About the band

Four stories, one sound

Your backstage pass starts here

Who’s on stage? Let us introduce you!

We’re Chasing Rachel, four musicians who know how to turn any stage into the best night of your week! We show up ready to laugh, make memories, and share that feel-good energy with everyone in the room.

Each of us brings something different to the table, and when it all comes together, it’s just… the kind of magic you can’t fake. Scroll on to meet the band, hear our stories, and see why we love doing this night after night.

Rachel Porter

Vocals

How did she get into music? Rae will tell you, “I was born into it.” ALL of her family sings, including both sets of grandparents, and her roots run deep in Southern Gospel as she grew up singing in church.

Though she never had formal vocal training, Rae did try piano lessons.. until her teacher made the mistake of playing the piece first instead of teaching her to read music. From that moment on, she relied on her ear, successfully performing in federations, guilds, and recitals for seven years.

Raised on Goose Creek Island, NC, she later found herself on the island of O‘ahu, singing a wide variety of music with several bands. It was there she discovered the true meaning of aloha, and her personal favorite, ‘ohana... a word that perfectly describes what this band has become.

Rae moved to Murrells Inlet in 2016, staying close to the water as she always has. The waves here don’t compare to Hawai‘I, but they work on the right tide. And when the tide is low? Well, it’s just another kind of treasure.. sharks’ teeth waiting to be found!

Rae's greatest musical influence of all time is the incredible Gladys Knight and her Pandora stations range from B.B. King Blues to Led Zeppelin. The name 'Chasing Rachel' most definitely fits well when trying to keep up with her taste in music!

Greg Hines

Guitars

Growing up in High Point NC, Gregs inspiration for music came from that fateful evening in 1964 when Ed Sullivan introduced the Beatles to America for the first time.

A decade later, at 15 years old, he started teaching himself guitar by emulating various Rock and Blues guitarists of the period, such as Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter & Jimi Hendrix. By the late 70’s, Greg found himself playing in regional clubs in multiple bands ranging from classic rock to country. In 1998, he stepped away from performing to raise a family.

Twenty six years later, Greg returned to the music scene and formed a musical partnership with Rachel Porter through their mutual love of classic rock, blues and soul. This led to the formation of Chasing Rachel.

It has been a blessing for Greg to return to his love of music and has been an honor to share it with fans who feel the same.

Ryan Koehler

Bass

Ryan studied at Juilliard and Mannes College of Music, and holds a master’s degree in music with a concentration in double bass performance. He’s toured and performed with orchestras across the United States and Europe, and has called Myrtle Beach home for over 10 years.

Ryan approaches the electric bass with influences that span centuries, from Bach and Brahms to the unmistakable growl of 90's alternative. As someone who has been playing double bass since the third grade, he is a passionate advocate for music education and the arts.

Off stage, he’s married to the band’s photographer, Crystal, and is a proud dad to two daughters - one an aspiring artist with a love for paint and drawing, and the other is a pop star in the making who thinks it’s pretty amazing that her dad gets to perform on stage.

Bob DeFeo

Drums

Bob’s rhythm story started like many drummers... banging on pots and pans before he could even reach the kit!

His love of music carried him into college where he studied music and picked up the trumpet, adding even more depth to his sound. Over the years, he’s played it all: blues, soul, indie, alt rock, even yacht rock. He also spent some time touring with a tribute band.

Influenced by greats like Clyde Stubblefield, Jeff Porcaro, Nate Smith, and Dennis Chambers, Bob brings a groove-driven style that keeps the band locked in and the crowd moving.

When he’s not behind the kit, you’ll find him outdoors running, biking, or jumping into just about any sport that gets him moving.

Special thanks

To our crew behind the scenes

Joe Porter • Stage Manager
Joe is the invisible force that keeps every show on track, from load-in to lights out! He sets up the gear, loads and unloads the trailer, handles the sound equipment... truly the workhorse that we couldn’t do this without! As husband and #1 fan of our lead singer, he’s been “chasing Rachel” for years, on stage and off.

Cindy Hines • Business Director
Handling the less glamorous but absolutely essential side of band life, Cindy takes care of everything from taxes and insurance to payroll. Alongside her husband, guitarist Greg Hines, Cindy plays a vital role in the band’s success. Her skills keep the ship steady so the rest of the crew can focus on the music!

Guy Mitchell • Sound Engineer
As owner of North Shore Productions, Guy runs sound for our live shows and keeps things dialed in from start to finish. With him at the board and Rae on the mic, the music doesn’t just fill the room, it surrounds you.

Crystal Koehler • Photo & Design
Band photographer, website designer, and owner of Crystal Lee Photography. Oh, and she’s married to Ryan on bass... which means her life is equal parts pixels and bass lines.

Isabella DeFeo • Logo Creation
The artist behind our eye-catching logo, Isabella set the tone for our whole vibe before we ever played a show. She also happens to be the daughter of our drummer, Bob DeFeo, proving that rhythm and creativity run in the family!