This evening Coleman Ellison continues his State Street house show series hosting four of South Carolina’s finest songwriters in Mel Washington, Brian Robert, David Adedokun, and Hunter Park. Charleston native Mel Washington, who now resides in Nashville, returns for the show which will donate all the money raised to United Way of the Midlands and Carolina Wildlife Center to help with those affected by the recent flooding across South Carolina. While you can hear a new song from Washington above, both Park and Robert both recently released full length albums through 10 Foot Woody Records located here in Columbia. $5 donation is suggested, but more is obviously welcome.
1) What’s the first album you remember loving as a kid?
My dad sang in an accapella quartet for over 20 years. He had an old 45 that they recorded in 1983, the year before I was born and I still listen to that album. One of my favorites.
2) What was the first album you bought with your own money?
4HIM – The Ride. You’re welcome to judge me if you’d like.
3) What was the first local band you were a fan of?
Marlo’s Ride.
4) What’s the most recent album you bought or have been listening to lately?
Valerie June – Pushing Against a Stone
5) What have you learned about the music industry since moving to Nashville? Industry aside, how have you grown as a musician since moving to Nashville?
The industry is a massively small machine that takes endurance, character, and resilience to thrive in. You have to be bold and willing to push yourself out of your comfort zones. Connect, connect, connect. I think as both an artist and as a producer, the bar has been set much higher than ever before. I’m writing better songs now than I’ve ever written, I’m performing better than I’ve ever performed, and I’m recording some of the best albums I’ve ever recorded with some of the best talent I’ve ever recorded with from all over the place.
