• Artist Name: Demi Michelle
• Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

1. What project(s) are you currently working on?

Along with being in my fairy-tale chapter with Happy Ever After Doesn’t Last Forever, I’m currently writing and recording music for my next project, which will be pop. I’m a multi-genre songwriter, so I shift between pop and country often.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

I’ve loved music ever since I was young. When I was ten years old, I started playing classical piano, and that led to me joining chorus in middle school, taking voice lessons in high school, and eventually double majoring in music and creative writing in college. I started writing songs when I was in undergrad and released my debut single in 2019. In many ways, I always knew I wanted music to be a huge part of my life, but I started pursuing a career after I graduated undergrad. Since I still play piano, my music life is split between my songwriting journey and performing in classical recitals.

3. If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

Along with pursuing music, I’m also involved in the publishing industry, mostly as a freelance editor and an agented young adult thriller author. I love being in both music and publishing because I’m constantly engaging with the arts.

4. What is your favorite downtime activity?

Downtime? I need to have more of that! I’m always doing something for music or publishing, but when I do have time to relax, mostly at night, I enjoy reading books and listening to podcasts.

5. Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

This is going to sound wild, but I don’t really have one right now. What I will say, though, is that it used to be Shawn Mendes. From around 2015 to 2019, I was in such a phase. I actually met him three times in three different cities. Sometimes, I remember those years and think girl, were you okay? Thankfully, I’m way more chill about everything now.

6. Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

I’m not a big sports girl, but I would let my city down if I said anything other than the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins. Black and gold forever!

7. What is the last movie that you watched?

I recently rewatched Midnight Sun, starring Bella Thorne. It’s one of my all-time favorites.

8. What is the last album you listened to?

To Be Honest by Tenille Arts.

9. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ooh, this is a hard one. There are so many amazing albums. Right now, it’s a tie between Subject to Change by Kelsea Ballerini and Reputation by Taylor Swift.

10. What is the greatest country song of all time?

This question is even harder. I’m super indecisive, so I can’t just pick one. I’ll say “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young, “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, and “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry. My current favorite that I think will end up holding a forever spot on my all-time-favorites list is “Don’t Ruin Flowers” by Tenille Arts.

11. What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

I loved playing in Kirksville, Missouri. It’s a super small town where my sister lived for a few years, so most times when I visited, I played shows. Kirksville is such a community-focused and friendly place, and the people there always embraced me with open arms.

12. What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is chicken noodle soup or wedding soup, steak, crispy fries, and chocolate cake for dessert. Though, I’m obsessed with Chipotle, so you can find me there at least once a week.

13. Who is your dream duet partner?

Kelsea Ballerini for sure. She’s my favorite country artist, and I met her on her tour last year. I actually recorded my own rendition of “Homecoming Queen.” Performing that with her someday would be a dream come true.

14. Who would you like to go on tour with?

Kelsea!

15. What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

If I had to choose my top career goal, I would say having one of my songs recorded by a famous artist. I’ve always considered myself a songwriter first, so this is one of my biggest music dreams.

Zac Brown Band

This Date in Country Music History

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• 2022 – Luke Combs scored a #1 album on Billboard’s Country Album Chart with Growin’ Up
• 2022 – Luke Combs scored a #1 single with “The Kind of Love We Make”
• 2017 – Maren Morris got engaged to Ryan Hurd
• 2017 – Cassadee Pope calls off her engagement to Rian Dawson
• 2016 – Jon Pardi topped the Billboard Country Album Chart with California Sunrise
• 2015 – Parmalee’s single “Carolina” was certified Platinum
• 2014 – Krystal Keith made her Grand Ole Opry debut
• 2012 – Zac Brown Band performed before the MLB Home Run Derby in Kansas City
• 2002 – Andy Griggs released his album Freedom
• 1996 – LeAnn Rimes released her debut album Blue

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!

This Date in Country Music History

• 2013 – Dierks Bentley opened a bar in Scottsdale, AZ called Whiskey Row
• 2002 – A “Welcome to New Franklin, hometown of country star Sara Evans” sign is dedicated to the singer in Missori
• 1992 – Wynonna Judd scored a #1 hit with “I Saw the Light”
• 1981 – Barbara Mandrell topped the charts with “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”
• 1973 – Willie Nelson hosts his first annual 4th of July Picnic
• 1965 – B.J. Thomas signed his first recording contract with Pacemakers Records
• 1776 – The Declaration of Independence was signed, signaling the birth of America, home of country music!

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Today’s Photo Flashback

• Grayson Rogers Band – 7/4/13 – Dixie Roadhouse in Cape Coral, FL