In the spring of this year, we became finalists for the International Singer Songwriter Association (ISSA) Awards. We were surprised and excited, but really didn’t know what to expect. Jared had already been down this road previously when he won an award in 2020 with another project. So he was familiar with the organization and the process. Brian and I were more tentative. We had faintly heard of ISSA and knew some people involved, but there were questions in our minds. Was this a legitimate musical organization? Or were we just paying for some fake award? Was this really about the music, or was it just people padding their egos? I mean, what good is it to receive an award that has no real value?
We began a deep dive into the organization to find out who it was and what made it tick. The driving force behind everything is Tamanie Dove. She’s a prolific songwriter, performer, and recording artist. She worked the music scene in Nashville, TN, for years before moving to Atlanta. Although it’s evident she still spends a good amount of time working there. And she is hugely passionate about supporting independent, original artists. ISSA has a boatload of resources available on their website for free, they drive a radio show devoted to independent artists, and support artists all year long with features. But the coup de gras is the awards. The website lists artist testimony after testimony about how the awards helped support and propel their projects forward all over the world. Not only that, it’s also completely free. Needless to say, ISSA is highly legit and an epicenter for emerging talent. Brian and I were impressed, and that was before we even got to Atlanta.
We flew in on Friday just in time to make it fashionably late to the pre-party at The Wild Wing Cafe. The place was packed, and Jennifer Mlott was on stage delivering her signature sass. (Check her out HERE.) She’s an Indiana native and an old acquaintance of Jared and Nicohl. A familiar face just out of the gate was immediately encouraging. Now, it was only a casual pre-party, but everyone was in the mood for flashy. The ladies were giving stage vibe with sequins, bling, and unforgettable beauty. The guys were not to be outdone and sported killer Wornstar jeans, Stetons, and shiny colorful sport coats. Within minutes, we were talking to random strangers that became immediate friends. This was the warmest, most accepting, friendly group of bar mates I’ve ever met. Not a single curmudgeon in the bunch. Everyone was clearly ecstatic to be there with the family we didn’t know we had.
The awards show started at 2 p.m. the next day. We were up early to get ready and joined the crowd about an hour before so we could have our picture taken professionally on the red carpet. The energy and excitement in the room were palpable. The good vibes were endless. There was an award for best dressed, and the competition was fierce. Check out the pictures to see how all the different acts presented themselves in feathers, sequins, fairytale poof, sexy rockers, and other amazing spectacles. It was a parade of creative fashion we were all clearly enjoying. And also a part of the process Jared didn’t get to experience his first time around when the ceremony was cancelled due to COVID.
We were up for five different awards. Our expectation was to win nothing, but that didn’t stop us from hoping. Each time they started announcing an award that we were nominated for, I squeezed Nicohl and Brian’s hands while my heart was pounding. The first four passed us by, and we were 0 for four. By the time they got to Band of the Year, my nerves didn’t know whether to go up or down. When they announced our name, I didn’t hear it. I was still squeezing hands in disbelief! Somewhere on the way up the aisle, my brain finally engaged, and I was throwing the horns and yelling to the crowd. My boot got stuck in my skirt, and then my fishnets got caught on Brian’s buckle while he was helping me up. For anyone who noticed, it was hilariously not graceful. But who cares when you’re holding an incredible crystal award in your hands?! Watch this video they played as we walked up.
We are so humbled and thankful for this award. Thank you to all our family members who have faithfully attended all our gigs, bought our tickets and merch, shared our posts on social media, and believed in us with everything they have to give. This award is for you. Thank you to all our fans who voted for us! We wouldn’t even be here without you. And of course, thank you so much to Tamanie Dove and all of ISSA for being such an amazing force for independent artists. We hope to continue to make everyone proud as we keep growing.
And this is only year one!