Hear Me Out, ISSA Awards, Clio, and More Highlights – August 2024 Wrap
Wow, August was hands down one of the busiest months of my life. This is going to be one of the longest, if not the longest, posts on my blog. So much happened, and I’m ready to share all the highlights.
The 2024 ISSA Awards
I had the most fun returning to Atlanta for the 2024 ISSA Awards. From the red carpet event to performing at the after party, this unfolded into such a memorable weekend.
I wrote all about my trip to Atlanta in this blog post, so check that out for all the fun details, photos, and videos. I’m so grateful I was a finalist in five categories this year, and I’m glad I got to attend the awards. I had a fabulous time.
The Release of Hear Me Out
On August 23, I released my sophomore pop album, Hear Me Out. This project is my favorite collection of songs yet, and I’m beyond excited it’s finally out in the world.
You can download and stream Hear Me Out on all the major platforms here.
This album is a piece of my heart and perfectly reflects where I’m at right now as a person and songwriter. It’s bold, fierce, and unapologetically honest. I used my voice through my music like never before while writing these eight songs, and I couldn’t be happier with how the project turned out. I hope you love Hear Me Out as much as I do.
The Surprise Release of “Halfway Outta This Town (Acoustic)”
I released “Halfway Outta This Town (Acoustic)” on August 5 to celebrate one year since It Is What It Is won USA Female Album of the Year (Bronze) at the 2023 ISSA Awards. I shared this song as a surprise, which was super fun.
You can listen to the song on the major platforms here.
Since releasing It Is What It Is in 2022, “Halfway Outta This Town” has become my favorite song off the EP to play live. So many of my Butterflies love this one as well. When I decided to do something special to celebrate a year since winning my award, I immediately thought about releasing an acoustic version of this song. I’m so happy I did. “Halfway Outta This Town” will forever be a gem in my discography now.
My Studio Day
The weekend before the ISSA Awards and release of Hear Me Out, I went back to the Vault Recording Studio for a ten-hour session and had the most fun ever. I recorded “Candy Cane” and “You Can Call Me Cinderella Now,” and of course, we celebrated the upcoming album release with cake.
I wrote all about my session in this blog post, so definitely give that a read for all the details. I’m so glad I got to go back to the studio this month.
The Murrysville Farmers Market
I had a blast playing at the Murrysville Farmers Market again. As always, I put together a set highlights video.
Performing at the farmers market is always so fun. I have one more date next month, and I’m looking forward to it.
The August Music Features
I did lots of interviews and received other recognition for my music in August. I’m so grateful for everyone who gave me the opportunity to appear on their platforms.
First, I was featured on a dream show, Music Saved Me. Ever since I discovered this podcast in January, I wanted to be on. I can’t thank Lynn and Buzz enough for having me for such a vulnerable and meaningful conversation. My interview can be heard on all the podcast platforms, including Spotify.
Next, I did an impromptu interview on the Unsigned Show. Paul has supported me since the spring of 2021, and when I sent him my new album, he invited me to hop on the show for a chat. I loved getting the chance to share details about the album, and Paul played “Passive Aggressive,” “Rain on My Parade,” and “Quiet.”
Also, I appeared on the One Life Music and Podcast Channel. I loved chatting with AJ all about my journey in music, and I played “Halfway Outta This Town.” You can watch my interview on YouTube.
The interviews continued with my second appearance on Our Mind on Music. Jeremy and I caught up to chat all about Hear Me Out, the publication of Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time, and more. I had a total blast being back on the show, and you can watch my interview on YouTube.
Also, Jeremy shared such a fabulous writeup along with my interview. You can check that out here.
Next, I’m so grateful for BuzzMusic for interviewing me and writing such a fabulous review for Hear Me Out. This feature truly means so much to me. You can read it here.
The fun continued with my interview on No Cover TV. I had so much fun chatting with Al all about my journey, and I played “Passive Aggressive” and “Make Time,” two of my favorites to perform live off the album. You can watch my interview on YouTube.
Last but certainly not least, Jess interviewed me for Fierce & Fabulous Revolution. She has supported me since day one, so getting to do an interview for the release of Hear Me Out was very special. You can read the interview here.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who featured me on their platforms this month. I truly felt the love around my album release, and I’m forever thankful for the support.
The Publication of Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time
I’m officially a published author now. I still can’t wrap my head around this.
Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time, a fabulous middle grade anthology by Wild Ink Publishing, released on August 6. My Atlantis legend origin story, “The Scribe from the Lost City,” is featured in the book.
I wrote all about my first ever publication in this blog post, so check that out for all the details and to watch the video of me opening my copy of the anthology.
At the beginning of the year, I never thought I would become a published author so soon. I’m still working toward my book deal, but anthology acceptances have really boosted my confidence and brought me pure joy. Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time will always be close to my heart, since this is the first book that features my work. I can’t thank the whole team at Wild Ink Publishing enough for making my dreams come true.
The August Publishing Interviews
This month, I did not one, not two, but three publishing industry interviews. This is beyond wild to me.
First, I appeared on Digging Deeper right before the publication of Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time. I loved chatting with Bethany all about my first publication, my obsession with anthologies, and my adventures in the publishing and music industries as a whole. I can’t thank Bethany enough for having me on her show. You can listen to my interview here.
Next, I did an interview for Cabbit Crossing Publishing to promote my short story, “Dabria’s Shadows,” forthcoming in Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore: Fairy Tales, Folklore, and Fables Reimagined. I shared a sneak peek of the story, my favorite fairy tales growing up, and more. Huge thank you to Marx for having me. You can watch my interview on YouTube.
My third interview was with Wild Ink Publishing to promote UnCensored Ink: A Banned Book Inspired Anthology. In my interview, I shared details about my short story, “Age of the Vocaprompter,” how I got into publishing, memories from my local library, and much more. I can’t thank Ian enough for interviewing me for this wonderful series ahead of the anthology’s publication. You can read my interview here.
After doing music interviews for years, it’s truly wild that I’m adding publishing ones to the list now. Thank you so much to Bethany, Marx, and Ian for giving me these opportunities. I’m so grateful.
Prom Perfect News
This month, I got to send out acceptances for Prom Perfect: A Totally Dramatic and Wild YA Anthology. This day was a whole party on Twitter because all the authors tweeted the news. I had a blast quoting their tweets and finding clever ways to celebrate how everyone got invites to Wild Ink’s Prom.
The fun continued when Abby emailed me the cover out of the literal blue. Shelby and I lost our minds. The cover reveal was the most surreal thing. I seriously can’t believe my name is on a book cover.
Next month, I’ll start editing for the anthology. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I’m very excited and can’t wait for what’s next on this adventure.
Anthology Updates
Yep, I’m still obsessed with anthologies. Also, the addiction is getting worse.
This month, my best friend and I submitted the fairy tale short story we wrote to another anthology. We unfortunately received a pass from the other one, but we’re determined to find this story a home.
Also, I submitted my young adult gothic horror short story to an anthology I want to be published in so badly. I’m keeping my fingers crossed so hard for this one.
In September, I’ll be writing more stories. I have a whole list at this point. My goal is to have five acceptances by the end of the year. I currently have three.
So, that’s a wrap on my magical August. I loved writing this blog post because it reminded me how wild this month was. August felt like it lasted ten years, and after reflecting back on all that happened, I understand why. I’m excited to see what the universe has in store for me in September.