John Milstead Named October “Best Vocalist Of The Month” With His Song, “An Easy Goodbye”
By Dale Kawashima
John Milstead
John Milstead, a talented alt./pop singer & songwriter based in Tupelo, Mississippi, has won the October SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for his performance of his song “An Easy Goodbye.” This song is featured on his debut 15-song album Sides Of The Soul, which he released independently in July (2009).
“An Easy Goodbye” is a soulful rock ballad which provides an excellent showcase for Milstead’s strong, expressive vocals. His vocals impressively combine the blues/rock style of Paul Rodgers (of Bad Company & Free), with the classic soul sound of Sam Cooke. This recording was expertly produced by Milstead at his home studio using ProTools, and he also plays acoustic guitar on this cut.
Milstead was born and raised in Tupelo, where he started playing piano at age 14, and guitar when he was 17. He was inspired by listening to such favorite artists as Van Morrison, Sam Cooke and Don Henley. He also played in a band during high school.
For college, Milstead attended the Baptist Health Science School in Memphis, where he subsequently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in radiation therapy. After college he began his medical career, working as a radiation therapist at a cancer center. But when he was 26, Milstead decided to seriously pursue his music career. “I wanted to make a CD and get a band together,” he said. “I started recording my album in early 2008.”
John Milstead
Milstead took his time to record the 15 songs on the album, and completed it in the Spring of 2009. “The album is an equal mix of acoustic songs, and songs with full-out band production.” Two of the songs have already received exposure – “Hold Me Like You Mean It” received local radio airplay, and “Don’t Believe In Love” made the Top 40 of the NSAI Songwriters Contest, which was in conjunction with CMT.
“Things have been going well – some independent labels in Nashville are interested in me, and I’ve been getting calls for bigger gigs, including some festivals,” said Milstead. “I’d like to set up a tour to play other parts of the country. And I want to find an agent or manager, who can step in and get me to the next level.” Milstead has also written many songs for his next album, but he will be concentrating on promoting his current release.
Top Five Vocalists Of The Month
"Best Vocalist Of The Month" Winner
Song Title:
"An Easy Goodbye."
By:
Performed and written by John Milstead of Tupelo, Mississippi.
