Sadly, many of us know how tough Christmas can be when it’s the first we spend without a loved one. Like Music City Mike, Nashville artist Danielle Cormier lost her dad earlier this year. Well, she and her pal, Karlie Bartholomew, who also lost a grandfather, got together earlier this year to pen the touching and beautiful piano ballad “This Time Last Year.” You can watch the heartfelt video for the song here. Wow!   

“This Time Last Year” is part of the three-song Christmas EP from Danielle. In 2018, she released her debut LP with “Fire and Ice” that featured a guest guitar solo from a former Nashvillian named Peter Frampton. Now how cool is that.

So, be sure to include Danielle’s lovely Christmas songs in your holiday mix and we look forward to hearing more from her in 2021. Thanks go out to her for visiting 11 Questions and a Merry Christmas to all!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I am originally from Pinehurst, NC, one of the golf capitals of the world. I don’t golf, but my backyard was a golf course! I moved to Nashville 4 and a half years ago solely to be a singer-songwriter. I had just graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy studying Musical Theatre. I realized that I didn’t really want to act, I’d always played instruments and written songs, so I decided to pack my bags and move to Nashville.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

I know there were others before, but the first record I bought that truly sticks out was The Beatles’ Abbey Road. I remember buying it on CD at Walmart with my mom when I was a kid. The Beatles are one of my all-time favorites and that album really shaped my musical taste at a young age. The last full record I bought was Sara Bareilles’ Amidst the Chaos on vinyl. I like to buy records when I know the voice will sound good on vinyl and her voice sounds amazing on vinyl.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

The first concert I ever saw was Celine Dion in Las Vegas. I was eight and my mom is a big fan. The last concert I saw was Railroad Earth at The Caverns, right before the pandemic happened. I love a good jam band.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Stevie Nicks.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

My favorite coffee spot is Fido and for pizza I love Italia Pizza and Pasta in East Nashville.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Brandi Carlile’s By the Way, I Forgive You.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Dino’s is a great spot.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

I’d definitely have my friend and co-writer Karlie Bartholomew, Lori McKenna, and Natalie Hemby both of which I really admire their songwriting.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Belcourt Taps has been a favorite of mine since I moved to Nashville. The Whiskey Room Live out in Cool Springs has always been a great spot. I had the opportunity to host a round at City Winery and that was an amazing space.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

Sara Bareilles. I know she lives in NYC now, but I am such a huge fan and admire her songwriting so much. It’d be cool to say I live in the same city as her!

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

I’ve been working on a new musical project that will hopefully be out spring 2021. I can’t wait to start sharing this new music. And once it’s safe enough I’ll be playing live shows again and touring as much as I can.