By Katie Hudson-Martinez/feature editor
Playing off of an inspiration rooted in Southern rock and country, one former TCC student is following her musical dreams.
Glitter Rose, who studied music on NE Campus, just released a new album Southern Comfort on Black Fang Records.
The 22-year-old singer/songwriter is already a veteran of the industry, with 10 years of experience and more than 1,000 live performances under her belt. The largest crowd she has performed for was more than 4,000 people.
“It’s an incredible feeling to play for that many people and see that they are liking it,” she said. “Really, whether it’s two or 2,000, I just love to play music.”
Rose was born in California, but said she “got here as quick as she could.” Moving to Texas as a child, she quickly developed a sense of Texas Pride—so much so that she wrote a song about it.
She does that a lot, drawing inspiration for songwriting from her own life and personal experiences.
“I really like to have fun with my music. I like to make people happy,” she said. “Whether it be about partying or my friends or experiences—it’s always about having a good time.”
Rose and her band Hollywood High won the Los Angeles Music Award for Outstanding New Artist in 2004. Since then, she has traveled across the U.S. bringing a little taste of Texas from California to New York.
She is now looking at doing a European Tour as her international album sales have continued to increase.
“It’s so exciting for me; I love to tour,” she said. “To see new places and people, to meet my fans—it’s amazing.”
Rose’s music has been compared to a young Gretchen Wilson and described as rock-a-billy. Drawing off of a passion for Hank Williams, the Charlie Daniels Band and the Rolling Stones, she sings and plays guitar with a uniquely Southern twist.
Her family is very involved with her career and has been supportive of her every step of the way.
“I come from a big Italian family; we are very close,” she said. “My sister is my manager, and they all really believe in me and love my music.”
Rose will unveil a new line of Jon Kammerer guitars with her name at the 2008 Dallas Guitar Show in April.
The hand-crafted, custom-made guitars are prized for their sound, style and comfort and are expected to be a popular item at the show.
She is also hosting an open mic at Mardi Gras Dallas 4 p.m.-8 p.m. every Sunday and will perform at Spring Fest on NE Campus at 10 a.m. April 16.
She has a lot of irons in the fire right now, but when she’s not working or making music (or both), like most women her age, she just loves hanging out with her friends.
“I love bonfires and camping and just being outdoors,” she said. “And, of course, a bottle of Southern Comfort is always good.”
For more information on Glitter Rose and to hear some of her music, visit her MySpace page at www.myspace.com/glitterrosemusic.
Her CD, Southern Comfort, is on sale now, and for every CD sold, one will be donated to U.S. troops overseas through the One Vet Ahead program.
