Local Singer-Songwriter Hopes to Make Big Splash in Nashville

Jake Bauer

Jake Bauer

Published January 12, 2012 5:12 am
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Courtney Stewart Singer Songwriter16-year-old country singer-songwriter Courtney Stewart, a student at Keystone High School, has already accomplished a great deal in her young career, but hopes to make an even bigger splash in 2012.

Courtney’s debut album, “Where Will I Fit In?” was released on Lamon Records in October.

We sat down with Courtney to discuss the new album and her young and promising career.

When did you first start singing?
I started singing almost as soon as I began to talk. My Dad is always telling me that I was singing Alan Jackson songs on the way to the Outer Banks when I was only three years old.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
My biggest musical influences are Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and George Strait. I can honestly say if it wasn’t for Taylor Swift, I wouldn’t be standing where I’m at today. Justin Bieber said he would sell out Madison Square Garden in a year, and no one believed him. He did it. I love his story, and how he never gave up. I really look up to him for that. I look up to George Strait because he has had so many singles in his life time. He is so respected, and is just all around a great person.

Explain your sound in five words.
My music in 5 words can be described as being, lyrical heartfelt country music melodies.

What is your most memorable moment as a musician?
I have so many memorable moments since I was signed to Lamon Records in April. I will never forget that day, as long as I live. It was truly the day that my dreams began becoming a reality. Participating in the CMA Music Festival was incredible as well. Being able to be backstage with well known artists, and being an artist yourself was just incredible. I had the opportunity to sign autographs and meet new people from all across the world. Then, there was recording my very first album "Where Will I Fit In?". It was so magical to see the songs I’ve written in my bedroom, come to life. I absolutely loved the recording process. We then made the music video, in one single day. It was so much fun to be in front of the camera all day, and wear different outfits. I really enjoyed doing that. Most recently, I was most certainly honored to be able to meet with the head executives at CMT in order to pitch my video. It was so surreal being there, and was absolutely an incredible opportunity for my family and I.

15-year-old Courtney Stewart of Knox pitching her video "Telling You" at CMT headquarters in Nashville, TN in December. Submitted by Courtney's mom, Janet Stewart.

15-year-old Courtney Stewart of Knox pitching her video "Telling You" at CMT headquarters in Nashville, TN in December. Submitted by Courtney's mom, Janet Stewart.

If I were to look at your iPod right now, what would be the top five artists/songs on your recently played list?
Taylor Swift is the top artist on my playlist. I look to her songs for everything. No matter what I’m going through, she has a song written about it, that can get me through it.

What is your favorite song from the new album and why?
For All The World To See is my absolute favorite song on my album. I had written this song three days before I was set to record. I remember emailing my producer and telling him that I had a new song that needed added to our 4 song EP. When we arrived in Nashville, we met and I played the song for him. He loved it, so we ended up knocking a song out and putting For All The World To See in its place.

What was the inspiration behind the song “Telling You”?
"Telling You" was written about one of my life long best friends. I had written this song about him because I wanted him to know that I had a really big crush on him when we were about 4 years old. Little did I know, the tables have turned and he has a really big crush on me now. This song was written for him, to let him know that I really do love him.

What has been the most exciting moment of your young career?
Everything I have participated in has been so exciting. I honestly can’t pick between them.

If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
If I could meet one person living or dead, I would most certainly have to pick Taylor Swift. She’s the one who started this for me. She’s the one who I look up to the most. The day I meet Taylor, is the day I know I’ve made it to where I want to be.

Where can people go to buy your album?
People can buy my album on Amazon, ITunes, and other online retailers. Lamonrecords.com also has the downloads. Zeller’s Music Stand in Clarion has copies of the signed CDs as well.

What is next for you?
At this current moment, I am writing new songs for my next album. We are also waiting for a response from CMT. I’m hoping this summer to record new singles and have many performances. Nashville is my favorite place on earth, so I’m also hoping to have the opportunity to live down there after this summer.

Ten years from now, you will be…
10 years from now, I hope to be on tour influencing people by what my music has to say.

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