Defining Moments

     In 2005-2006 I worked in the retail store at the Wildhorse Saloon.  The store was located in the far back corner of the venue, and when I heard Gwen Sebastian voice soar through the building I couldn’t help but take notice.  I asked a co-worker who had worked there longer than me, “Who is that singing?”   I have been a fan ever since!

     She has new music coming out today; find out how you can get it in the feature below.

Defining Moments

          

  “I began singing at a very early age with my parents who were musicians as well as farmers,” said singer songwriter, Gwen Sebastian.  She grew up on a cattle ranch in North Dakota.  Sebastian began writing songs in high school.  “My inspiration comes from everyday life.  People on the street, my friends, my husband and sometimes watching my favorite TV shows gives me ideas,” said Sebastian.

            There are defining moments in anyone’s career.  These moments lead you down a path, and one decision leads to the next.  Sebastian’s first moment came when she visited Nashville for the first time.  “I was in nursing school and after making a trip to a Nashville Music Convention, I decided it was time to make the move permanent,” said Sebastian.

            After years of playing writer’s rounds at the Bluebird Café and other venues, Sebastian started her own band.  I believe this was her second defining moment.  “We were the house band at the Wildhorse Saloon and traveled the country performing over 250 dates per year,” said Sebastian.  During this time she opened for acts such as; Taylor Swift, Sugarland, and Dierks Bentley.  “It was hard at first.  Being a musician means not being able to go to your best friend’s wedding or a family reunion, because you’re usually working on the weekends,” said Sebastian.

            A third defining moment can in 2012.  Sebastian had three red chairs turn for her during her blind audition for season two of The Voice.  She ultimately picked team Blake.  That decision lead to her to joining his tour as part of his band.  In 2014, Sebastian had her first number one single on the Country Airplay Charts singing with Blake Shelton on his single, “My Eyes”.  “My parents taught me how to harmonize.  My other influences are; Emmy Lou Harris, Pat Benatar, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, and The Eagles, all whom have stayed true to their art,” said Sebastian.

            Playing the Grand Ole Opry for the first time in 2013 is one of Sebastian’s fondest musical memories.  "Playing the Opry for the first time was a spiritual experience, one that I'll never forget," said Sebastian.

            This year and into 2018, Sebastian is on tour with Miranda Lambert as part of her band.  She also has co-writing credit on three songs off Lambert’s latest album, ‘The Weight of These Wings’.

            Sebastian is always working on her own music as well.  “My current single, “Quicksand” is out now and my new album ‘Once Upon a Time in the West: Act I’ will be released November 17^th,” said Sebastian.  You can check out all her music at her website, www.gwensebastian.com or on iTunes.

            “Don’t settle” is a motto Sebastian lives by.  You never know when an opportunity can become a defining moment.

Gwen Sebastian on Social Media:

Facebook: gwensebastianmusic

Instagram: gwensebastian

Twitter: GwenSebastian

Empathy is Key

     I've been having trouble sitting down to write lately.  I don't feel like I have any inspiration these days, and struggle with what to say.  Today, I thought I would try a writing prompt to jump start some thoughts.
     Prompt:  If you could invent something to help mankind, what would it be?
    
     This is an interesting prompt that came up after a year filled with so much hate, unrest, and violence in Kansas City and around the world.  I think about the 152 homicides in the metro area thus far, the 58 killed and hundreds more injured by a gunman in Las Vegas while they were attending a concert, those that face racism/discrimination on a daily basis, and the terrorist attacks overseas.  My heart goes out to those affected.  With that being said, I wish that I could invent a medication that would give everyone empathy.  Why empathy?  Well, empathy is "the ability to understand and share the feelings of another".  I believe that the people who commit the heinous acts I've mentioned lack empathy.  If they did, they never would have intentionally caused pain to another individual by guns, words, etc.  It would force the person to stop and think about what they were about to do or say.  You would have the ability to understand what affect the action would have on the other person.  You've heard the idiom, "Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes," it's a reminder to think of other's feelings.
     I think one of the most important characteristics a person can have in the quest to make the world a better place is empathy.  There are many news stories and viral videos around the internet to validate this point.
     I challenge everyone who reads this (including myself) to think of a way you can go above and beyond to show kindness to someone you know really needs it.  Take action, be the medicine someone else needs!
***Feel free to share any of your stories with me at reesewritings@gmail.com.

