Hello Janelle, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician? Before I started singing on stage, I was a very imaginative, creative little girl. I was always making up songs and dances.
What made you want a career in country music? I always loved music from the time I was a baby. I was influenced by seeing country singers on TV, that’s how I realized what I wanted to be when I grew up.
Who are some of your musician icons? Vince Gill and pretty much all of the women in country music in the 90’s. Dolly Parton’s songs were a huge part of my childhood as well. I love all genres, though. Pop, blues, and alternative music influenced too.
What is the background story of your latest single “Hand Me Downs?” I wrote this song with Emily Lynch. It is a song about being proud of the things you inherit from your family such as physical traits, characteristics and even heirlooms passed down through generations.
What was your favorite experience with the legendary Dolly Parton for your song “Hand Me Downs?” My favorite part of collaborating with Dolly was how we communicated frequently and just how humble and real she is. She is more incredible than people could ever imagine.
What was your recording process like when creating and making your latest single? Dolly and I recorded our tracks separately and when everything was put together, it was truly magical.
How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words? Authentic. Country. Meaningful.
What are a few of your favorite venues to play at? I love playing the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, of course. They are so special and it is an honor each and every time.
Is there anything else you would like to share? I really hope that everyone will call their local radio stations and request “Hand Me Downs” 🙂
What is one of your favorite quotes? One of my favorite quotes is “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Country musician Janelle Arthur was born and raised in East Tennessee in the tiny town of Oliver Springs. She started singing and performing in the middle of the Smoky Mountains at 8 years old. Arthur performed thousands of shows in the area before moving to Nashville in 2010.
Arthur was a Top 5 American Idol Finalist (Season 12), advancing to the top out of 120k competitors. She not only had worldwide exposure on American Idol but also has been seen on shows like TODAY, Live! With Kelly and Michael, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
She has also been an opening act for country artists like Craig Morgan, Rascal Flatts, and has performed with The Henningson’s The Band Perry, and Vince Gill. Her lifelong dream was to play at the legendary Grand Ole Opry Stage and she has achieved that dream 22 times.
Arthur’s brand new single “Hand Me Downs,” was produced by Jen Stegall and Arthur, and was co-written with Emily Lynch. Her mom’s heartbeat can be heard throughout the song. “Hand Me Downs,” brings Arthur’s own story with Parton full circle-from acting like her as a child in Paradise Road, to singing a duet with her as an adult.
When Parton heard “Hand Me Downs,” she was so moved that she offered to sing on the song say, “Us East Tennessee girls gotta stick together.” “Hand Me Downs,” is a sentimental anthem about family, heirlooms, things you acquire from your family, and taking pride in your culture. This song also has been one of “Nashville best kept secrets,” since it was written only a few years ago.
Arthur bought in her family and friends to sing in the choir parts of the song. The musicians on the record did not know they were playing on what would become a duet with legendary Dolly Parton. If you would like to find out more about the talented Janelle Arthur, then please go check out each of her social media pages for info about her music and upcoming tour dates.
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