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