Kelleigh Bannen
We’re so excited to have our friend (@kelleighbannen) with us for this week’s Dreamos Round Table! Kelleigh’s a singer-songwriter and Apple Radio host building her dreams from Nashville, TN.
In 2019, Kelleigh was selected as the official host of Apple Music’s first-ever country music show, “Today’s Country with Kelleigh Bannen.” Since the launch of Apple Music Country in 2020, she was also asked to host a daily live show, “The Kelleigh Bannen Show,” which airs every Mon through Fri, and on-demand.
Kelleigh’s faith to believe and courage to dream is a perfect example of what it looks like to trust God through the process of pursuit. We know you’ll be encouraged and inspired as you hear more from her heart, story, and pursuit.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
I’m a singer-songwriter in Nashville, and now host a daily show for Apple Radio. I think the real magic is letting the dream evolve. Maybe you start out thinking the dream is one thing, but you realize it’s ever changing. For me that’s music. I’ve been making music full time in Nashville for about 12 years, and it’s led me to entirely new opportunities that aren’t specifically music making.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
As a very small girl, I knew that music made me feel something that I didn’t feel anywhere else. It scared me, moved me, took my breath away. Later, I started to dream about how I could make my life about music, to literally be in it every day.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
Well for one thing, it is a constant source of conversation between me and God. We talk about it a lot. Wrestling, questioning, asking, receiving, waiting. All of that is part of doing the dream.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
This may be too practical and not inspiring enough, but the main thing is, I just keep going. Just don’t stop. Just do the next thing. And, I follow my genuine curiosity. It leads me into some really beautiful opportunities.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
A couple things. Only you know what is in your heart, and what you’re called to. Don’t let other people talk you out of the dreams God has written for you.
Also, ask yourself if your dream can be your hobby. There is absolutely no shame in a dream being a fulfilling part-time pursuit. But, if you’re going to make your dream your career, you will suffer. Because, it is so very close to your heart. Make peace with the fact that your dream will hurt you, and love it enough to take that risk.