Lonely Heart

I just know there is someone out there for me, but I can't seem to find him.

My heart aches to love and be loved. 

It's disappointing when the results continue to be the same.

Why is it taking so long to heal this lonely heart?

 

Everyday I wake up and try to be a better person than the day before.

I have a kind heart, so I can't figure out why people leave me.

There's and internal struggle to believe I deserve love.

Why is it taking so long to heal this lonely heart?

 

Days seem to drag on, and when night falls life seems so unfair.

There's no such thing as a perfect person, but I'd like to think there's a perfect person for me.  I do deserve love!  I won't settle for less.

My feelings cycle back around and I doubt if I'm worthy of the love my parents had.  It's the standard I look to find.

Why is it taking so long to heal this lonely heart?

 

It would sure be nice to find a man to come home to every night. 

Filling the loneliness feels like the missing puzzle piece to life.

I know I'm not alone in my loneliness.

So to the guy that's lonely for me- Step up, my heart is ready and open.

Never Forget Your Roots

           Picture a five-year-old boy riding around southern Mississippi in his Dad’s 1986 F-150 listening to the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, Charlie Daniels, and Van Halen.  This is one of Derek Norsworthy’s first memories of music.  “Dad had this old blue cassette box that had an assortment of rock and country tapes in there, and I remember knowing at that point I wanted to be like the guys on the tapes,” said Norsworthy.

            The first step toward this goal was starting a band when he was fifteen.  With no designated singer, Norsworthy grabbed the mic for the first time.  “I had been writing songs for a couple years at that point, so it kind of felt right to learn to sing them in the band,” said Norsworthy.  The band stayed together through high school, recording two albums, playing shows, and building a local following.  After graduation the band split up.  “By this point I was completely ate up with playing music, and I knew it was what I was meant to do.  I pieced a band back together, started playing regional college towns, frat parties, and opening for a number of national acts,” said Norsworthy.  He did this all while going to college for a nursing degree. Despite doubts from his professors Norsworthy worked hard, stayed focused, graduated, and became a certified RN.

            Life after college started out much the same as high school.  The band fizzled out.  He decided to take a leap of faith and establish himself as a solo artist.  In 2014 he released his first solo EP, “Derek Norsworthy”.  Within the first eight hours of release, it debuted at number 165 on iTunes for total country sales.  He outsold artist such as, Chris Young, Will Hoge, and The Eli Young Band.  “The further I’ve so called ‘come’ in music, the more I’ve learned that it takes intense resilience, perseverance, determination, grit, and faith to become an established artist,” he said.

            To pay it forward, Norsworthy wanted to promote music education programs in schools, so he started the Roots Foundation.  “Where I’m from you either go to work at the plant or shipyard.  Music or art isn’t really thought of as a career.  That never set well with me.  I believe people should be empowered and given the opportunity to be whatever their heart desires,” said Norsworthy.  The Roots Foundation partnered with the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance to educate elementary school aged children in music.  They show the kids how to get started in music via seminars or personal instruction.

            The Roots Foundation works closely with special needs children in Mississippi.  To make sure no one who has an interest in music is left behind, the foundation helps raise money and provide entertainment for several special needs events.  “It’s amazing the impact that music has on people despite any condition, and I absolutely love the philanthropy as much as being on stage,” said Norsworthy.

