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?









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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!

Turning Everyday Moments into Songs

   

          Sometimes you have to uproot your life to pursue a career that brings you happiness.  Four years ago Waxahachie, Texas native Trevor Brooks did just that when he made the move to Nashville.  He enrolled at Belmont University where he earned a Music Business degree.  “I actually started playing music pretty late in life.  Not till I was in college did I get my first guitar and start writing;” Brooks said.

                His daily routine of praying, working out, and writing and practicing paid off in the summer of 2015.  Brooks released his first EP titled, Lonely at Its Finest.  “The inspiration for my lyrics comes from actual moments in my life.  My ups and downs.  I’m very emotional, so I channel everything I can into my songs,” Brooks said.  His soulful vocals resonate on each of the five tracks on the compilation.  Recording his own music has been a goal from the start.  “The experience was absolutely terrifying but overwhelmingly beautiful and accomplishing,” Brooks said.  Cutting the EP in a studio and working with professional musicians was a moment he’ll cherish forever.

                According to Brooks, the three attributes someone needs to become successful include; dedication, vulnerability, and authenticity.  “Never ever ever ever let someone tell you you’re not good enough.  We are constantly learning and growing and if we let someone else tell us when to stop then we’ll never live to our fullest,” Brooks said.

                In a crazy town like Nashville, it can be hard to balance family and friends with music obligations.  “I let it all intertwine the best I can.  I think if you prioritize them, then you’ll end up lacking somewhere inadvertently.”  Brooks adds, “Family and friends should influence your creativity.”

                Brooks has certainly made the most of his time in Nashville thus far.  He takes every lesson learned to heart.  The one that impacts his music the most is, “The art of putting real emotions into songs and being vulnerable,” Brooks said.

                Check out Trevor Brooks’ website for news and upcoming shows (starting in January) at:  http://trevorbrooksmusic.com.  Lonely at Its Finest is available on iTunes.

Follow on social media:

 Facebook: @TrevorBrooksArtist

 Twitter: @JTrevorBrooks

 Instagram: trevorbrooks

Announcing a Series of Articles Featuring Singer/Songwriters



Beginning on Wednesday, December 21st I will feature a singer/songwriter once a month right here on my blog.  I want to share my love of music and introduce you to some of the best musicians from across the country.  The series is an extension of my novella, The Bluebird Sings.