MUSIC MONDAY
So many of the happiest memories I have are filled with music. It’s like the sound is woven through them, holding them together. Most of my saddest memories have music attached too. I married a DJ so he has a story for every song he hears too!
Because music is so important to me, such a part of my life I’ve wanted to join in on Music Monday posts for the longest time.
My Music Monday posts will include interviews and music from new and veteran artists as well as the music that has meant the most to me throughout my life.
This week I want to introduce you to another newcomer to the Country Music Community, John Rhey.
Growing up in Lakeland Florida, John was drawn to the piano and started writing songs at an early age. He started playing guitar in middle school and joined his schools worship band. In high school he started the John Rhey Band. He was hooked and started to believe he had a shot at a career in country music.
The John Rhey Band went on to win the prestigious 2013 United Way Battle of the Bands, which lead to them opening for the southern rock band, The Outlaws. Rhey has also opened for national acts Brothers Osborne, Chase Bryant and American idol contestants Josh Gracin and Bucky Covington.
His music and style are true to country.
He continues to find ways to creatively expand his fan base. The video for his first single, College Girl had 20,000 views on Facebook in a little over a week.
Rhey is a young man with a strong faith and he intends to use his platform to set a good example for the young men and woman that look up to him.
Questions
At what moment did you realize you just might actually have a chance to make it in this crazy business?
When I was in the later years of high school and into the early years of college.
Describe your first public performance?
My first performance was in a worship band at my middle school in 8th grade. I played the guitar for the band, but didn’t sing.
Did you play any sports or was it all music growing up? If you follow professional sports what is your favorite sport?
I was always really big on sports growing up. When I was in elementary school I played travel soccer. After that I started playing basketball. I played travel basketball and then played freshmen year for my high school. Once freshmen year ended I gave up basketball to work more on music. My favorite sport to watch is football.
For a young man you’ve been writing songs for a longtime, what is your writing process, do you have a routine?
I usually start with a hook for the song and then write around it. I have written songs with the melody first and with lyrics first. It really just depends on the day.
What’s your favorite hometown place to eat? What’s on the menu?
Even though it’s a chain I really like Cracker Barrel and Chick fi la. Cracker Barrel has a lot of the home cooked type meals and obviously Chick fi la has a lot Chicken.
The business of music has changed so much in the past few years. The creativity and success of Ruth B and others is really giving independent artists the realistic hope of being signed traditionally, once they’ve built a fan base. How does the business end of the industry affect your creativity?
Not only is my creativity in my song writing but it’s also in social media. Social media is such a huge resource now days and I’m always trying to come up with new ways to get my music out online through ads and posts. The more creative you are the easier it can be to gain fans online.
Who is on your dream tour?
As far as big artists go I would love to tour with Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt and really anyone who would have me out on tour with them would be a blessing. I would love to get some of my buddies I grew up with to play in the band when I start touring.
What is the last book you read? Last movie you saw?
The Bible was the last book and the last movie was the new Star Wars.
Did you grow up in a musical household?
No
Who is your favorite non country artist?
John Mayer
Who is your favorite old school country performer or band?
George Strait if he’s considered old school haha
Are you planning a move to Nashville?
I live in Nashville now!
What is you favorite non alcoholic drink?
Coca Cola or Sweet Tea
John Rhey is no doubt one of country music’s rising stars! Check out his music on ITunes,
Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Mp3, Google Play, and YouTube!
Have a listen here:
Thank you John and we wish you continued success!
~~~~~~~~~~
SHOP SMALL!! Books make great gifts! Just add a bottle of wine or a box of tea and some chocolate and its perfect! Add a signed book and its personal and perfect!
“What would you do if your husband brought home an 80-year-old homeless woman? The Stranger In My Recliner is Sophie’s story. She lived with us for 2 1/2 years. It is crazy, true, sad and inspirational. Homelessness can happen to anyone…”
Books make great gifts. I have a limited number of copies I can sign for you at a special price. One for $15.00 (retail $21.99) or two for $20.00. Pay-Pal/ Check or Money Order. If interested email me at doreenb8@verizon.net
Please Share xxxooo
2 thoughts on “Music Monday featuring John Rhey”
It is always interesting when someone who does not come from a musical family goes that way with their career. he’s a new name to me, thanks for this.
Another cute young thing making his way in the musical industry! I hope he stays true to his roots and doesn’t get led down the path that many young musicians do.