            His career came full circle two years ago.  “I was around eight-years-old, and my dad’s band was playing a large festival.  I didn’t really get to go to many shows being so young, but he brought me to this one because it was a very kid friendly festival.  I got to sit beside him on the drum kit throughout the whole show and watched the crowd.  It was awesome!  I had the chance to headline the very same festival as a solo artist.  It was a surreal moment for me,” said Norsworthy.

            He has never wavered from his southern rock and country roots, remembering the songs that shaped him when he was young.  Those song’s music and lyrics inspired him as an artist.  “It seems great songs were being written back then and the most important thing to me is lyrics.  I feel that’s why I gravitate to and have been influenced by old country and southern rock,” said Norsworthy.

            Currently Norsworthy is in the studio with Grammy award winning producer Skidd Mills working on a new EP, which will be released this summer (look for a special guest singer on one of Norsworthy’s favorite tracks).  In support of the EP, he will be back touring this summer, booking CMA Fest for the first time, as well as participating in a Midwest tour.  “Every day is a blessing.  Getting to wake up and have a chance to inspire others amazes me more than anything.  I can’t wait to get back out and share the new music with everyone,” said Norsworthy.

Website: http://www.dereknorsworthy.com

Facebook: @dereknorsworthymusicpage
Twitter: @DerekNorsworthy

Check out my novella, now available for purchase!

Summary: In the summer of 1986, ten-year-old Evan Minor runs an errand for his mom down to the corner store.  There he sees Joe Scott, a World War II veteran, playing the guitar on the front porch.  Evan is mesmerized by the sound.  The next day Mr. Scott agrees to give Evan lessons.  Over the next ten years they develop a bond.  Evan confides to Mr. Scott about his strained relationship with his father and his desire to move to Nashville to become a singer.  By sharing stories about the war and country music Mr. Scott teaches Evan about life, love and music.  Is it enough to inspire Evan to follow his dreams?




 I will send the book to you in the mail after purchase.
Thank you for your support!

Finding a Balance

Jordan Covington, from Burlington, North Carolina, burst onto the country music scene in 2013 with his debut single, “Way Back”.  That same year he was asked to play at the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach, Florida whose line up also included; Toby Keith, Brantley Gilbert, and Brett Eldredge.  “One of the best feelings is when somebody tells you that they love your song(s).  I remember someone telling me that “Way Back” was the soundtrack to their life,” said Covington.

Since then he’s had the opportunity to open for Dustin Lynch, Confederate Railroad, and Kristian Bush of Sugarland.

                It wasn’t until college that Covington started singing publicly.  “I give credit to my roommate (at Appalachian State) for encouraging me to share my talent and believe that I was actually good at it.  Before then, I was pretty quiet and didn’t have much to say,” said Covington.  He went on to start a band, record a handful of songs, and travel the southeast playing bars, clubs, restaurants, and festivals.

                Covington’s songwriting process hasn’t changed much since he first started writing back in high school and college.  “I usually get my ideas while I’m driving and I’ll pull out my iPhone and record the melody or jot down some lyrics.  Once I have the idea and title I’ll sometimes story map the song and make sure it has three connected ideas that are all based around the title,” said Covington.  Growing up he went to a ton of concerts (such as Alan Jackson and George Strait) where he began to develop his own philosophy on performing and songwriting.  He goes on to explain,  “I recognize the platform these guys have and how it can be used to set a good example for people, but you’ve got to have the right songs to represent that, so I focus my songwriting around real life events and not as much fantasy stuff.  Of course not every song can be serious and true.  You have to have some fun and step out of the box every once in a while.”

                Balancing music and life’s obligations is Covington’s most difficult challenge.  In the last few years he’s gotten married, had his first baby, lost his band, changed jobs, bought a fixer upper house, and welcomed his second child.  “I’ve been trying to write new songs in between all of that and maintain communication with the audience I built over the last three years.  It seems like life has owned me in the last three years, but it’s turning me into the man I want to be and giving me the song ideas that I hope to write to inspire families, fathers working class people, etc.,”  said Covington.

