In March of 2003, Rachel Griffin released her first independent CD, "Let It Go," a collection of fourteen original songs performed with full band. Rachel received rave reviews for her CD and live performances. The Portland Press Herald stated, "Rachel Griffin, at the ripe old age of 20, is putting out music like a veteran. She calls it 'jazz influenced pop.' I compare it to Norah Jones." Rachel has been complimented on her songwriting skills and vocal abilities by grammy winner Bruce Hornsby, and well knowsn artists such as Gavin Degraw and Livingston Taylor. Rachel won 2nd place in American Idol Undergrounds pop songwriting competition for her song "Alone". The contest was judged by Verdine White (from Earth, Wind and Fire), Preston Glass, and Kimberly Caldwell. Rachel also made it to the semi-finals in the NEMO songwriting competition with her song, "He Skipped Work." Rachel was a semi-finalist in the Disc Makers Independent Music World Series. A&R screeners listened to 1,100 submissions and selected only 100 semi-finalists from the Northeast. Entries were judged on Overall Vibe, Songwriting, Vocal/Lead Instrument Performance, and Artistic Merit. Rachel has performed at many renowned venues such as The Cutting Room and The Bitter End in New York City, and Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, California. She has opened for many talented singer songwriters, including Richard Julian, and two performances with Livingston Taylor. She receives air play from local radio stations such as WMPG, and WERU and has performed live on a local news station WGME 13. Rachel also enjoys organizing an occasional benefit for people who are disabled, homeless or in need. Rachel continues to write and perform throughout the United States, and the future holds exciting possibilities for this emerging artist. As The Portland Press Herald reported, "We've got her early in her career, so take advantage. If I ever wanted to see a storybook ending for a musician, it would have to be Rachel Griffin."