Wednesday, March 22, 2017

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

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