Anyone who enjoys discovering new and upcoming talent on the Nashville circuit should pay close attention to Alecia Arnall. With a powerfully moving voice and beautiful acoustic songs that show her passion for the music, she is not to be missed.
Some artists are drawn to music from an early age, and singer/songwriter Alecia Arnall is one such artist. She was born into a very musical family in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. Her parents Rick and Debbie Arnall both sang in the Jerry Prunty show as well as local events and churches. Alecia and her sister decided to carry on that tradition, and performed with their church and school choirs. Alecia also played the trumpet in her high school band while learning to play the drums and guitar at home from her father. She was always very creative, and loved to write poetry. After learning to play guitar, she turned that ability to verse into songwriting, and from then on she was hooked.
She completed high school in 2003 and went on to graduate top of her class in cosmetology school in 2004. But music was still her main love and she kept at it. Alecia competed in the Colgate Country Showdown as well as a local songwriting competition called Eddie’s Idol, which she won. The $3000 prize was put towards her first CD titled Songs of Emotion, completed in the summer of 2007 through Max Creek Recordings. Her songs “Next Three Days” and “When You’re Not Ready” were well-received by local radio stations. She describes her emotions upon hearing her songs on the radio as “full of all kinds of feelings; excitement, accomplishment, and then fear wondering what people would think!” She felt it was time to further pursue her musical career and came to Nashville in November 2007.
But nothing good ever comes so easy, and she picked up jobs as a secretary at a sports complex and as a waitress/bartender at Tootsie’s and Nashville Palace. When she wasn’t working she hit the streets downtown searching for the perfect band. She started playing on Broadway like many other Nashville hopefuls. After many rejections and criticism regarding her first CD, she never gave up and to date has played venues such as Rippy’s, The Blue Moon, Whiskey Bent Saloon, Cadillac Ranch, Legends, Music City Bar, and Nashville Palace.
Her energy-filled set features covers of songs from Guns N’ Roses and Jason Aldean to Carrie Underwood and Patsy Cline. She also plays many crowd-pleasing originals. She and her band will leave you wanting more. Her inspiration comes from artists like Loretta Lynn, Pat Benatar, Michael W. Smith, Mercy Me, Hank Williams, and her father Rick Arnall. Her father showed her the classics, but to quote Alecia, “always teaching me that God is the foundation for all success and He gave me my talent for a reason and just to always trust in Him to lead you on the musical path He has planned for you.” That philosophy still holds true to her.
Alecia is currently working with Better Music Records. You can catch her every Saturday and Sunday playing at Rippy’s from 11:30 AM until 2:00 PM. You can also see her live at The Music City Bar on April 1st and 22nd, as well as May 6th, 13th, and 20th. Those performances will begin at 9:00 PM and end at 1:00 AM. She will be having a showcase in Osage Beach, Missouri on May 28th. Check out her homepage on www.bmitn.com/bmr/alecia starting April 3rd for tickets and more information. After her showcase, she will be going into the studio yet again. She will be working with studio musicians who have previously worked with Garth Brooks in order to get some of her original songs ready for radio play. So to those of you in Nashville, be sure to keep an ear open for this true country girl. You most surely won’t be sorry.
Story by Christina Brumit
Brought the whole family to see you Saturday night at Whiskey Bent. Great show!
Will be back soon. Keep going girl. You and the band are great!
Best of luck!! Hope things continue to progress for you!!
Great article, Alecia!!! Love you and your music!!!