Up & Coming New Nashville- Gwen Sebastian (With Exclusive Interview)

Gwen Sebastian, the Midwestern raised singer, brings a captivating performance to the stage with a honeysuckle sweet personality. A talented songwriter and experienced entertainer, you’d never guess this sassy singer comes from such a dirt road background.

Growing up on a farm in Hebron, North Dakota with a population of under 800, she spent the summers rounding up cattle on the family ranch and tossing flour with her mom in the kitchen. Gwen and her younger brother are just two of 117 grandchildren; consequently, she had a captive audience when she started digging her heels in the music scene. “Before I could even walk, I would sit beneath the organ as my grandma played. I would watch her feet play the pedals,” recalls Gwen. When she was only 4 years old Gwen entered her first talent contest, by age 11 she became the local church organist, and by her early teens she was regularly performing on stages alongside her parents at local weddings, fairs and bars around North Dakota.

After high school, Gwen enrolled in nursing school, but quickly hung up her scrubs to pursue a career in music. During her first semester she attended a music conference in Nashville, and with the encouragement from several A&R representatives, Gwen decided to leave school and move to Nashville. “My first performance in Music City was at the famous Bluebird Café,” smiles Gwen. “It was at that moment when I knew I made the right decision.”

Once in Nashville, Gwen became a regular performer at the world-renowned Wildhorse Saloon, and moved on to play at fairs, festivals, casinos and clubs all over the country. She has opened for acts including Taylor Swift, Sugarland and Phil Vassar. She enjoys the creative songwriter community in Music City and the opportunity to co-write with hit songwriters including Wendell Mobley (Kenny Chesney’s “How Forever Feels,” Rascal Flatts’ “I Melt” and “Fast Cars and Freedom”) and Dean Miller (son of Roger Miller, King of the Road). “I want my fans to really connect with me and I feel that through my songwriting is the best way they can,” explains Gwen.

“Contemporary country with spunk” is how she would describe her music which features influential stylings from Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Pink and Sheryl Crow. Recently signed to Lofton Creek Records, Gwen is hoping to reach an even broader audience with her music. Her debut single, “Hard Rain,” was released to country radio in October 2009.

With what little spare time she has, Gwen enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and friends. “I love to eat almost as much as I love to sing,” laughs Gwen. “My band affectionately calls me ‘lunchbox.’” With a sound that deserves a home on country radio, the confidence to command a stage, and a natural talent that flows effortlessly to her audience, Gwen proves to have all the ingredients necessary to create a recipe for success.



That Nashville Sound- What brought you to music in the first place?

Gwen Sebastian- Ever since I was little, my mom said I would dance and sing, even when I couldn’t really talk. My parents were great mentors and having music in my household was a big influence. I love to harmonize and did that that early on with my parents. That’s probably why I am really drawn to “harmony” groups like the Eagles and Diamond Rio. Music is one of the only things in life that everyone can relate to.

TNS- Describe your music- what's the mission behind the music?

GS- My music is a representation of all of my musical influences, from Linda Ronstadt to Dolly Parton, to Pink, and also my life influences. I try to invoke positive life stories, but knowing that we all go through difficult times, allows me to write about that too. I want people to be “moved”; to either make them smile or make them cry.

TNS- What might people be surprised to find out about you?

GS- As much as I love being surrounded by people and having a good time, I can be a really good introvert. Give me a couch, some Doritos and a good suspense movie, and I’m in heaven. It also may surprise people to hear I was raised on a cattle farm in a town in North Dakota with a population less that 800!

TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?

GS- I get into a periods where I listen to one album for a month and then move onto another. Roseanne Cash, Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5, Diamond Rio, Beyonce, Dolly, Nickelback, Big & Rich, Audioslave, everything!

TNS- If you had a crystal ball and looked forward five years, what do you see for yourself?

GS- Performing at the Super Bowl! Lots and lots of charity work, especially for kids.