Music & Lyrics
October Rose Ties the Knot and Continues to Wow Audiences
The Latest Scoop from Leanne Weiss & Derek Allan
February 2023
Leanne & Derek: Married in Life and Music
Photo Courtesy: October Rose
Photo Courtesy: October Rose
It will soon be Valentine's Day, and this couple's story certainly fits the bill as we consider the importance of having a partner we can count on. Myrna Beth Haskell, executive editor, met Leanne and Derek back in 2017 when she first saw 'October Rose' perform live at a local Hudson Valley New York venue. Since that time, Leanne and Derek been recording and traveling the country, wowing audiences from the East Coast to Nashville and elsewhere! In 2022, they got married. Their hard work and dedication has garnered a national fan base. It's a true love story – a love of music and each other. Myrna checked in with the couple to see what they've been up to as their journey continues.
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Leanne and Derek wrote "Missing Piece" for their Wedding
(Studio Performance) |
Has your outlook or songwriting process changed at all since you started working together in 2016?
Our songwriting has become more focused as our relationship has grown. In the beginning, we were writing whatever was inspiring us. Because of our success on TikTok, we soon realized that our fans relate to songs about couples and relationships, so we have shifted to crafting songs about things that we're going through, or have gone through, in our own relationships. We have also branched out and written songs with other songwriters because we feel it gives us a fresh perspective. It's early in your marriage, but you've been a couple for quite some time. What's your best piece of advice for other couples who live and work together?
Communication! We are always discussing our dreams, goals and struggles with each other – both business and personal. We feel fortunate to be in alignment about our values and outlook, and this helps tremendously. |
Derek, what was it about Leanne's music abilities that attracted you, and how have these abilities/characteristics complemented your current work?
From the first time I saw Leanne perform, I was blown away by her voice and still love to hear her sing, even after all these years. Having such a talented singer to work with has elevated my songwriting. She can do things vocally that most people can't, and it makes it all the more fun to write songs for her voice. We have even taken some of my old songs that I had no idea what to do with and turned them into duets. For example, our song "Closer" on our debut EP was originally a male vocal song, but we reworked it into a duet which took the song to a new level. I can't even hear it anymore as a solo song.
I’d like to ask you the same question, Leanne.
When I met Derek, and we started writing songs together, I was amazed by both his singing voice and how clever he is with lyrics and melodies. He'll have a full song written first thing in the morning, whereas I take longer to work out song hooks. However, whenever I come up with a melody or some lyrics, he's able to add his ideas, and then we finish the song together.
I am also in awe of Derek's business acumen and his ability to ‘think outside the box.’ He always has a new idea for how we can grow and be competitive in the industry. While I have innovative ideas as well, my creative, art-centric side complements this side of him. I'm always impressed with his work ethic and ability to remain disciplined, too.
From the first time I saw Leanne perform, I was blown away by her voice and still love to hear her sing, even after all these years. Having such a talented singer to work with has elevated my songwriting. She can do things vocally that most people can't, and it makes it all the more fun to write songs for her voice. We have even taken some of my old songs that I had no idea what to do with and turned them into duets. For example, our song "Closer" on our debut EP was originally a male vocal song, but we reworked it into a duet which took the song to a new level. I can't even hear it anymore as a solo song.
I’d like to ask you the same question, Leanne.
When I met Derek, and we started writing songs together, I was amazed by both his singing voice and how clever he is with lyrics and melodies. He'll have a full song written first thing in the morning, whereas I take longer to work out song hooks. However, whenever I come up with a melody or some lyrics, he's able to add his ideas, and then we finish the song together.
I am also in awe of Derek's business acumen and his ability to ‘think outside the box.’ He always has a new idea for how we can grow and be competitive in the industry. While I have innovative ideas as well, my creative, art-centric side complements this side of him. I'm always impressed with his work ethic and ability to remain disciplined, too.
Hot Off the Press: New Single by October Rose
Hits Home: New Single by October Rose
"Actually, this song started with the title. 'Hits Home' had a nice ring to it, so we decided to play on the words and write a song about going back to your hometown, where things are never how you once remembered them. Some of the familiar places are no longer there, or people have moved or passed away. We're singing about that longing and ache to have those memories back." ~Leanne Weiss & Derek Allan |
HITS HOME Music & Lyrics by Leanne Weiss & Derek Allan
© 2022 Evans and Elm Music, Evans and Elm Creative
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About October Rose:
After years of performing as solo acts, Jersey-born Leanne Weiss and Pittsburgh-raised Derek Allan formed the modern country duo October Rose in October 2016 and have already made their mark on the country scene. Collectively, they've opened for artists such as Lee Brice, Jake Owen, Jimmie Allen, Russell Dickerson, Granger Smith, and Tyler Rich, and have graced the stage of venues such as F.M. Kirby Center, Starland Ballroom, Opry City Stage, Mayo Performing Arts Center, and Mount Airy Summerstage. In addition, they’ve been featured performers on NashFM’s “Ty, Kelly, and Chuck,” as well as local and national radio and TV shows. Their debut EP All In and subsequent releases have received critical acclaim from various media outlets. Their videos on TikTok and Facebook Reels have already garnered more than 50,000,000 views. 
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