We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea Rhodes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I started this journey back in middle school. From singing at vocal competitions, to hundreds of benefits, to being in a local bluegrass band, to then going onto college where I received a scholarship to play bluegrass music for 4 years. I received my degree in Music Production and moved to Nashville, TN to pursue my dreams. When moving to Nashville, I worked any job I could to get me started. I worked as a packaging specialist, a personal banker, customer service for an investment bank, and then I decided to work as an order specialist for a well known Healthcare Company. During all of these temporary jobs, I always felt like I was being tugged to chase my dreams of music. Back in 2020 the widespread pandemic took a massive hit on everyone. The company that I was working for decided that they were going to outsource their work to South America, and it was a devastating time period for me. As I set out to find another job, I took a temporary contract job in order for me to find what would best suit my music schedule. After an extension in my contract, the company decided to end my contract after 8 months. When this happened I felt like God was calling me to finally strive towards my music career. After careful consideration and lots of prayers, I decided to start booking shows full-time as an artist in March of 2022. It was a major adjustment at first, but it has been worth every bit of sacrifice I have had to make thus far.

Chelsea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started this journey back in middle school. From singing at vocal competitions, to hundreds of benefits, to being in a local bluegrass band, to then going onto college where I received a scholarship to play bluegrass music for 4 years. I received my degree in Music Production and moved to Nashville, TN to pursue my dreams.

There are thousands of talented individuals in this industry, and honestly I don’t know what sets me apart from everyone else. However, three things I have always said to myself while chasing this dream are (1) sing what makes you feel, (2) even if there’s no one else in the room at least you are still singing for Jesus, (3) and lastly just sit back and enjoy every opportunity that is given to you whether that be a crowd of 5 of a sold out arena.

There are several things that I am proud of in my musical journey. From writing songs in times where I had to let my music speak for me. to shooting multiple music videos, to being nominated and winning “Songwriter of the Year” and “Inspirational Artist of the Year” at the TN Music Awards, to then being an opening act for some of my favorite inspirational artists. This includes Rhonda Vincent, Eric Church, Deana Carter, and Darryl Worley. Another pinnacle point in career has been being a top 3 finalist for a CMA Karaoke Contest where I was able to sing on the Ascend Amphitheater stage in Nashville, TN in front of Kelsea Ballerini and thousands of spectators. I am sure there will be several other proud moments, but I am taking every opportunity as a blessing.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, is the moment you hear from someone who connected to a song you wrote. It could have helped them through a difficult time, or helped them cope from a life lesson they learned. I have written several break-up songs, some happy and some sad. With that being said I have talked to several people who have related to them no matter their sex. I have had girls tell me how much “tough boys” is their anthem! I have also had guys come up to me and relate to my song “Weed, Wine, and Whiskey”. To hear their stories, and how it helped them through multiple occasions makes my heart happy.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Honestly, I have strived to be better on social media. I think that the right followers will be there for you if you just be yourself, and show them how you are just like everyone else. Even doing music and “living the dream”, us as artists still face day to day struggles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chelsearhodesmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsearhodessings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelsearhodesmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS5fca9CqphwMba2Z9AAsaw
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/15KS5buc4n8hPCb702Oray https://music.apple.com/us/artist/chelsea-rhodes/1092867335