“Afterthought” and Lots of Awesomeness – July 2022 Wrap

July was such a fun month. From releasing “Afterthought” to recording “Winter Cold” at the studio, I’ve made a variety of awesome memories. I’m excited to share all the details.

“Afterthought” is Out

On July 29, I released “Afterthought,” the second single off of It Is What It Is. This is one of my favorite songs I’ve written and recorded, and it’s a total bop. I’ve never released anything like it before. “Afterthought” is a pop-funk song with flavors of country and rock, and it’s full of sass and attitude.

Afterthought Cover Art

You can download and stream “Afterthought” on your favorite platform here.

Also, I shared a special piano rendition of “Afterthought.” This video premiered during Heart of Indie Radio’s International Indie Summer 2022 over Fourth of July weekend, and I shared it on my channel on “Afterthought” release day.

I did an awesome interview with COOL TOP20 all about “Afterthought,” where I share what the song is about, what inspired it, and favorite memories from recording. You can check it out here.

I’m so glad “Afterthought” is finally out. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Recording “Winter Cold” for Christmas in July

I can’t put into words how much fun I had recording “Winter Cold” for Christmas in July. I’ve made it a tradition to release an original Christmas song every year, and “Winter Cold” is going to be my third one.

Demi Michelle, Bob McCutcheon, and Brett McCutcheon at the “Winter Cold” Session

During the four-hour session, Bob, Brett, and I recorded the whole song. I had such a great time, and we really know how to get work done while having fun. “Winter Cold” is such a pretty piano ballad that features saxophone, and I’m bursting to share it. It’ll be out later this year for the holidays.

I put together a special blog all about recording “Winter Cold.” For lots of fun and exclusive details, click here and read the holly jolly “Winter Cold” news.

Round Two at the Murrysville Farmers Market

I loved going back to the Murrysville Farmers Market to play again this month. It felt incredible to be back.

Demi Michelle at the Murrysville Farmers Market in July

I put together a video from my two-hour set. I love making these to look back on memorable days of my musical journey.

I’m looking forward to round three at the Murrysville Farmers Market in August. I already know it’s going to be another amazing day.

My Dress for the Josie Music Awards

In May, I received two nominations for the Josie Music Awards. I’m still flipping out about it. I’ll be attending the awards in Nashville, and I’m beyond excited for my first red carpet and the awards ceremony. So, my first awards show calls for dress shopping, right? I’m going to keep my big mouth shut about the dress, but I wanted to share that I officially picked it! You’ll have to wait until the awards in October to see. I can’t believe it’s only three months away.

Kevin Hart’s Reality Check Tour

Kevin Hart is my favorite comedian, and I’m so lucky I got to see his Reality Check Tour at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. No one was allowed phones in the arena, so I don’t have any photos or videos to share. Still, it was such a fun night, and my ribs hurt from laughing by the end. After watching all of Kevin Hart’s standup shows, reading his book, and watching most of the movies he stars in, it was awesome finally seeing him live. Definitely a night to remember.

My Author Journey Has Begun

Since I graduated with my MFA in Writing Popular Fiction, I’m diving headfirst into my author journey. 

Demi Michelle Schwartz Author Graphic

My author bio is live, and I wrote a fun blog about my all-time favorite books and series. This month, I started querying my debut YA Mystery novel. I’m wishing upon all my lucky stars that I find an agent.

I’m super excited for this new adventure. I love books and writing so much, and it’s a dream of mine to be a published author. While I query my first book, I’m going to revise my second, which is fully drafted. I wrote both in my grad program, and I enjoyed every moment of the process. I already have an idea for a third book and have the first chapter of it and a synopsis written. In short, I’m going to be spending as much time in book land as songwriting land.

July was fabulous, and I’m so grateful for all the memories. I can’t believe 2022 is more than halfway over. This year has been absolutely amazing, and I’m looking forward to what’s next.