With all that being said. It’s also been a challenging year mentally. I have felt like I was under so much pressure, I’ve been stressed beyond belief, and have felt honestly quite shitty about what was happening around me. (Don’t worry, im not trying to make this a pity party lol). 

I could hardly sit down and write a song anymore because I was so focused on making it sound like a country hit. I grew up listening to all kinds of genres, and love to sing different styles. If I want to sit down one day and write a jazz, or pop, or funk song; then nothing should be stopping me. Why was I putting myself in such a small box? 

On top of that, I’ve really only just planted my feet in the doors. I haven’t even officially put music out there yet! I felt pressure because of that. I felt like everything had to be perfect, or I would fail and embarrass myself. I was so scared of making mistakes that I wouldn’t even take a small step. 

I wanted so badly to impress my peers. I wanted to prove to everyone they doubted me that I could do this. I wanted to know that I was doing a good job and that other industry people were going to take me seriously. Sounds dumb right? Well honestly, that’s how I felt. For the last year I was making music to appease everyone else but me….

What shifted my mind was recently, I got to go on a wonderful vacation with my loving family to Cuba. Honestly, at first, I was really sceptical to go; because I didn’t want to take any time or money away from my music career. I felt SO guilty about taking a week off and shift my priorities. I felt as though every last second, and every last dime I get should be going towards music.

 I was wrong. What I learned on this trip was more than just a fun family vacation, it was an awakening. 

The culture in Cuba, specifically where I was staying, was so passionate about the arts. It was truly inspiring. You could see the amazing, positive energy coming from all the performers. The way they danced, they way they sang, and the way everyone came together for the love of the arts. Everyone just seemed like they were there because they loved their craft, and wanting to share their passion with people. 

I also had some great conversations with my aunt and uncle Rebecca Hennessy and Michael Herring. (If you are reading this hey guys, love ya lots 😉 ) They are two incredible jazz musicians based in Toronto. They have both done so many amazing things in their field, all while staying very humble. They certainly inspire me in so many ways and very much put me into perspective about what is important. 

What I mainly noticed while away, was that I had forgotten the reason why I started music in the first place. I had been so caught up in trying to write perfect country songs, how to get the next big show, how to make money to support my music, and dealing with a million different peoples opinions on what the think is best for me. 

I lost sight that the whole damn reason i’m even doing this career is because I freaking love making and performing music! Not to prove myself to  anyone else, but me. I’m not in this industry to get a top 10 radio hit, or the glamor of morning show interviews, I’m in it to make damn good music and perform the hell out of those songs to the people that want to listen. 

My lesson learned is this. Don’t forget the reason WHY you start something. Whether it’s going to the gym, eating healthy, moving to a new city or like myself, making music. Remember why it was important. Remember why it inspired you. Remember why it brings you joy. 

When I started understanding these reasons again, I gained so much clarity about my goals. It’s easier to enjoy the journey rather than stress about the end game.

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Honestly it had been a hot minute since my last visit to Nashville. 2014 was the last time I had been there. Reason being, that in 2014, I was only 16. I was with my mom and my auntie Lisa; we were on Broadway hitting up the famous bars and of course, I had been ID’d at one of them. Obviously I was a baby, so the bouncer drew two very large X’s on my hands before going in. Like, nothing screams “Hi, I’m a minor, don’t talk to me” more than that. I really just wanted to meet people and listen to the music. However, it was made quite difficult to do so when I couldn’t really go to the main social grounds that is bars. It was still a positive trip though! We did all the touristy things. Went to the Opry, the museum, I played a few songwriters rounds and even made my way through the BlueBird’s crazy open mic night. After that trip, I made the decision to wait until I was 21 to return so I could fully experience the city on my own terms. So here we are now.

Off we go! So my travels to BNA was a classic 3:45am wake up call, to almost missing my first plane, to a delayed connecting flight, all with no coffee in my system and a guitar strapped to my back. We thankfully landed safely, I checked into my AirBnB, and I was off to my first write of the week that night.

