OLIVE HILL, Ky. — Eastern Kentucky country singer Tristen Moore is preparing to take another step forward in his rapidly developing music career — this time by searching for songs he can call his own.
Moore, a 23-year-old native of Olive Hill and West Carter High School graduate who now lives in Huntington, West Virginia, has spent the past several weeks attracting a rapidly growing audience through videos of his country performances on Facebook.
Now, his music-related Facebook Reels are rapidly approaching a significant milestone: one million total views.
The growing attention has largely come from Moore performing cover songs, including multiple performances of Billy Currington's hit "People Are Crazy" that have generated significant audiences.
But while the covers have introduced thousands of people to Moore's voice, the next objective is to begin developing original music.
Moore's management has now opened the door for songwriters to submit original material for consideration as the singer begins preparing for what could eventually become his first professionally recorded and commercially released single.
Looking for the Right Song
The search isn't limited to songwriters from Kentucky.
Original material from songwriters throughout Appalachia and elsewhere will be considered, with particular interest in country songs featuring strong storytelling, memorable choruses and lyrics that fit Moore's vocal style and background.
Potential subjects could include life, love, heartbreak, family, faith, small towns, working people, growing up, mistakes and second chances. However, the search isn't being restricted to any particular subject.
The goal is simply to find the right song.
Songwriters do not need to submit professionally produced studio recordings. A basic demo featuring vocals with guitar or piano may be sufficient as long as the song and lyrics can be clearly heard.
Those submitting material should provide the song title, names of all songwriters, a demo, lyrics if available, information about whether the song has previously been released or recorded, and details concerning any co-writers or publishers associated with the composition.
Only original material from songwriters who own or control the rights to the material should be submitted.
Submitting a song for consideration does not transfer ownership or publishing rights to Moore or his management, nor does submission guarantee that the song will ultimately be recorded.
Any rights, licensing or other agreements involving a song selected for possible recording would be addressed with the songwriter or appropriate rights holder before the project moved forward.
From Covers to a Recording Artist
The move represents an important transition for Moore.
Until now, audiences have primarily known him through live performances and social media videos featuring songs made famous by established country artists.
Developing original material would allow Moore to begin establishing his own identity as a recording artist.
Plans are still in the early stages. Moore's management is researching professional recording studios and producers capable of producing a commercially releasable country single, including production, session musicians, vocal recording, mixing and mastering.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also being explored to potentially help finance Moore's first professional recording project and subsequent release campaign.
No recording date or release date has been announced.
For now, the first challenge may also be the most important:
Finding the song that sounds like Tristen Moore.
Songwriters interested in submitting original material for consideration can contact Tristen Moore through his official music Facebook page , or they can send demos to manager Joe Clark at [email protected]