Every so often, a chance meeting happens in the music business that leads to supporting one another. That’s exactly what happened when I met emerging artist Bailey Marie at my “day job.” With her song “HEROES” having been recently released and the prospect of more new music on the way, we had the chance to check in with Bailey Marie and talk about “HEROES,” writing with Pete Sallis, working with Kent Wells and David Rhyne, what we can expect from her new music, and much more!

Music Video for "HEROES"

Official Facebook Page

1. You’ve recently released your song “HEROES.” Tell us a little bit about the song.

“HEROES” is a song that Pete Sallis and I wrote to honor our front-line workers.  Specifically, our first responders, military, veterans, and anyone who was working on the front lines during the pandemic. I wanted to also incorporate all of us as Heroes because during the pandemic we all had to come together to become heroes in our own ways.

2. Why was it important to you to dedicate a song to the front-line workers, first responders, military, and veterans; Specifically, fallen officer Tyler Herndon?

It was important to me to dedicate this song to our front-line workers because they do so much for us each and every day. I think that their dedication and hard work is not recognized enough so I wanted to write a song that shows how truly appreciative we are for the sacrifices that they make each day.  Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day for all of us - along with our military heroes - so I felt that this was a small way to say thank you.

I specifically wanted to dedicate this song to fallen Officer Tyler Herndon because he was a young officer who lived in my hometown area who made the ultimate sacrifice. I just wanted his family to know that we truly appreciate the sacrifice that he made.

3. You co-wrote the song with Pete Sallis, who has had cuts with Maddie & Tae, Ronnie Dunn, and Bucky Covington (to name a few). Tell us about the songwriting process with Pete and what you learned about writing from working with someone like him?

This was my first song that I wrote with Pete Sallis and it was a great experience.  He is such a fun guy to work with. We both have a fun sense of humor, so it led to a great balance.  He is an amazingly talented writer, and I was very thankful to have the opportunity to co-write with him.

4. The song was also produced by Grammy nominated Kent Wells. What did Kent bring to the production that helped elevate the song the most that might not have otherwise been there?

Working with Kent has been a great experience. Not only did he do the production on this one, we are working on many others. Kent and I sat down and talked about the importance of this song “HEROES” and how we wanted to really elevate this for our heroes and front-line workers. The music was recorded at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville and the musicians did an incredible job. Kent did a great job producing from start to finish. I look forward to working with him for many years!

5. You’ve been making a lot of trips back and forth to Nashville recently. Can you share any teasers with us about what you’re working on? EP? Album? Just singles for now?

I have been traveling back and forth to Nashville for close to a year now.  I am currently working on an album. I have been writing with several people in the Nashville area and I am very excited to share my new songs. A little fun fact is that before the pandemic I was singing mostly pop and traveling to LA. My southern roots being from NC has always pulled in the direction of country, but I am not your typical country girl by no means.  During the pandemic, I made my way to Nashville and started working with Kent. Most of my songs have a country/pop vibe to them. A little hint about my musical style is that I love veering in multiple lane's so you will just have to wait and hear the Bailey Marie music style.

6. What can people expect to hear from your new music that is different than anything they’ve heard from you in the past? But also, what similarities will they hear?

Most people will hear a completely different style with my new music. Most of my older songs have a bubble gum Disney pop feel. The new songs have a much more mature sound with some pretty intense content. My lyrical style has changed so much, and the new songs incorporate this. I love to showcase my voice with belting and riffing, so I made sure the new songs have a nice balance.

7. Is there one song that you’re working on as we speak that you can’t wait for your fans to hear? If so, why that song in particular? What does it mean to you? 

YES!!! I have one song in particular that means everything to me.  I don't want to share too much about it, but it is truly an amazing ballad style song. Lots of emotion went in to writing this one and recording it. I am not sure when I will release this one but when I do...get ready, it’s amazing!

8. Talk to us about working with David Rhyne.

David Rhyne...gosh I could talk forever about him.  I joke and say that he is my modern-day Mr. Miyagi and he truly is. I have been working with him for about 4 years. He is my producer, my rap partner, guitar instructor, co-writer, and friend. He wears many hats when it comes to my career. There are not many people in the industry that I fully trust with my musical journey, but he is my guy! We both live in NC, and I joke about how he lives in the middle of nowhere but honestly, we live very close to each other so it makes it easy to collaborate.

9. You recently performed at the “That’s What Country Boys Do” cancer benefit. Why was it so important for you to be part of such an incredible event? Is there any personal connection with the benefit?

It was an honor to be a part of the "That's what country boys do" benefit concert. The concert raised money for two women specifically who are currently battling cancer. Shane Willis put everything together to make this concert a success; even with lots of rain on the event date. I personally love helping anyone in need and when I found out about this benefit concert, I was very excited to be a part of it. In a world full of uncertainties, we need more people like Shane to bring goodness to the ones who need it the most.

10. What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an aspiring songwriter/artist just trying to break into the music business?

Hmmmm advice....The best advice that I can give to a new artist is keep your circle small.  It will be tempting and sometimes even confusing as you make your way through the music world but find YOUR people who are looking out for your best interest and rely on them. 

Learn more about Bailey Marie by visiting her official Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/officialbaileymarie

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