April Cushman’s new release may be called “Smoke,” but it’s fire. And April’s burning passion for her art has ignited a continuously growing fan base to discover and consume her music. She works hard for the music, and it shows with each new song. But make no mistake, she’s in it for the fun, and likely the creative release she experiences.

This Swanzey, New Hampshire native is a full time original artist. That is not an easy task, especially on the local level. You have to be your own manager, public relations agent and roadie, in addition to being the talent. April handles all that, and a full family life. She and her husband and daughter all live on their family farm (also a full time job).

It’s the hard work and sheer love of her craft that’s made April who she is, and who she represents in her music. The 2022 New England Music Awards Country Act of the Year is a thoughtful songwriter, passionate and bold vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and a badass boss lady. With all that going on, she can’t help but bring the sass factor to her music. More and more people are taking notice of April Cushman. She is an in-demand live performer (supporting the group Lonestar next week), and currently working with some noted songwriters. Find out more about this talented New Englander and where to see her, below.

The Music
April just released a brand new song called “Smoke.” What’s the inspiration behind it? She said, “Smoke was written from a place of disappointment of personalities who aren’t genuine but also self reflection of how hard it is some days to get through with a smile on even though 10 minutes prior you were going through something difficult. On one hand, it’s very hard to sit back and see people who preached about about being themselves and being authentic, riding on the backs of others’ successes in order to get ahead and constantly selling a false narrative, and playing the “fake it til you make it” game. On the other hand, I wanted to write a song that came from a real place as someone who struggles with a lot of personal things but carries the weight of a fake smile just in order to avoid being looked at as “weak”.
April Answers
From: Swanzey, NH

Grew up in: Brookline, NH

Current single: “Smoke”

What lead you to music: I grew up in a family that was chock full of musicians and lovers of music so I naturally fell into wanting to be part of the journey.

How old when you started: I was 5 when I got my first guitar, and was 25 when I finally mustered up enough courage to sing publicly.

First country song you learned: This would have been too long ago to remember, but if I had to guess it was probably something along the lines of today’s big throwbacks like John Denver or a folk artist like Bob Dylan.

Instruments played: Currently my main focus is guitar.

How would you describe your sound: Real, raw, not fabricated to fit today’s radio sound with roots in folk and rock.

Who inspires you: The thing that inspires me most as a songwriter is just surrounding myself with real, authentic people and fellow songwriters/ musicians; hearing people’s stories, having genuine heart to hearts with people I’ve never met before and just sticking along side of the real ones in a world of Joneses.

Awards/accolades: 2022 New England Music Awards Country Act of the Year

Dream duet partner: Ashley McBryde

All- time favorite country song: Mountain Music by Alabama

First country concert: Country Fest at Gillette stadium

What songs do you like now on Country 1025: Anything that is Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Jackson Dean..

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: it’s really hard to think about what I would be doing otherwise, so I’m not really sure. If I had to take a wild guess, I’d probably be an instructor or coach of some sort.

Day Job: Full Time Artist / Songwriter (Since 2019)

Most proud moment: Each day that I can watch my daughter grow.

Crazy thing that happened in your music career: I have really gained a lot of incredible people in my life around the country music scene. I have been playing more shows with my friend Quinton (plays with Darius Rucker), which has honestly been some of the most rewarding shows I’ve played in a long time. We have played shows raising tens of thousands to help support veterans with PTSD / helping to get them into guitar lessons and have included some of the most incredible children in big Christmas celebrations.. I’ve been writing with some of the industries biggest hit writers and also just finding really real people to surround myself with. It’s been kind of crazy, never knowing what step is coming next but I’m just here blowing with whatever direction the wind blows.

Other things you like to do: Play softball and volleyball with my friends and spend time with my daughter doing new things.

Fun facts: I have an undying love for coffee – like muddy, earthy high caffeine level coffee ; I had a song pitched out to Reba Mcentire this month, but it got passed on unfortunately (what a wild experience that was) ; I am a fairly avid fisher, and plan to do more traveling to fish this summer .
The Gigs
2/10: Capital Center Concord, NH with Lonestar

Other dates:

2/3: Pour Decisions Brewing Co in Tilton, NH, with Brad Myrick

2/11: The Rex Theatre with Charlie Chronopoulos in Manchester, NH

2/12: Sofar Sounds in Boston
The Cushman Connection
Connect with April on her social media here, and keep with with her latest music and gigs.
Posts and Pics

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@aprilcushman
Anyone else after the holidays? This is one of my new tunes, link in bio to check it out! 🙏🏼 #fyp #songwriter #countrymusic
♬ original sound - aprilcushman
Are YOU a catch?
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.

*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: [email protected]