Local singer creates country music with help of memories and friends
By Kevin Schnepp

Ross Larimore's CD cover

One way for a young man from Carroll County to get his feelings out is to write them down. An added bonus would be to sing those words so others can share a voice in the ups and downs of life.

That's what Camden native and 2004 Delphi Community High School graduate Ross Larimore said was one thing he accomplished when he released his first country music compact disc in December.

Larimore said the CD title, "Can You Feel It," explains his desire behind producing it.

"It's about feeling, getting into the music," he explained. "I hope it's enjoyable and that others get something out of the music and the stories."

Larimore's early experiences of singing and entertaining his parents, Richard and Mary Larimore, and sister, Kira, helped him prepare for what was to come.

"I remember going horseback riding with my family in Brown County," he began. "I sang a lot on that trip, so much that they started calling me 'little Garth.' I just enjoyed doing it for them."

During his school years, Larimore sang in school choirs, performed with classmates at Circle the State in middle school and was part of the high school Entertainers group.

Larimore is currently a junior majoring in selling and sales management at Purdue University. He said his desire is to graduate and move to Nashville, Tenn., where he hopes his degree will help support him while he embarks on more musical endeavors. For now he said he is enjoying having his first compact disc on sale.

Larimore said his experiences are a big part of the album.

"The stories in the songs are things that happened to me or my friends," he explained. "Some were good, some not so good, but they're all real and people can relate to that. I just wanted to be honest and hopefully it makes a good impact. Nothing plays with emotions more than country music."

Larimore wrote the music and lyrics for the album, but credits his friends for helping him hone the tracks for production.

"Malachi Jaggers helped me edit the music. We laid it down together and he was great to work with on it," he commented.

Larimore said many others were instrumental in getting the disc produced, printed and released.

"It's a lot of work, but people really came together to help out," he said. "I have a lot of people to thank."

Larimore said he has been visiting area businesses to see who might stock his music.

"So far White Iris, Brosman's IGA and Country Hair have taken me up on it around here," he stated. "I'm working on expanding, but I really appreciate the stores who have said yes already."

He said the disc may be purchased online at www.cdbaby. com, and is also available at Stogies on Columbia in Lafayette.

A CD release party is tentatively scheduled for April 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the DCHS Little Theatre.