Nalani Rothrock has just released her debut solo EP “The Rock House Sessions.” Its three songs were co-written with her life partner, guitarist Joshua Lamkin, and were recorded at producer Kevin McKendree’s Rock House studios in Franklin. With their March 2020 recording sessions cut short by the pandemic, the planned LP was put on hold for the time being. Thankfully, we got three fine songs from Nalani and Joshua to savor for now.

Check out the slick countrified Blues of “How Long” here which I just added it to my list of fave 2021 songs. Local legend Jonell Mosser provides backing vocals and if you are a fan of hers, I promise that you will just love, love Nalani!

Thanks much Nalani for introducing us to yourself through these 11 Questions. Looking forward to hearing more and getting to see you play. Maybe at the Analog!

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

I am from Tampa, FL. I was a Florida girl my whole life, until making the move to Nashville two years ago. After an agent here in town heard us play in Florida, he invited Joshua Lamkin and me to Music City, where he introduced us to so many amazing folks. I fell in love and decided to take the leap and get out of my comfort zone to pursue my music further. I remember meeting Mr. Ralph Murphy at ASCAP. He took time out of his day to talk with us, share stories and life advice, and when he said “Welcome Home” I think that’s when I realized, this is where I need to be. A few months later, I was living in Nashville.

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

Vinyl is definitely my preferred way to listen to music. Although I’m constantly buying local artists CDs wherever I go. When I got my first record player, I got my hands on a few authentic Hawaiian instrumental albums and every morning I would wake up and put them on as I did my morning routine. It was lovely.

The last record I bought was Nat King Cole’s Ballads of the Day at a random thrift store around town. I’m always finding greats albums that people are parting with.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

The last live concert I’ve seen was Tanya Tucker at the Ryman last year. It was super cool because she had about 15 special guests, including Billy Joe Shaver (who passed away shortly after). Seeing him sing I’m “Just an Old Chunk of Coal” was pretty awesome. The beauty of going to a concert in Nashville is that you never know who else is going to show up!

The first concert I’ve ever seen was probably my dad each night when he would play and sing to all of us in the house, ha-ha! We always had our own private concerts. But for my first paid concert, my parents took me to a Garth Brooks show when I was around seven years old. I can remember all the fireworks and him running around the stage!

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

Glen Campbell. I’ve been watching The Glen Campbell Music Show a lot recently. Visiting his museum here in town definitely had me shedding a few tears along the way. There was a lot of talent in that man.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

For pizza, it’s Five Points, all the way! Habanero Cream Sauce Pie! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever had. For coffee, even for a weirdo like me, who doesn’t drink coffee, I love Status Dough. They have the most amazing powdered sugar donut, simple and perfect.

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

Oh wow… that is a loaded question. So much great music has come out of this town. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of the Everly Brothers. Their Cadence Classics album is just beautiful, and you can really see the impact they have made on music. Especially music made here in Nashville.

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

Daddy’s Dogs in Printers Alley! I’ve never had cream cheese on a hotdog until them, but man is it delicious! And especially at midnight!

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

Nicole Boggs, Alex Kramer, and The Young Fables.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Well, I haven’t played it yet, but I am dying to play Analog. This was the first venue I saw a live concert in when visiting Nashville and I fell in love. 3rd and Lindsley is also pretty amazing.

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

Hmmm, that’s a hard one. I’m thinking it would be pretty sweet if Blake Mills lived in town. I would love to pick his producer brain a little.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

Music, music, and more music. I am looking forward to seeing what Nashville brings. This will be my first release since moving to town, and I am beyond stoked. I just heard one of our songs on the radio last week, and it was a very special moment for me. The support and love we are receiving for this release are truly amazing and it is letting me know I did the right thing when I moved to Music City.