“Next To You”
By Jeremiah Rozet, Alyssa Jane Richardson (Sunflower Forum)
Interview by American Songwriter
Jeremiah Rozet (Sunflower Forum) and Alyssa Jane Richardson are the American Songwriter Sounds Like Summer Song Contest Promotion winners for their song “Next To You.” American Songwriter caught up with them to get the story behind their Summer hit.
How long have you been songwriting?
Jeremiah (Sunflower Forum): In some form for about ten years, but I really only started getting serious about it about three years ago.
Alyssa Jane: For fifteen plus years
Why did you enter American Songwriter’s Sounds Like Summer Promotion?
Jeremiah: I had been thinking about entering your contest ever since my engineer (Mixed by Toch) linked me to your page about a year ago, but I didn’t feel like I had a song that was strong enough to enter into a contest of this magnitude at the time. “Next To You” just felt like it fit the Sounds Like Summer Promotion vibe. Upbeat, exciting, a tad bit risky, good vibes and good times!
What was the inspiration behind your song, “Next To You”?
Jeremiah: I wanted to make a song that made you feel good about being with your person! That kind of excitement you get when everything is new and you can’t wait to see them. Where you don’t really care what it is that you’re doing as long as you’re with them. I just wanted to celebrate love in the day to day. Something that makes you feel good.
Who are your all-time favorite songwriters and why?
Jeremiah: Kurt Cobain, Pete Wentz, Lydia Kitto, Brandon Boyd, Kacey Musgraves
Alyssa Jane: Yebba, Marvin Gaye, Sade, Tom Waits
Are you planning to release any new music this year?
Jeremiah: Yes, a lot more! I’ve got music coming in so many genres this year and I’m excited to share them with everyone
Alyssa Jane: Yes, plenty more singles followed by a new album coming soon!
What would you tell other artists who are considering entering the contest?
DO IT!!!
This is an opportunity to share your art, to be vulnerable to receptive ears! Entering this contest and receiving this honor has driven me to create even more and I believe it can do the same for you. This contest gives a platform to creatives across so many different genres to showcase their talents.
Listen to the winning song below:
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