Side note: Apparently the area that I was staying in was considered the ‘hood’. I had an Uber pick me up for my write and he seemed so concerned why I would be staying in that area of town. As the week went on I definitely noticed it was a little sketchy, but I also grew up near a halfway house. So It didn’t phase me all that much. I figured as long as I wasn’t taking 2am strolls around the block with a wallet full of cash i’d be good.

First few days were wicked. It was awesome writing with some great people who understood my sound and what I want to say as an artist. I really feel like some of the songs I am coming home with are such a good representation of who I am in this moment of life. Hahahahaha no

My gal pal, and a fantastic country artist herself, Melissa Livingstone was in town at the exact same time as I was too. So lemme tell you, it was a crazy time. But really though, what are the odds that two singer friends from western Canada are in Nashville for the exact.same.dates?!

So, on the wednesday, I had a solid write with mr. Jimmy Thow (more on that song to come 😉 )  and then met up with Mellissa for some good ol’ southern BBQ for dinner, on Broadway before seeing some buddies play a round downtown. This was the first time being downtown since that time I had those two black marker X’s on my hands. So I was pretty stoked even just to order a Miller Lite. Music was great, it was awesome to meet some wicked artists, writers and musicians that i’m excited about future collabs with!

A few whiskey’s later and we decided to keep the night going and head to a part of the city called Midtown. Now, if you follow my instagram you’ll know what happened here, and my god was it messy.

In Nashville, they have these scooter things, that you stand on and can travel around for a cost by the minute. If anyone from Vancuver is reading; think the Sha2Go bikes or Car2Go, but in skateboard form, with no helmets. How is this legal? I have no idea. As you can imagine, yes I fell pretty hard into a fence, got pretty scraped up. I you know me, you know that I’m a pretty clumsy person to start with, regardless of the liquor, so it didn’t end well.

We were halfway to where we were headed so I just sucked it up and kept truckin’! So now we roll up to the bar, I’m wearing Lynyrd Skynyrd shirt, i’ve got ripped jeans  bloody knee, and i’m ordering straight JD to numb my crash pain. I don’t know what kind of opinions people had of me that night, but it sure wasn’t pretty, haha. Lets just say the morning after this event I had UberEats deliver fried chicken and biscuit to my door and poppin Advil like there was no tomorrow. I learned my lesson. Don’t scooter under the influence.

Also while we are on the topic of traumatic experiences… I also had an anaphylactic shock while I was in town. Melissa and I were coming back from watching a great round at the Listening Room. We decided to stop at a cafe for a snack before we went to our writes for the afternoon. When I was at the till I had told the lady working that I had a nut allergy. I asked if there was anything I should stay clear from; she mentioned to avoid most of the food. So, I just ordered a black coffee to be safe. She gave me an empty cup that I would go fill up my self from their four push down coffee pot options. So I’m thinking they are either all the same coffee, or its like a dark roast, decaf, ect.. I picked one, filled up my cup and sat down. I had one sip and thought, ‘hmm, this tastes funny.’ I got up to see what kind of coffee it was. Lo and behold it was a hazelnut blend!

Of course I immediately went full panic attack mode (which is completely making a scene of shock) yelled out that I was about to go  anaphylactic. Popped a few Benydryl before my throat would close up, and waited. The staff were helpful, they called 911, and kept me semi calm. Didn’t use my epipen at that point because well, conveniently enough, I’m terrified of needles.

The ambulance showed up. I was taken away in a stretcher, which at the time I thought was excessive, but I’m glad I was laying down after. By that time, my symptoms were kicking in. I couldn’t swallow, was feeling sick and short of breath. So I got a good ol’ shot of epi to my arm, and an IV drip (which again, was not excited about). I’m not going to lie, I was a terrible patient. I was flailing and freaking out. More so over the needles then the actual hazelnut situation.

On the way to the hospital, I did have a second rebound shock. The first responders didn’t want to use another epi needle on me (cause im a spazz), so they used this mask that sprayed a mist that helped open my throat back up. I probably looked like Darth Vader. Freaky!

Once I was in the hospital, they basically just monitored my heart rate and blood pressure and wanted to make sure I wouldn’t have another shock. I was there for a few hours, until I was released with a prescription of steroids, antihistamines and anti-anxiety medication. Talk about a freaking day. And yes, I had travel insurance, praise The Lord.

