We recently connected with Corben and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Corben, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Riding shotgun in my dad’s pick-up truck, he played country’s greatest artists, and I fell in love with the sounds of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Dolly Parton. My first song I ever played on guitar was “Folsom Prison Blues” by Cash. Cash’s sound is rare, and from a young age, I loved how he could tell a story. I was captivated by his sound.

I was born and raised in the small town of DeLand, Florida and I was compelled to pick up the guitar after watching my dad learn to play. I started strumming the guitar and writing songs at the age of 7 and haven’t slowed down since.

I knew from a young age I wanted to write and sing country music. I was involved in my school choirs, musicals, bands, and local artist nights. Music was always a part of my journey and I’ve dreamed of living in Nashville since I was a little girl.

After high school, I pursued an education at the University of Florida attaining my undergrad in public relations and my master’s in international business. During this period, I continued to write songs about my life, the people I met and my experiences. My original songs are raw, truthful, and genuine. I strive to always be an honest writer and incorporate the sincerity and integrity of country music. April 2022 my dream to move to Nashville came true.

Corben, 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 knew from a young age that I wanted to sing and write country music. While growing up, I improved my craft by consistently pushing myself musically and looking for local venues to perform at. I never want to stop writing. I continue to grow as an artist, and I see the growth from reflecting on the past songs I have written and comparing them to my current songs.

As a singer songwriter I keep my heroes in mind when writing and covering music. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift and Hank Williams Sr. inspired the sound and technique in my songs. I want my songs to invite you into my life and experiences. I am compelled to bring people together with a song, and my dream is for my music to make people happy.

As musicians, we have a responsibility to make people happy and to connect with a wide range of individuals. I dream that my music makes people smile. I look up to all the current country musicians and know that they embody this dream as well.

My genre is modern country and l love coming up the ideas or hooks in my songs. Since moving to Nashville I have learned the art of co-writing and have created strong relationships with my co-writers, and I am proud of the songs we are writing together. I have co-written the majority of my singles with Joise Bisto, Meagan Allen, Ceri Earle, Justin Love and Steve Dean.

My songwriting process is highly motivated by personal experiences and feelings. I am inspired by the events happening in my life or in the peoples around me. I want my songs to have integrity and truth in them. Ideas come at the most random times, and I always write or sing them into my phone so I can work on the idea with my guitar later.

I work with, John D. Willis (known for his work with Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Willie Nelson..) and he is currently producing the songs I am releasing. The first single we ever worked on together was a cover of “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams Senior. I presented it as a tribute to my country heroes.

While living in Florida I met my music mentor, Steph Carse, who is an Emmy Award winner and a world-class vocalist. Carse helped me navigate the music industry and continues to offer guidance and support. I filmed a music video for “Im so Lonesome I Could Cry” in my hometown of Deland, Florida and it was produced by Steph Carse. The music video went number one on The Country Network.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I am very thankful that my creative ability comes in the form of writing. I aspire to write songs that people can relate to. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to perform the songs I have written and share my story. I am very thankful for the community I have found in Nashville and my music family. They continue to support, encourage, and guide me on my artist path.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My high motivation for success comes from my mother, who was paralyzed early on in life from a drunk driver and relies on a wheelchair for mobility. She has taught me to never give up under any circumstances. My family is my support system and the people I rely on most. They have instilled in me the importance of hard work, dedication, and kindness.

My whole life I’ve had the desire to live in Nashville and pursue a career in songwriting. From high school to college to post graduation it felt truly impossible if I would ever make it here. I witnessed strong faith firsthand from my mother and I waited patiently for the right moment to make the move to Nashville. The opportunity presented itself in 2022 and that is where my story begins. I am in the destination I have always dreamed, and I am writing and releasing songs and building community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corbenmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corbenmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQrj2uY35T3TQnLCVhvxrRQ

Image Credits
Lucy Ward