Pam Ross on Joy, Simplicity, and the Freedom to Be Herself

In her latest single “Have A Good Time,” Pam Ross offers more than just a sun-soaked Americana anthem — she delivers a quiet manifesto. With a career built outside the boundaries of the mainstream, Ross has become a voice for authenticity, resilience, and self-defined success. In this candid interview, the genre-blending singer-songwriter opens up about the hard-won peace behind her lyrics, the emotional cost of ambition, and the simple truths that keep her grounded — a loyal dog, a loving wife, and the freedom to live on her own terms.

1. Pam, your new single is called “Have A Good Time.” But I’d like to ask you… have there been times in your life when feeling joy was difficult? And how did you find your way back to it?

I’ve had a lot of those times. I’m highly driven, so sometimes no matter how far I’ve come, I only see what I haven’t accomplished. It can leave me feeling a bit depressed. I get through it by continuing to work, focusing on the good things in my life, and reminding myself that I have accomplished a lot. I set goals and look forward to completing them.

You sing, “That’s something that can’t be bought.” What does that line mean to you personally? Was there a moment when you realized the most valuable things in life were the simplest?

I knew the sound I was looking for as soon as I started playing the chords. I wanted lyrics to match that upbeat, fun sound. The whole song is about kicking back and enjoying what you have. That line fit perfectly. The line is pretty self-explanatory. No matter what the world throws at you, there are things it can’t take away….the simple things like playing with your dog, hanging out on a sunny day, eating your favorite food, spending time with the one you love, etc. Free things that are priceless.

I realized that the most valuable things are the simplest when I quit my former career in 2017. I had my wife, dog, two cats, and a good home. I knew as long as I had those things, I would be ok.

Your music blends country, Americana, and rock so effortlessly. But who is Pam Ross when the music stops? How would you describe the woman behind the voice?

Who am I when the music stops? Well, the music never stops. I’m always working or thinking about music. It really is a non-stop process for me. How would I describe myself? Ummm….nothing spectacular, really. I lead a pretty ordinary life. I work out every day…I mow my lawn and work endlessly on my music. If I’m not at a show, you’ll most likely find me at home writing songs, playing music, or doing something associated with my career. In the evenings, I’m usually watching TV with my wife Elissa, our dog Bonsai Stinger, and our cat Jungle Cat.

I am affected by the world around me, but I keep those feelings close at hand. I’m not the kind of person who feels the need to tell everyone how I feel or tell others how they should live. I do put my thoughts into my songs. That’s where it all comes out.

You’ve built a career outside the mainstream industry machine, yet you’ve found loyal fans, awards, and success. What has independence taught you — not just as an artist, but as a person?

I think being independent, especially in the music business, is important. A lot of people get lost in the crowd because they’re busy trying to be part of a trend. They want to fit into that mainstream machine. I always say you can’t shine standing in someone else’s shadow. The best gift you have is your individuality. Be independent and stand apart from the crowd. Give people something different, something new. You’ll go a lot further.

There’s a quiet strength in your song — a sense of peace earned, not given. What’s the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn on your journey to that kind of calm?

Lol! I don’t consider myself calm. I’m a high energy kind of person. I guess you’re referring to my latest single Have a Good Time. What I have learned is how to express myself well through music. I’ve been in the high-pressure corporate world and seen what it does to people. I saw what it was doing to me. I had to ask myself, “Am I going to continue to accept being treated like this? Watch others get treated this way? Do I want to continuing being a part of this?” The answer was no, and I walked away. I walked away from a lot of money and went back to music. It’s been quite a journey.

When you sing, “Watching people crash and burn,” it’s clear you’ve seen heartbreak, maybe even experienced it. How do you keep your heart open in a world that can be so heavy?

Well, there’s two people. There’s me and there’s the songwriter-me. Two different people. On a personal level, I’m pretty self-guarded. I’m always careful about what I say and how close I let someone get. The only person I open up to or express myself freely with is my wife. Songwriting is different. That’s my place to express myself. Some songs are about things I’ve lived through, and others are from observation. Still, it’s my way of reflecting on what I see and feel and letting it out.

Women, especially, are often expected to be everything for everyone. Your song feels like permission to step away from that. Was that intentional? And what do you hope women hear in this song?

The song is definitely about stepping away from the demands and pressures of life and enjoying the basic things that matter most. The things that get lost as we get older. I wasn’t targeting women. It was meant for everyone. I hope women get the same thing out of it as men; Go enjoy yourself and have a good time!

If this song were the last thing someone heard from you, what do you hope they would remember — not just about the music, but about you?

Lol, that I liked to write songs and have a good time.