NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Earlier this summer Pillbox Patti introduced herself to the world with the release of “Good People” and “Young and Stupid.” On the heels of those tracks comes “Suwannee,” a country song that offers Pillbox Patti’s (Nicolette Hayford) unique perspective, and tell it like it is – the good, the bad, and the ugly – attitude. It’s a style Forbes called “hypnotic” and “poignant” while stating “It’s…honesty and authenticity that Hayford wants to share with listeners on her debut project.” Listen to “Suwannee” HERE.
Written by Hayford with Aaron Raitiere, Ashley McBryde, Park Chisolm, Benjy Davis, Connie Harrington and Joe Clemmons, and produced by Park Chisolm, “Suwannee” is an autobiographical song about Nicolette’s youth, growing up in Florida. She didn’t have a lot, but the hard times and spirit the of the state shaped her into who she is today. On “Suwannee” Pillbox Patti sings:
WAY DOWN UPON THE SUWANNEE RIVER
THAT’S WHERE I COME FROM
THAT’S WHERE I COME FROM
WHERE THE SUN SHINES FOREVER
IT’S DEEP IN MY BLOOD
YOU KNOW I GREW UP
BAREFOOT DRIVIN’ WITH SOME BUGS ON THE BUMPER
FREEBIRD FREE IN AN ENDLESS SUMMER
DOWN UPON THE SUWANNEE RIVER
THAT’S WHERE I COME FROM
Pillbox Patti is the evolution of celebrated Nashville songwriter Nicolette Hayford. She has penned hits like “One Night Standards” and “Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” for Ashely McBryde as well as songs for Lainey Wilson, William Michael Morgan and Chrissy Metz. In 2021 she was named MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year and nominated for ACM and CMA Song Of The Year Awards.
After years of writing for other artists, Hayford is finally stepping into the spotlight as an artist. The ten-year town put her into a box, so she ventured off with her tribe of writers and what has emerged is Pillbox Patti, allowing Hayford to say anything and everything she wants. The fresh, authentic take on growing up in her Country is crystallized through the lens of a Florida native delivering her youth and adulthood in an honest, spirited, not always pretty, package.
These three songs offer a first taste of music from her upcoming project. More music from Pillbox Patti will be released later this year. Stay tuned for details at pillboxpatti.com and follow along on social media @pillboxpatti for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
More About Pillbox Patti in Her Own Words:
I grew up in FL.
Sometimes with my dad.
Sometimes with my sister.
Sometimes with my mom.
Sometimes with my grandma.
Sometimes at a friend’s house.
Sometimes with just a stamp of my dad’s signature.
Sometimes people were on drugs.
Sometimes I was on drugs.
Sometimes people were selling drugs.
Sometimes I was selling drugs.
Sometimes people were getting’ the shit beat out of them.
Couple times I was one of them.
Sometimes the cops came.
Sometimes no one did.
Sometimes you gotta get out of where everyone else is stuck.
Couple times I did.
Sometimes you remember you have a dream.
Sometimes you gotta take the long way.
Sometimes one dream pays for another dream.
Sometimes shit actually works out.
I still do pretty much everything sometimes.
Angela Abercrombie
August 19, 2022 at 8:10 am
Dear writers:
My brother sold ten songs to Acuff-Rose back in the early 80’s, one of which went to number one. Back then, he signed a NDA and gave up all rights and residuals, and gave 90% of his payment to St. Jude’s!
Now, he literally lives on the Suwannee River and has recently started writing again and wrote a song about the river. We went to a recording studio and recorded this, and one other song called “Sad Songwriter.” He is not a performer but is a great songwriter. If, by some miracle, you’d be interested in listening to them, I will gladly email the two songs to you. My number is 590-386-2442.
Christina
August 19, 2022 at 2:54 pm
Please send to [email protected] we appreciate you.