdon, 8, and Mckenna, 3. “I’m proud to say they all love 311 too and each have a favorite song!”
Fun fact about Rachelle is that she’s an adrenaline junkie! “Anything off the wall crazy is right up my alley! Skydiving, Ziplining, Rollercoasters, Cliff jumping, you name it I’m usually up for it. One summer during college I even raced cars at the local speedway. It was a Ford escort Hatchback. It was in a series called the Hornets. All the cars were supposed to be painted yellow and black, but I was gray and black with a big Black Widow painted on the roof. You won’t guess what my race number was…..311!!”
Something else that Rachelle has recently gotten into is axe throwing. “We have a certified WATL center here in Twin Falls. My friends and I would just go throw and drink beer every once in a while, when I realized I was naturally pretty good at it. I’m currently in a league and we play every Tuesday night!”
Guilty pleasure for Rachelle is scary stuff! “
I love scary stuff! Even my kids say it’s always Halloween in my soul! I spend quite a bit of money every year on my costumes and can confidently say my SFX makeup is pretty sick. I have won numerous costume contest with my looks! I have to say my Voodoo costume has been my favorite so far. I really want to buy stilts and be a satyr. Half women/half goat and make some huge horns and goat legs! We will see if it ever comes to fruition! When the kids are asleep or gone to their dads for the weekend you can find me curled up on the couch by myself indulging in Horror movies!”
As for other musicians that Rachelle loves, she credits 311 for opening many music avenues for her. The cruise itself being a big influence on what she listens to now. Some other artists include Tropidelic, RDGLDGRN, Dirty Heads, Sublime with Rome, Matisyahu, Incubus, Jack Johnson, Tool, RATM, Beastie Boys, Perfect Circle, and Pepper. “I listen to old school hip hop too…you know the good stuff! Busta, Missy, DMX, Dre and Snoop!”
Rachelle has these words to send out to 311, more specifically Pnut: “Thanks P-nut for humoring me when I came up to you in the Florida airport after the cruise. I was totally geekin’ out and could barely spit out the words, but I enjoyed our brief conversation. It was so cool to meet you and have admired your bass technique all these years.”
Now here is her message to all her fellow fans:
“I cannot express all the love I have felt from all of you excitables that I have met! Hands down we are the best community! I look forward to meeting more of you and if you are at the RED Rocks show in October come say hi!!”
Big thanks Rachelle for sharing your story! To all the supporters of the fan spotlight, you rock too. Have an amazing week – we are officially in August which means it’s almost tour time!
Much Love – The Runt