                There is no doubt that music and songwriting remain a passion of Covington’s.  This year he’ll look to start a Kickstarter with the goal of recording a six song EP in Nashville.  He also wants to begin utilizing his YouTube channel to create weekly content.  “I’m really looking forward to my songwriting achieving that level of near-perfection that really moves people and leaves a mark on listeners,” said Covington.

Check out Jordan Covington on social media:

• Facebook: @JordanCovingtonMusic
• Twitter: @ JCOVMUSIC
• YouTube: Jordan Covington

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kristen's current novella is available for purchase through PayPal

Summary: In the summer of 1986, ten-year-old Evan Minor runs an errand for his mom down to the corner store.  There he sees Joe Scott, a World War II veteran, playing the guitar on the front porch.  Evan is mesmerized by the sound.  The next day Mr. Scott agrees to give Evan lessons.  Over the next ten years they develop a bond.  Evan confides to Mr. Scott about his strained relationship with his father and his desire to move to Nashville to become a singer.  By sharing stories about the war and country music Mr. Scott teaches Evan about life, love and music.  Is it enough to inspire Evan to follow his dreams?






 I will send the book to you in the mail after purchase.
Thank you for your support!

Bluebird Cafe memories 2005-2006

Many people have asked me about my inspiration for "The Bluebird Sings".  It had much to do with my time in Nashville.  I lived there from 2005-2006, and during that time I had the amazing opportunity to work at the Bluebird Café (which is part of the inspiration for "The Bluebird Sings").  I thought I'd share just a few memories I had from working there that really stand out in my mind, even all these years later.

1. Not only did I work in the café twice a week, but I also was able to work in the office.  I answered the phone and took reservations.  One day, for some odd reason, the phone wasn't ringing much.  Maybe because all the shows were sold out for the week.  I decided to do some cleaning and dust the top shelf of one of the bookcases.  I pulled down a stack of papers to clean the shelf underneath.  My mouth dropped open when I saw what I had in my hand.  I was holding the movie script to "A Thing Called Love".  It was autographed by River Phoenix and Samantha Mathis.  I gave the script to the owner so she could keep it in her office.

2.  I was waiting in the area near the bar to run some food.  Country singer Joe Nichols, who was playing in the round that night, came up to the bar with one of his buddies.  He ordered a shot, and made a toast, "Here's to the past she can kiss my glass".  I couldn't help but laugh, because these are lyrics to one of his songs.  He must of been having a bad day with his lady.

3.  I again, was waiting in the area by the bar to run some food.  The lead singer of Alabama, Randy Owen, snuck in the back door.  He took the last seat at the bar (I'm so glad we had the chair open).  I talked to him for a brief second as I dropped off the mozzarella sticks he ordered.  A country music legend right there!

Summary: In the summer of 1986, ten-year-old Evan Minor runs an errand for his mom down to the corner store.  There he sees Joe Scott, a World War II veteran, playing the guitar on the front porch.  Evan is mesmerized by the sound.  The next day Mr. Scott agrees to give Evan lessons.  Over the next ten years they develop a bond.  Evan confides to Mr. Scott about his strained relationship with his father and his desire to move to Nashville to become a singer.  By sharing stories about the war and country music Mr. Scott teaches Evan about life, love and music.  Is it enough to inspire Evan to follow his dreams?









 I will send the book to you in the mail after purchase.
Thank you for your support!

A Successul Book Launch

     Thank you to all who made it out to my book launch on Saturday.  It meant so much to me! I sold 22 book!!!!
     I was humbled by all the interest on what inspired the book and what am I working on next.  I was nervous about the turnout, so I kept this "party" fairly small.  It's not too late to get a copy online (see my previous post and order through PayPal).


It's safe to say I'll will keep chasing this dream!

