By Robin Gibson

Earlier this year, I connected with a singer/songwriter whose talent and energy stopped me dead in my tracks. Originally from the Upstate,Gritty Flyrightis knocking on fame's door holding a package labeled "Success." Add to that a win from a recent songwriting competition and the odds are in his favor that it will open and he'll deliver it. Here's the latest.

RG: Much has happened since we last spoke. How do you feel about where you are and where you're headed?

GF: Since we last spoke, I have been busy pushing the new single,"Spartanburg County Bound."I decided to make that track the 3rd and final single before releasing a debut album next Spring. I have been writing in the shed here in my backyard on James Island with hopes to complete my 10th song by November. Although I'm holding the rest of these tracks for the record, I have had the opportunity to play these songs at some of my public and private shows over the last few months. 

Most of these songs will have an Americana/Country feel with some subtle R&B/Soul thrown in.

I enjoy playing them live to get a handle on each story and allow them take shape before going into the studio to record. Even had the opportunity to release two live acoustic recordings,"Load The Gun"and"Sober Side Of You,"withCostello Studios,Vierasound,andGina's Venue.

RG: Can you elaborate on what you've been up to since winning the Trident United Way song challenge?

GF: Since winning theTrident United Way"Sing United" Competition,I have had the privilege of meeting some incredible people. From influential trailblazers to photoshoots to studio recordings, my summer was filled with many wonderful experiences where I was able to connect with great people and share my story. I'm grateful to Gina Cordoba with Gina's Venue, Chris Viera with Vierasound, andJeanne Mitchum with Jeanne Mitchum Photography.

I enjoy playing them live to get a handle on each story and allow them take shape before going into the studio to record. 

The highlight would have to be taking my first ever trip to Nashville, TN to participate in the Country's largest Writer's Round,"19 Miles To Music Row."There I was able to showcase three of my original songs as well as meet with other professional writers. Thankful to my friends Adam Paul, Rusty Harmon and Cody Webb for taking time to mentor me and support my journey with music.

RG: What's next? What can we expect including where are you performing locally?

GF: The next major step for Gritty Flyright is to release a debut album! It will likely be 10 honest tracks that are written from personal experience. Most of these songs will have an Americana/Country feel with some subtle R&B/Soul thrown in. Really excited to put out a complete body of work. I feel with this collection of stories I'll have a strong product to push and direct attention towards for years to come.

I am indebted to my family at Trident United Way and how they have inspired me personally and professionally since our connection in the Spring.

I'm also looking forward to playing some special venues around the Southeast starting this Fall! Earlier this year, I had the good fortune to connect withFall For Greenville,and I'm excited about an upcoming show atFirefly Distilleryon Saturday, November 27th from 1 - 4 p.m. I'm also eager to announce more noteworthy shows coming up later this Fall and into the New Year.

RG: Anything you want to add? 

GF: Just that I am truly thankful for my wife Virginia and how she supports me in all these musical adventures. I am indebted to my family at Trident United Way and how they have inspired me personally and professionally since our connection in the Spring. I'd also like to express my gratitude to each musician that I have the opportunity to collaborate with. These guys are top notch players and dear friends to me and my family. And I'd like to recognize my friends Brad Elliott and Robert Williams for consistently donating their time and talent to the development of not only the music but the man trying to figure it all out. 

From influential trailblazers to photoshoots to studio recordings, my summer was filled with many wonderful experiences where I was able to connect with great people and share my story.

I could never properly express my appreciation for all of "The Music Family" and how so many people have changed my life. May I always make it a point to take advantage of every opportunity to publicly praise their influence.