Young talent to watch- Josie Sal released 'Fake Friends'

I talked with 13-year-old (yes, you read that right) Josie Sal, following her first experience as an artist at CMA Fest. Josie excitedly explained how CMA Fest was filled with interviews, sets, meet-and-greets, and artist showcases, promoting her latest single, Fake Friends. Fake Friends is the sassy and confident roadmap to what to do when you realize the real part of your friends are Fake Friends, and you need to move on. Fake Friends was produced by Noah Hensen, and co-written with Mark Addison Chandler, Chris Sligh and Josie Sal.

They only show up just to show you up

And you know what?

They can all get trucked

Cuz I’m done with the dumb stuff

Leave ‘em all in the dust

Nah I can’t trust

Friendly enemies

You’re history

Josie Sal is an artist to watch, a young and talented writer and singer, who admitted that it was sometimes challenging to hold back her excitement and fangirling over other artists while attending CMA Fest. However, she thoroughly enjoyed the experiences, meeting fans, taking pictures, and watching the various performances. Josie is the youngest artist I have interviewed to date, yet her skill set is not reflective of her age by any means. Josie has shared the stage with Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll and opened for Riley Green and Aaron Tippin.

Josie Sal's family is her biggest support and influence in her life. Being the youngest of 4, she gets feedback from her siblings on lyrics and subject matter for songs, and Josie's mom is her sounding board and transport to most things she attends and travels for.

Josie Sal’s music career began in a non-conventional manner, and her dad was the culprit. Knowing Josie wouldn't turn down a dare, he dared her to sing a song with the band that was on stage. Josie said she was trying to convince her dad to take her shopping while they were on vacation, and he said he would take her after she sang. Josie took the dare and didn’t hold back once the band agreed to have her join them on stage after a few persistent efforts from her dad. Josie's passion for performing music was born, for the most part, at that moment. Josie was a dancer, performing at a young age, but ultimately chose music over dance.

July 11th look for her next release Redneck Weekend and following the release is a video for the song. Redneck Weekend features many familiar friends of Josie's and her family in the video filmed in Pittsburgh.

Congratulations and best wishes, Josie Sal, on your continued success and releases! It was a pleasure to speak with you In A Country Minute!

Follow Josie Sal on her social media linked below.

Instagram

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Savannah Dean Reeves released a reflective single, 'How About You'

Savannah Dean Reeves wrote her latest single nearly a year ago. While sitting on her bed and replaying and reflecting on memories in her head, Savannah began to wonder if she was the only person who did this. From a “thought within a thought,” Savannah started writing How About You. In her quest for closure, Savannah created a song that reflects the reality that there is no right way to move on from someone; each person must discover their own path. For Savannah, that journey led her to write lyrics. How About You was produced by Matt McQueen and Curtis Leiser from Gem City Studio. I asked Savannah if she ever experienced any anxiety about revealing her personal stories in her lyrics. She replied, “When you date a songwriter, it's gonna happen.” Her words highlighted the unique connection between her experiences and the creative process, illustrating how love and vulnerability intertwine in the art of songwriting.

As the song progresses, the perspective shifts from "what do you do" to "what I do," and in this transition, you can feel the change in emotion. The lyrics guide you through the thoughts and questions that often arise after a break-up, ultimately leading to the hope that the feelings of missing the person are mutual.

I'm not gonna tell you that I miss you

Savannah Dean Reeves (Photo by Maddie Makes Memories, artwork by Allie Colleen)

It don’t work that way

I’ve been sitting here thinking about

All the reasons to stay

Maybe you’re just good at lying

Oh and trust me I’m trying

To not hide behind the pain

Of why we walked away

Oh why’d we walk away

How about you

Did you ever feel the same

Or do you drive around at three a.m.

Cursin’ my name

How about you

Do you ever think back

Or when you get a memory of us

Do you chase it with a bottle of jack

How about you

I wanna know about you …”

Savannah Dean Reeves mentioned that while she is collaborating with other artists, the album she is currently working on features songs that she has written entirely on her own. She set a goal to write a complete solo album, and it is nearly finished. Savannah is in the process of finalizing one song and considering adding another before she thinks the album is complete. However, she is allowing herself the flexibility to change her mind if an idea arises that fits well with the rest of the album.

Savannah Dean Reeves spends her time between her home in Kentucky and Nashville. She has been writing songs since middle school and playing the guitar since she was 11. Savannah has written songs for various books, some of which were set to be included in movie soundtracks..

Thank you, Savannah, for opening up and explaining how How About You came to life. It was a pleasure to talk to you about your career and music releases, In A Country Minute.

Savannah Dean Reeves Facebook

Savannah on Instagram

Savannah on TikTok

The Creative Process of Jennifer Alvarado's EP 'Lately' and her latest single, 'Something 'Bout A Boy '

I recently had a conversation with Jennifer Alvarado about her life, career, and her latest single, Something ‘Bout a Boy. When I first heard Something ‘Bout a Boy, it was clear that she was influenced by ‘90s country music. The song fits comfortably alongside tracks by Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood of the '90s. I love the energetic lyrics and the nostalgia they evoke. Jennifer’s incredible vocal delivery brings the story of first love and the raw heartache that comes with realizing it’s over to life, while holding on to the memories peacefully.

Jennifer Alvarado and I discussed some of the hard stuff, which was the catalyst for her EP, Lately. Each song takes part in her testimony of faith and experiences with having a distorted self-image, depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder, which nearly robbed her of her music career. Rebel With a Cause and Dear Ana are both representative of the struggles Jennifer has faced with those things. Dear Ana is, in essence, the conversation Jennifer had with an eating disorder as she struggled to be free of it. Lately, is all about having a destructive self-image and the thought process of the anxiety in it. Jesus in a Bar talks about faith and healing as it confronts judgement and what compassion should really be towards others.

Chorus- Jesus in a Bar

I met him in the stranger

Who didn’t look away

He cared enough to listen

When I said I’m not okay

In the wise bartender

Who told me I should stay

He said I’ve been where you’ve been

As he took my keys away

I finally found His amazing grace

In the glow of neon lights

Yeah, I saw Jesus in a bar last night

Jennifer Alvarado emphasized that music serves as a ministry, and she hopes that those who hear her songs can relate to the lyrics and find comfort in them. She explained that we are not alone in our struggles. With her experience in leading worship and working in a church environment, Jennifer recognizes that it can be easy to feel comfortable among like-minded individuals. However, it's crucial to remember that there is a broader world of people who need to learn about Jesus. She realized that those outside the church also need to understand how Jesus brings healing and offers comfort in the everyday challenges we all face.

Jennifer Alvarado's husband was a key motivator in convincing Jennifer to pursue her musical gifts. He is her biggest support, and she is grateful for his honesty in giving feedback when she needs it. Jennifer said she is learning to divide her time to book shows, promote herself, write music, and all of the other things it takes to be an independent artist. Jennifer Alvarado plays about 200 shows per year and is active in Celebrate Recovery, prison ministry, and other ministries that help women overcome addiction and homelessness.

Jennifer Alvarado on Facebook

It was a pleasure to talk to Jennifer Alvarado, I am excited to share what this EP stands for as she brings awareness to mental struggles and mental health. Thank you, Jennifer, for allowing me to have you as an Artist Spotlight, In A Country Minute.

Jennifer Alvarado on Instagram