Michelle Lee On Air Adele Lassiter – September Artist Spotlight
Artist Spotlight – September 2024
Our Artist Spotlight for September is Adele Lassiter and before we dig in to learn more about her, we wanted to wish her a Happy Belated Birthday (Aug 29th). Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get to know who Adele Lassiter is and more about her.
Adele was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. As many bluegrass fans know, Raleigh is where the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) World of Bluegrass Week has taken place for over 10 years. The week of this event is attended and loved by thousands of bluegrass fans from all over the United States and other countries. Raleigh is also the home of NC State University, has an awesome North Caroline Museum of History, and many beautiful parks. Raleigh is actually considered one of the top places for retiring. Outside of the music scene, the Carolina Hurricanes won the first professional championship when the won the Stanley Cup in 2006. The North Carolina Courage went on to win the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2018 and 2019.
When Adele was a young’un, she was known to be listening to Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Sounds of Silence’ album with her discman – remember those portable cd players. She listened to all kinds of music – Americana, Country, Oldies, Motown and much more – her first concert ever was The Beach Boys. Adele started writing when she was only seven-year-old and singing them to her family. Having the love for storytelling and poetry, Adele has been drawn to Americana/Country. As most songwriters, Adele loves how music can connect with so many people, set the mood and tell a story.
Adele’s faith in God is strong. As she writes many songs, she finds herself writing songs as a conversation with God. Her music is not religious per se, but she finds that prayer is tied to the songwriting process as well. While attending Montana State University years ago, Adele unfortunately was involved in a serious car accident which could also be looked at as a blessing from God. Adele has stated, “Right before the accident, I was talking to God in prayer, about my love of music and asking Him to help me with my music, and strange as it sounds, surviving this crash and making a full recovery despite the damage…it made me reexamine my goals. I decided to work on moving to Nashville. I started researching the music industry. I noticed many of my favorite Music Row songwriters were Belmont University alums. Having the ability to pursue my degree with a built-in support system compelled me to enroll at Belmont”.
Adele thinks about that conversation a lot because even if she doesn’t make it big, she knows and understands how music is a gift, and she doesn’t want to hide it because of any fear of failure. If one song helps get someone through their day or puts a smile on their face, it is all worth it. As a graduate of Belmont University and finding it financially hard to conquer the Nashville music world right then, Adele moved back to Montana for a few years. In Montana she became the Music Chair at The Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman, MT. Getting the opportunity to experience that side of the music scene, listen to The Dirty Dozen Brass Band bring their funk and the blues from Jerry Douglas, Adele was able to grow within her songwriting skills. The hands on within the music area helped Adele realize that there was a need for Indie artists advocates. She ended up starting her own booking agency to help book tours and provide PR for the talented Indie artists.
The type of music that Adele writes goes through phases such as slow, fast, gospel, country, Americana, and etc. The new album titled ‘American Nomad’ was geared more to having an upbeat kick, but Adele finds herself writing more slow and pensive songs. Inspiration for Adele comes from Sara Evans and Deana Carter. Years ago, she had the chance to meet Deana Carter at a songwriter’s event in LA and it was awesome to obtain her perspective as a writer. Even though Adele would be loss for words, it would be a dream come true to actually meet her biggest influence, Paul Simon.
The desire to continue learning and the love of music came from Adele’s grandmothers. Grandma Sara was always the huge supporter for all her educational drive and goals. The love of music was instilled into Adele by Grandma Ruby which saved up money during The Great Depression to pay for piano lessons. Her two grandmothers are thought about and missed every single day, but she also knows that they are her saints and cheering her on every inch of the way from Heaven.
As Adele has focused on her songwriting abilities, she felt the nudge to head into the studio and record an album. Towards the end of the pandemic Adele felt God was moving her to take the plunge. The favorite song of Adele’s on the album, American Nomad, is a debate daily. As of this article, her favorite is Ten Sleep. It is a memory of her trip across The Bighorn Mountains with car trouble. Ten Sleep is a real town of about 260 souls right on the western edge of the canyon. With all the history within the town, Adele thought it would be a cool song idea. Adele hopes that others will love the songs as much as she enjoyed recording them.
If Adele could offer advice to an up-and-coming artist, it would be: “I think it is important to treat your music journey with respect. If you want to grow musically and professionally, invest in your craft. Take songwriting courses, ask other songwriter to do co-writing sessions with you…practice your instrument…At the end of the day this only helps you grow as an artist. You don’t compromise your style or voice in the process, but music is also very collaborative, and it helps to have the right support beside you. I recommend joining groups like NSAI, Americana Music Association and IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) that have artist-friendly resources to ensure you grow professionally and creatively. I also recommend going out to open mic nights and being vulnerable.”
The best advice Adele has received is that “comparison is the thief of joy”. She thinks it is important to learn from others and their expertise, but never feel less than whole because you are different. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Your weakness can end up as a strength.
Rapid fire questions –
What is your favorite Holiday and why? Christmas, I love to go to church with my mom and see the Christmas lights at Biltmore. It’s a special time of the year. My favorite thing about Christmas is adopting Angle Trees and picking out gifts for kids.
What is your favorite saying/quote? “I sought the Lord, and he answered me, He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34
What is your dream destination? I’d love to go to Iceland someday.
What state has been your favorite to do a concert/event in? Would like to do more concerts next summer in Montana.
What was your first car? Nissan Xterra
What is your dream type of car? My car now – a Honda CRV is fine!
Do you have a hobby outside of music? I love to paint (acrylics) landscapes and tour art museums
What is your favorite kind of Ice Cream? Wilcoxson’s Moose Tracks (Montana ice cream)
Do you have any pet(s) and what are their names? Cezanne, an orange tabby who hates guitar, but loves piano
What is your favorite book that you read or author that you like to read? I love to read…Charles Dickens is probably my favorite author
What your favorite subject in school – high school or college? History
What is your favorite movie line? “The force is strong with you young Skywalker, but you are not a Jedi yet…” from Empire Strikes Back
Announcements:
You can check out, listen and download Adele’s new album now, wherever you download music. You can also buy the new album, American Nomad, at her website www.adelelassitermusic.com
The album was produced by Eli Beaird, an ACM nominated bass player who has recorded with Joey + Roey, Shania Twain, and Willie Nelson as a studio musician. The Record Company is Firehole Road.
