Mitch Rossell is a singer-songwriter with an impressive resume, even having songs recorded by Garth Brooks (“Ask Me How I Know,” “All Day Long” and “Dive Bar”) but he’s also a solo artist with a new single of his own. “American Dream” is a “unifying” song and he hopes it’s able to bring people together, especially in these trying times.
We recently talked with Rossell about his songwriting, inspirations and, of course, that new single.
Nashville Noise: Let’s start with your songwriting because you’ve had some huge artists record your songs. What’s your process?
Mitch Rossell: My process usually starts with an idea. I’ve written songs about every way that you can imagine, but I’d say that starting with an idea is typical for the way things get rolling on a song for me.
Where does your inspiration usually come from?
MR: Inspiration can honestly come from anywhere at any time. I can hear someone say something, or I can have an experience and reflect on it in a different way. Or sometimes, I won’t be doing much of anything, and an idea will hit me, those are always nice.
I bet! So, Garth Brooks is one of the artists I mentioned before. What was it like hearing someone of that caliber was going to record your music?
MR: Honestly, just indescribable. Garth has been my favorite artist for a very long time, and long before I ever knew him. So it’s honestly like living a fairy tale in some ways.
I can’t imagine! But you’re not just a songwriter, you’re also a solo artist. How do you decide what songs to cut yourself and which ones to let go?
MR: That’s a good question. I don’t always have a clear idea but usually, I like to keep the songs that I know are more personal to me or songs that maybe fit a gap that exists in my catalog as an artist. It can be tough to sort through. If an artist that I love wants to record something, I usually keep it open for discussion.
Your current single is “American Dream.” Tell me the story behind that one.
MR: “American Dream” was born out of seeing so much division in our country day in and day out. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, I personally believe that we still have so much more in common with one another than we have differences. One of those core principles is the idea that if you work hard at something, you have the opportunity to achieve your goals and provide for your family. That’s an amazing right to have, and I hope that we all continue to fight together to keep that principle a reality.
Why’d you want to cut that one yourself?
MR: I wanted to record “American Dream” because I lived it. I’ve seen a lot of years of hard work and sacrifice pay off. It was not always fun, or glamorous, but I kept showing up and eventually I was able to catch a break. I believe that’s true for all of us. If you have a gift or a talent and you put time, passion and energy behind it, eventually you will find yourself in some pretty cool places.
What’s your hope for this song, especially as Memorial Day draws near?
MR: My hope for this song has always been that it creates a sense of pride and unity as Americans first instead of as Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, etc. My hope has always been that it would be a unifying song.
What else do you have in store for 2020?
MR: New music for sure. Past that, I really don’t know based on what’s happening in the world right now. I want to get out and play some shows that we’ve had booked, but I’m gonna try and focus on the things I can control, and continue to share new music.
Wherever you find yourself this Memorial Day, add this song to your playlist and be on the lookout for more from Rossell.
