My Top Twelve Music Memories from 2022

Wow, 2022 was the best year yet for my songwriting journey. I released so much new music and had magical studio days. My songs received a lot of love on radio stations worldwide and landed on charts. I got the opportunity to do so many interviews. I played live both in Pittsburgh and Kirksville, traveled to Nashville for the Josie Music Awards, and so much more. To tie the bow on this life-changing year, I wanted to share my top twelve music memories. 

It was so difficult to narrow this list down to twelve because every month was packed with unforgettable memories. I decided to share my top twelve memories in chronological order. If I tried to rank them, it’d be 2025 before I finished putting them in order. So, let me present my top twelve music memories from 2022.

The Release of My “Homecoming Queen” Rendition

Since I’m a songwriter, my focus is on writing and releasing original music. Still, “Homecoming Queen” by Kelsea Ballerini has meant so much to me since the first time I heard it. Choosing to record my own rendition was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and kicking off my 2022 releases with this song couldn’t have been more special.

“Homecoming Queen” is available on all the major download and streaming platforms here.

“Homecoming Queen” Cover Art

I filmed a behind the cover video for “Homecoming Queen” and wrote a blog post about why I decided to cover it, writing my own bridge, and recording the song. Speaking of recording, I had a blast bringing this song to life in the studio and put together a studio vlog. “Homecoming Queen” will always hold a special place in my heart. If Kelsea ever hears my rendition, I hope it makes her proud.

The Bubba Show Live and Local Music Spotlight on 100.7 STAR Pittsburgh

My morning on the Bubba Show Live and Local Music Spotlight on 100.7 STAR Pittsburgh was truly one of the best moments of my life. I can’t thank Bubba and Melanie enough for having me on the show as the first artist to kick off their new series spotlighting local talent. Getting interviewed and hearing “Will I Ever” on the show I grew up listening to was surreal. 

Demi Michelle and Bob McCutcheon with Demi’s 100.7 Cake

My interview is on my YouTube channel here, and I wrote a blog post all about this magical experience. I’m forever grateful for this opportunity. Being invited onto the show was a special surprise that I’ll never forget. This experience is one that I’ll hold close to my heart for the rest of my life.

My First Songwriting Cut

I love writing and releasing my own music, but writing for other artists is my dream. I couldn’t be more grateful that I received my first songwriting cut with the release of “Never Add Up” by Lindsey Farrow.

I filmed a special behind the collaboration video and wrote a blog post about my experience co-writing this song with Lindsey. “Never Add Up” is such a gorgeous song, and I’m blessed I got the chance to be part of the songwriting process.

My Debut Performance at Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh

I truly believe that my morning on 100.7 STAR opened doors for me. My performance at Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh was my first main show in my hometown, and it was a night to remember.

Demi Michelle before her set at Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh

I put together a set highlights video and wrote a blog post about the memorable night. I had so much fun playing at Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh, and I hope I’ll get the chance to play there again in the future.

The Murrysville Farmers Market

Playing four times during the Murrysville Farmers Market was one of my summer highlights. I looked forward to every date and loved playing originals and covers. 

Demi Michelle at the Murrysville Farmers Market in June

I put together set highlights videos for June, July, August, and September. I had so much fun playing at the farmers market, and I’m grateful that I was selected to be one of the artists this year.

The “Winter Cold” Studio Session for Christmas in July

All of my sessions at the Vault Recording Studio are some of my favorite days ever, but the “Winter Cold” session was extra magical. I typically record for ten hours and work on multiple songs in my sessions. The “Winter Cold” session was special because that’s the only song I recorded that day. Even though it was July and practically a thousand degrees outside, I felt the festive magic and had a holly jolly time.

“Winter Cold” turned out perfectly, and it’s available on all the major download and streaming platforms here.

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

I love filming while I record at the Vault, so I had golden content for a “Winter Cold” studio vlog. Also, I wrote a blog post all about the session. I love recording my original Christmas songs and can’t wait for more festive fun next year.

A Weekend of Live Music in Kirksville

I had a total blast playing at Summer on the Square and Sip Downtown in Kirksville, Missouri. This was one of the most memorable weekends of the year.

Demi Michelle smiling at the piano at Sip Downtown.

I put together a set highlights video with photos and performance clips and wrote a blog post all about the fun weekend. I enjoyed making live music memories in Kirksville this summer. Everyone there is so kind, and the support I received at both shows meant the world to me.

“You Get What You Give” Hit Number 1 on the Heart of Indie Radio Top 10

Many of my songs have charted on the Heart of Indie Radio Top 10, but “You Get What You Give” was the first to hit number 1. Also, it held the top spot for two weeks.

“You Get What You Give” is available on all the major download and streaming platforms here.

You Get What You Give Cover Art

Thank you so much to my Heart of Indie family and the listeners for all the love and support. I’m honored to be a featured artist, and I’m so lucky to say that I’m one of the artists who reached number 1 on the chart.

The Josie Music Awards in Nashville

I’ve dreamed of getting nominated for an awards show, and the Josie Music Awards made that dream a reality. I received nominations for Pop Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year for Dear Diary. Attending the awards in Nashville was truly an experience of a lifetime.

Demi Michelle and Luke Wood at the Josie Music Awards

I wrote a blog post about what my nominations mean to me and another blog post about my trip to Nashville for the awards. Also, I created a special slideshow with all of my pictures. Along with attending the awards, I made so many memories in Music City. I’ll never forget this trip.

My Presentation for the Commercial Music Students at Seton Hill University

Sometimes, the unexpected opportunities are the most special. I felt so honored when I got the opportunity to present for the commercial music students at Seton Hill University. Seton Hill is a second home to me, so being welcomed back to share my story and knowledge meant everything to me.

Demi Michelle with the Commercial Music students

I wrote a blog post all about this special experience. I can’t thank the faculty and students at Seton Hill enough for having me. I hope I’ll get the chance to do more presentations like this one in the future.

The Release of It Is What It Is

After working on my EP, It Is What It Is, for about a year, it felt incredible to release this project into the world.

It Is What It Is is available on all the major download and streaming platforms here.

It Is What It Is EP Art

I filmed a behind the EP video for It Is What It Is to share the inspiration for the project and what it means to me. This EP has my heart. Even though it’s only been out for about a month and a half, the response has been amazing. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for It Is What It Is.

My Last Studio Session of 2022

After a year full of magical music memories, I ended 2022 in my second home. Spending the day with Bob and Luke, recording new music and making memories, couldn’t have been more fun.

Demi Michelle and Luke Wood at the session

I wrote a blog post about the session, where I share the songs I recorded and exclusive news about some of my plans for 2023 releases. I had to include this session in my top 2022 music memories because my songwriting dreams wouldn’t come true without Bob, Luke, and my other talented musicians. The Vault is where every song comes to life, and I ended the year creating music, which makes me the happiest.

So, that’s a wrap on my top twelve music memories from 2022. This list gives a glimpse into the magical year I’ve had. I’m so blessed for every single memory I’ve made this year. I hope you enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane with me. Now, it’s time to pop champagne and say hello to 2023!