Meet Regan Rousseau | Songwriter & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Regan Rousseau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Regan, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I ask myself this all the time, but ultimately I always come back to, “well, I want to do it,” and that’s always enough for me. It gets so discouraging sometimes, but I have to remember that this is what I’ve always wanted to do, since I was so young. I’d rather gamble on myself and lose than end up regretting not giving it my all when I look back on my life one day. Even if I never “make it,” whatever that means, I know I’ll never regret trying.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started writing songs when I was so young. can’t remember a time when I didn’t. It’s always been the way I make sense of my emotions and experiences. I bet a lot of artists can relate to that – making music for yourself first and foremost. I’ve always felt things very deeply and I’ll admit, sometimes it feels incredibly embarrassing and vulnerable to show that side of myself to people, but I don’t really care at the end of the day, because I record and release the songs in hopes that someone out there will feel less alone and more seen by listening to them. It’s hard sometimes, lot’s of highs and lows. Financially, it costs so much. I have four side jobs right now – I babysit, waitress, write personalized songs for people, and act. Mentally, it’s like gymnastics trying to be the perfect balance of delusional and grounded. To continue chasing the dream while remembering it’s not that serious and my identity doesn’t lie in my successes, failures, or what other people think of me. I have a beautiful life completely outside of my job, and besides, it’s a privilege to even be in Nashville chasing this dream, writing songs with my heroes and peers. In a lot of ways I already have “made it.” A quote I love is “you choose your hard.” So yes, while the path I’m on is hard, it would also be really hard to work an easier, higher paying job, wishing I was doing what I wanted to do when I was a kid.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d have to recommend Radnor lake. I love going there alone or walking around the loop with friends. I also love the Listening Room for writers rounds – it’s my favorite place to play and hear music. And in terms of food, this isn’t unique just to Nashville, but I’m obsessed with Jeni’s ice cream.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d have to shoutout my friends and family! They know who they are. I can’t narrow it down to just one person because there are so many people that support me in their own specific way. Whether it’s letting me vent about feeling burnout, or encouraging me to go on and on about some new song or video I’m excited about recording, they help me shift my perspective when I need to and show up to help carry gear or lend a hand however I need.

Website: https://reganrousseau.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reganrousseau/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/reganrousseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReganRousseau/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@reganrousseau

Image Credits
Hayley Mikell
Michael Richardson
Trey Bonner