My novella, "The Bluebird Sings", is available to purchase through Paypal

Summary: In the summer of 1986, ten-year-old Evan Minor runs an errand for his mom down to the corner store.  There he sees Joe Scott, a World War II veteran, playing the guitar on the front porch.  Evan is mesmerized by the sound.  The next day Mr. Scott agrees to give Evan lessons.  Over the next ten years they develop a bond.  Evan confides to Mr. Scott about his strained relationship with his father and his desire to move to Nashville to become a singer.  By sharing stories about the war and country music Mr. Scott teaches Evan about life, love and music.  Is it enough to inspire Evan to follow his dreams?









 I will send the book to you in the mail after purchase.
Thank you for your support!

When Good Things Happen to Good People

     

             About two years ago I was in the Nashville airport killing some time before catching my flight back to Kansas City.  As I passed by Tootsie’s, I could hear Mitch Rossell singing.  I stopped to listen, sat down, and ordered a beer.  Since he was almost done with his set I only got to hear about four songs, but I remember thinking, “His career is going to take off soon.”

            Growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rossell didn’t start playing the guitar until the summer after he graduated from high school.  A life changing tragedy turned his attention to music.  “My dad had always wanted me to play growing up, and I just never took the time.  I lost him in a car accident when I was young, so I started playing to honor his wish,” said Rossell.  Songwriting came soon after.  He took a stab at writing his first song during his freshman year in college. “I was supposed to be studying for a Chemistry test.  Needless to say, I made a D on that one,” continued Rossell.

            Since moving to Nashville in 2010, Rossell has written hundreds of songs, thrown those away, and started over again.  Life experiences are the inspiration he draws from when creating a song.  “It’s a beautiful disaster.  A lot can be said for beautiful disasters,” said Rossell.  He works at refining his songwriting by collaborating with other songwriters.  “Better songwriters than myself (doesn’t take much).  I pay attention to how they craft things.  (I) fight for great lines, not just good lines or lines that work,” said Rossell.

            This humble attitude made the highlight of his career (thus far) hard for him to wrap his brain around.  Who could blame him when none other than Garth Brooks calls?  In the summer of 2016, Rossell was invited to open for Brooks on his world tour.  “He is constantly leaving me in complete shock from the generosity he’s shown me and so many others.  I’m beyond honored to call him my friend and mentor,” said Rossell.

            Brooks also had a hand in co-producing Rossell’s studio album, “Raised by the Radio” which was released in July 2016.  You can hear a touch of the 90’s country influence in Rossell’s music, but his delivery sets him apart from any other artist.  Each track has passion, strong vocals, and honest lyrics.  “I’ve tried to take pieces of my favorite cats and just intertwine them in what my heart leads me to do.  I’ve been blessed to have been exposed to some great music that deserves most of the credit for why I’m here,” he said.  You can buy “Raised on the Radio” on iTunes or through http://mitchrossell.com/

           

Rossell will be on the Garth Brooks World Tour until the end of the year.  When he’s not performing, he’s always working on new music, writing, and recording in his home studio.  “I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be, and I’m going to keep making music that makes me feel something.  The rest of it is up to the good Lord and the people,” said Rossell.

            You can’t help but root for Rossell’s success.  He’s simply a nice guy who treats others with respect and works hard.  Check him out on the following social media outlets: 

Facebook: @officialmitchrossell    Twitter: @mitch_rossell    Instagram: Mitch Rossell

I'm Gonna Be Me

     Lately I've been left alone, ignored, and cast aside like my feelings don't matter.  I didn't mean to let you in so soon, but I'm gonna be me.

     You took more than you gave.  I let it happen.  There was no thought to the effect on my heart.  I rise above cause I'm gonna be me.

     I smile and laugh when I really want to cry.  Don't think for a minute I'm playing a game.  The loyalty is true.  I'm gonna be me.

     I'm not going to change who I am at the core for anyone.  It' time to love me or let me go.  I can't stand the in between.  I'm gonna be me.