Anyways, the trip wasn’t all medical craziness. I did actually spend a lot of time in the music world too. Haha.

During the weekend I got to do some fun rounds. Played at Live Oak on Music Row, did a round with a few great Canadian friends at Alley Taps, hosted by my girl Ajaye Jardine and then went out near the Opry to the Nashville Palace for a round where I got to wear my comfy clothes, “Jammin in Jammies’ hosted by Megan Barker. Each show I did was special in its own way. It was great to meet new music friends, and share songs that I had either worked on that week in Nashville and some i’ve had in my pocket for some time.

After many days of co-writes, seeing others perform and playing a few shows and rounds myself, I had a realization that is, ‘why am i not living here?’ For the first time I actually felt like I belonged. I felt like I would 100% do what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be. I was inspired and felt like I fit in. As much as I love Vancouver; the nature, the ocean, and all of my wonderful friends and family; my heart is in the south. All I’ve ever wanted was to be living and breathing country music, and Nashville is with out a doubt the place to be.

I’ll be returning in October for a month, all while i’m applying for my Visa’s to be there more full time come 2020. So.Freaking.Excited.

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January 5th, the first show of the year, really highlighted how the tables are turning in support of the women in music today. Presented by Live Agency (Christian Aldred) and hosted at The Railway Stage and Beer Cafe in Vancouver; Ajaye Jardine, The Heels, Emily Taylor Adams and myself, came together to play a powerful writers round. Each artist and songwriter was truly amazing from the songs, the heart and soul.

A few months ago I was casually writing and signing in my living room. I had thought to myself how there are so many songs that I rarely get the chance to perform. Additionally, It’s becoming a bit more challenging to keep the live music scene alive. So, I figured if I wasn’t going to be getting booked shows, I’ll just make up the shows and start organizing them myself.

I really wanted to create a platform that showcases how amazing our female, country, voices are. We’ve been hiding in the shadows the last few years, and it’s time to come out! As much as I love and respect the amazing, talented, gentlemen in the country music scene, the ladies are just as special and deserve to get equivalent opportunities and support.

The evening of the show was very special. It really showed what family, love, a great community, and wonderful music is all about! With a notable, and excited crowd, the first segment of the “Ladies of Country” was a huge success! I’m excited about making this event a regular occurring event.

Thank you to those who came out to the show, the artists, Live Agency, all the staff at The Railway Stage & Beer Cafe!

The post “Ladies Of Country” – January 2018 Songwriters Round appeared first on Nicole Sumerlyn - The Official Site.

Started off the year with a bang, being apart of the top 4 for the Breakthrough Country Music Project. The competition really put me in perspective of where I stood with my music at the time. It helped me further discover myself and learn how to dig deeper in what I wanted to represent as an artist.

I’ve got to work with so many amazing musicians, and collabed with wonderful people in recording, songwriting, branding and photography.  Played some great shows at The Calgary Stampede, Sunfest, many different and fun rodeos and fairs like the Cloverdale Rodeo. Then headed to Toronto for the first time to discover a new city, new music, get together and work with some of my favorite songwriters, and played a few shows there as well. (And let’s not forget how much I loved every taco restaurant in Toronto there was.)

As the yearly awards show for the BC Country Music Association rolled around, I had excitingly been a second ballot nominee for Female Artist of the Year, which was an awesome first! Crazy going from being the trophy girl a that awards show 6 years ago, to where I am today.

Moving forward to this year…I said goodbye to my hometown Abbotsford, I’m finally all settled and moved in to my very first place in Vancouver!  It’s been a long time coming to make this move, and i’m still pinching myself that I now live in such a lively city. My views are now tall buildings and the ocean, instead of farm roads and barn parties. I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter!

I really want to ensure to everyone that music from me will eventually be recorded and released. Timing is everything, and for right now I’m sculpting my sound to make it the best it can possibly be! I want to be able to share music with you that is honest to who I am as an artist and what I stand for. Trust me, with what I’ve got mixin’, it will be worth the wait. I’ve got some fun live shows lined up for this year, and I can’t wait to see you at them! Stay tuned on my social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and my website for sneak peaks of new music and updates.

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