For years Mitch Rossell’s dad wanted his son to pick up and fall in love with the guitar. After promising he would one day try out the instrument, he continued throughout his high-school years until finally doing so after graduation.
“My dad when he was alive, he always wanted me to play and I never took the time to learn. When he passed away, I promised myself I would learn one day and that was the only reason I picked it up,” he said.
Self-taught, he spent time passionately learning the ins and outs of the guitar when he first started.
“I took a lesson or two when I first bought a guitar and just taught myself from there (by) watching videos (and) really just listening and figuring it out,” he commented.
His songwriting technique was carved through high-school poetry and English classes. He explained, “I never minded writing papers or any of that stuff. It felt pretty easy and I wrote a little bit of poetry and short story stuff in high school and won some awards so I’ve just always liked to write.”
Moving to Nashville
During his early years of college, he came to the realization he wanted to venture into Nashville and take his musical skills to the next level.
“I didn’t really have a backup plan,” he laughed.
Entering a new chapter of his life, Rossell knew he would have his friends and family’s support but didn’t feel quite ready to strive for stardome when he arrived in Tennessee.
“It was a learning experience. I was probably one of the only people who moved to town and would have told you that I wasn’t ready. I wanted to grow a lot more and I knew Nashville was going to push me to be better,” he said.
With the goal of writing as many songs as he possible could, those first few years helped elevate his songwriting skills.
A Changing Music Scene
New styles and types of songs were entering into the country music scene at the time Rossell was putting his focus into music. The place for traditional country music was shrinking, as was Rossell’s place in the music city.
“For me, coming into town the sound was changing a lot. What I do didn’t really fit what was happening, the transition. I wasn’t competitive so I didn’t get a lot of action there early on,” he said.
Despite these challenges, he kept going–writing songs, working and getting inspiration from other writers and pursuing music. Rossell explained he feels blessed to be able to write and get some radio success over the years.
Working with Garth Brooks
One major highlight was having his solo-written song “Ask Me How I Know,” sung by one of country music’s greatest performers, Garth Brooks.
“That was a pretty defining moment. I felt like I had accomplished more than I set out to do. I still can’t believe it happened,” he remarked.
Satisfied with this achievement, Rossell remembered thinking to himself, “If nothing else ever happens, you did pretty good kid.”
Rossell said he continues to work with Garth Brooks and write songs with him but he recently released a new single titled, “2020” which hit #1 on the iTunes Country Chart. Lingering in the top slot for a few weeks, the single was seen as a unifying, uplifting tune to many.
“I think we are a lot more alike than different. I wanted to write something that wasn’t political but just said hey, lets just try to be a little more decent with each other,” he explained.
What’s Next for Mitch Rossell
Looking forward Rossell explained he goes back and forth in deciding whether to work towards releasing an album or just releasing singles. Either way, there is sure to be more music coming from Rossell in the near future.
Check out his latest single, “2020” here and read our full list of 21 Artists to Watch in 2021!
