53 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen fewer than 200 are awarded, so I knew I had to find top notch talent to make this happen.) Determined, I attended the Children’s Music Network Conference in Boston to connect with fellow children’s music creators and rally support for the new category. Thanks to our collective efforts, the Josie Awards introduced a children’s music category, and this year, I was deeply honored to be nominated as Best Children’s Music Creator & Performer. My fellow Indie artist “Marsha and the Positrons” known for her educational science tunes brought home the victory, and we are all so proud of her. It’s been a joy to advocate for this genre. WHAT IS A SHINING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER? Growing up, I was captivated by “Adventures in Odyssey” radio drama. It was such a big part of my childhood, teaching me about history, life and the Bible through its incredible stories. Those experiences shaped my love for storytelling and the power of music to share meaningful lessons. After spending 10 years as a children’s minister and working with Life Action Ministries, they asked me to create music to complement their curriculum. That project grew into something beyond my wildest dreams—an audio drama called “Base Camp Adventures Sing-Along.” HOW DO YOUR LOWCOUNTRY ROOTS INFLUENCE YOU? I’m an 8th-generation South Carolinian and proud Summerville native. Growing up surrounded by the beauty and charm of the Lowcountry, it’s no surprise that my roots have always been a major influence on my music. For years, I wrote only Christian music, but when I was 23, I attended a creative arts school in New Zealand. It was so cold there that you could see your breath indoors, and I found myself missing South Carolina. To stay connected to home, I started writing songs about the beach, palmetto trees and Charleston. When I transitioned into Folk/Americana music, I eventually became a full-fledged country singer. Still, so much of my country music remains intertwined with the sights and sounds of the Lowcountry—the gentle way of life, the romance, the family connections and the natural beauty. The first song I ever had played on the radio was “Home to Charleston.” And a few years ago, my song “Summerville” was featured on the UP! Network. WHAT’S NEXT? I spent much of last year creating music and releasing one single every few months. I have a few ready to release next year, and will be featuring my first lullaby, “Sweet Little One.” I am expecting my second child in February, so although I anticipate slowing down a little at first, I have some projects in the pipeline. With over 60 fully produced and released songs, I’m hoping to place some in TV, film or collaborative projects with other industry professionals. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR TIME? Last year, much of my recording process looked very different from the fast-paced studio marathons I was used to in Nashville. In the past, I’d spend 10 days straight working 8-10 hours a day to lay down an entire album. But as a mom with a preschooler, those days are behind me. Now, I work in smaller pockets of time, running to the studio whenever I can fit it into my schedule. HOW DO WE FOLLOW ALONG? Instagram: @IreneRoseMusic Spotify: Irene Rose YouTube: @IreneRoseMusicOfficial Apple Music: @IreneRose Charleston Women in the Arts 843-509-8387 TeresaJonesFineArt.com teresa-jones@comcast.net “Today’s Catch” Teresa Jones Fine Art 30 x 30 Original Oil Represented by Lowcountry Artists Gallery 148 East Bay Street Charleston, SC
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