We followed Whissell, an up-and-coming pop/soul artist and Nashville resident, around the city on the day her new song, “Legs Crossed,” was being released. Buzz about this talented new artist began after her music was featured on major TV networks like HBO, ABC and the CW. Whissell pairs her rich, soulful voice with powerful melodies, giving her songs the kind of heart Nashville music is known for. Between meeting up with her press team and recording vocals in the studio, she took us to some of her go-to spots around Nashville.
Whissell's Favorite Nashville Spots
Check out soulful new songstress Whissell’s favorite spots in Nashville, Tennessee.
May 12, 2017
Stop 1 of 3
Fido
First up was Fido, a coffee shop in Hillsboro Village, where she attended a press meeting. A favorite of cool kids and music execs alike, Fido is one of the top-rated Nashville coffee shops for elevated café grub and yummy specialty lattes. Some say it’s the best coffee in Nashville. Whissell’s favorite on the Fido menu: the local latte with honey and cinnamon. She’s been a regular at Fido since she first moved to Nashville. “I moved here six years ago and I would overhear label executives talking about music, and I just knew that one day I would be a part of those conversations.” When writing new music, the bustling Nashville backdrop outside Fido serves as a great source of inspiration for Whissell.
After getting her caffeine fix, Whissell stopped by the recording studio to lay down some lead vocals for one of her upcoming songs, “You Love Me but You Don’t.” While at the studio, Whissell also filled us in on the song she was premiering that day. “My newest song, ‘Legs Crossed,’ was released today. It’s really special, because it’s about communication in a relationship and speaking up and speaking out when something’s wrong.” On the day we met, the song was even featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist. Way to go, Whissell!
Stop 2 of 3
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Next, we joined Whissell at Edley’s Bar-B-Que, the winner of best BBQ in the Nashville Scene Readers’ Poll four years in a row. “A tribute to all things Southern,” Edley’s sticks to tradition by smoking all its meats low and slow in-house daily. Fresh, local ingredients; secret family recipes; and a laid-back vibe is why this spot is recognized as the best Nashville barbecue. “Everything is good here, but my favorites are the brisket tacos, ribs and pulled pork sandwich,” says Whissell. After diving into some tacos, we headed over to White’s Mercantile for a quick shopping trip before the song release party.
Stop 3 of 3
White's Mercantile
Inspired by an old-school general store, White’s Mercantile is a carefully curated shop featuring an eclectic mix of gifts, kitchen wares, beauty supplies and more. As a self-professed candle addict, White’s Mercantile is one of Whissell’s guilty pleasures when shopping in Nashville. “There are so many cute stores in Nashville, but this is one of my favorites. If you have a candle buying problem, you should not come here, because they are all unbelievable.” Holly Williams, owner of White’s Mercantile and a Nashville based singer-songwriter, says that the store was inspired by her grandparents’ sense of style and appreciation for quality craftsmanship. As the daughter of Hank Williams Jr., Holly’s Nashville country spirit runs in the family.
Finally, we headed back to Whissell’s house for the “Legs Crossed” song release party. In true Nashville fashion, Whissell premiered the song outside on her patio with drinks, food, family and friends. After spending the day with Whissell, it’s clear how much the spirit of Nashville inspires every song she writes. “Tennessee really is an amazing place especially Nashville. It’s a place I’m proud to call home,” she said. Follow Visit Tennessee on Snapchat to see what other up-and-coming artists love most about the state and why they call it home.
Summertime is barbecue time.
Enjoy the “low and slow” deliciousness of Made in Tennessee barbecue this summer.