     You made your choice and today I don't shed a tear when I hear our song on the radio.  I listen like it's the first time.  A smile spreads across my face.  I'm gonna be me.

     Life is too short to hold onto people that don't want to hold onto you.  I've learned to pic up the pieces and move on.  I'm gonna be me.

     The next time I'm in my car I'll roll the windows down and crank up the radio.  I belt out that new song that brings me joy.  Let go of the old.  I'm gonna be me. 

Making Dreams Come True in the Big City

                After visiting New York as a kid, Shayna Leigh, singer, songwriter and actress fell in love with the city.  “I instantly felt like this was where I was meant to be,” said Shayna.  Originally from Orlando, she moved to New York for college and has never left.  “I love the energy of the city, and I really do think if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.  At the same time, I have also found New Yorkers to be some of the kindest, most helpful, no nonsense people around, and I like to consider myself one of them,” said Shayna.

                As a Universal Music Group recording artist she released her debut album, Drive, in July 2015.  The ten pop driven tracks include organic, traditional elements mixed with modern electronic elements and were co-written by Shayna.  “I’m inspired by people who are kind, strong, and stubborn.  I’m inspired by people who are faced with seemly insurmountable obstacles and manage to overcome them,” said Shayna.  She has always been a person who has kept a journal and free writes, which has helped her make the transition to songwriting.

                Since moving to New York, Shayna has had the opportunity to open for notable artists such as Howie Day and Sister Hazel.  She has also released two EPs previous to Drive, called The Cold Hard Truth and the Dream and Hey Shayna Leigh.  In the entertainment business there isn’t much that can replace hard work.  “Hard work is the foundation to success.  You need to find a way to work hard and simultaneously make sure you are enjoying your life,” said Shayna.

                No two days have been the same since Shayna started her musical journey in the big city.  One day she could be headed to a songwriting session, the next day she could be recording in studio or filming a video.  “I think it is really easy when you’re pursuing a career in the entertainment industry to try to fit yourself into a mold that you think will make you more successful.  I have found that to be incredibly detrimental to both my artistry and my ability to make progress in my career.  It’s important to work hard and listen to the advice of mentors and other musicians you trust, but also I believe you must try to stay true to the beat of your own drummer,” said Shayna.

                A few of her musical heroes she takes notes from include: the Beatles, Carole King, Freddie Mercury as well as some of the female powerhouses such as; Pat Benatar, Heart, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, and Adele.  “I think studying so many different artists I learned the value of individuality.  I learned about power and stage presence and vocal nuance.  I learned the importance of making my music my own.” said Shayna. 

In continuing to apply what she’s learned from some of the greats, she’s recently finished a new EP of five songs called Disaster Artist.  “I’m going out to Los Angeles to film the music videos for each of the songs.  After that, I plan to focus my energies on releasing the videos and touring and making more music!  I’m really pumped for 2017, I must say!”

Follow Shayna Leigh on:

Twitter: @heyshaynaleigh

Instagram: heyshaynaleigh

Facebook: @ShaynaLeighOfficial

Visit Shayna Leigh’s website at www.shaynaLeigh.com.  You can watch her videos and download her music from iTunes, Amazon, Google Play or stream it on Spotify.  

Purchase The Bluebird Sings for $5.00

Summary: In the summer of 1986, ten-year-old Evan Minor runs an errand for his mom down to the corner store.  There he sees Joe Scott, a World War II veteran, playing the guitar on the front porch.  Evan is mesmerized by the sound.  The next day Mr. Scott agrees to give Evan lessons.  Over the next ten years they develop a bond.  Evan confides to Mr. Scott about his strained relationship with his father and his desire to move to Nashville to become a singer.  By sharing stories about the war and country music Mr. Scott teaches Evan about life, love and music.  Is it enough to inspire Evan to follow his dreams?










 Thank you for your support!