Rising Country Music Artist Honored To Be Taking Part In Annual Folds Of Honor Event

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Just 24 years old, rising country music singer and Charleston native Faith Schueler has been plying her trade for more than a decade. "I wrote my first song at 13, and was singing in coffeehouses not long after. My first gig was at Coastal Coffee Roasters in Summerville." 

Her love for the genre goes even further back. "My mom taught me to appreciate country music at an early age. We'd come home from church on Sundays and watch CMT, and just dance around the house. By the time I got to high school I was knee deep in country music."

Schueler's influences run the gamut beginning with Nashville royalty, and from 90's hitmakers to today's hottest artists. "I have made respect for Dolly Parton, and all she stood for. Dolly set the bar high, especially for female artists in country music."

And beyond the queen of country music. "I came to admire artists like Martina McBride, Faith Hill, and Rascal Flatts. They were some of my mom's favorites. Their songs really touched me. Of course today I'm listening to artists like Lainey Wilson and Luke Combs." She adds, "I got to talk with Luke. He's so kind and very encouraging."

Slowly gaining attention she earned a coveted nod last year in Nashville. "The Women of Country (the only all-female songwriter showcases in town), named me an artist to watch. I'm very flattered. That proves my hard work is paying off."

Is hasn't hurt that Schueler has gained a lot of visibility sharing the stage for some of the biggest names in country music over the past several years. She's performed at the Carolina Country Music Festival in Myrtle Beach, and the Greenville Country Music Festival, opening for Riley Green, Lady A, Scotty McCreery, Tyler Rich, Connor Smith, and Chris Lane, as well as veteran performers Lorrie Morgan and Hank Williams Jr."

The high profile gigs have helped bolster her self assurance. "Not only has it solidified my confidence in my abilities, but it's also allowed me to form relationships with the artists. It's cool to meet and befriend them. And also by watching them, it helps me grow as an artist."

No matter what level of success she achieves, Schueler understands where her talent comes from. "God is a big part of my life, and all glory goes to Him. I grew up singing in church and in youth groups. My faith keeps me steady." Adding further, "I've definitely been called to do music, and thankfully for me, I have no plan B."

Although she has management and works with a producer, like many newcomers her age, Schueler takes care of her own social media. "Absolutely. Some artists have a love hate relationship with social media, but I love it. I feel I can use it as a tool to reach young girls in a positive way. To aspire them to chase their dreams for all the right reasons."

Given her deep-rooted faith, Schueler is careful what she posts. "I have to be. I do my best to stay grounded. As much social media that is out there, and can be used to bring about positivity, it will correct me when I'm not using it in the right manner." 

Schueler is definitely a girls girl. She writes pop country and light-hearted ballads that speak to young women, several dealing with relationships. She signed with 3686 Records earlier this year. Among her catalog of songs include 'Getting Over You', 'Living in Your Head', and 'I Dream of You', with the former gaining over one million streams across all streaming platforms.

The latter, "I Dream You' she co-wrote with with established country music artists Eric Paslay and Charles Kelley of Lady A, and songwriter Tom Jordan. Schueler recorded the single as a duet with Paslay. "That song, like all my songs is very dear to me." That number and others can be found on the popular streaming service Spotify thru her site at https://faithschueler.com/music

Schueler has a particular way of writing songs. "I usually come up with the melody or a hook, and after that I come up with the title. The words just seem to follow. After I have all that, ideally I can sit down with the guitar, play with it, and hopefully piece it all together."

However, the guitar wasn't her first instrument. "I started playing piano at nine years old, but soon realized it's a hard to carry with you. Oddly enough I picked up the ukulele before I was given an old chunky Yamaha guitar. My mom said if I could learn how to play they'd get me a new one, and that happened when I was 15. A guitar just feels right."

Even though her style is her own, fans and a few critics often compare Schueler to Kelsea Ballerini or Taylor Swift, mainly due to her vocal range and overall charisma. High praise no doubt. While she'd welcome their level of success, she's happy to let it happen over a slow build.

"I set goals for myself. I see the bigger picture. For me, I prefer to do it in steps. I set some goals that are achievable, and others that might be harder to reach, but I want to try. So my career is a series of stepping stones."

Schueler has attained one specific goal most country music artists only dream about, and that pertains to the 'mother church of country music'. "I have been blessed to have performed at the Grand Ole Opry. I performed 'I Dream You' with Eric Paslay." 

Although it's been her one and only time thus far, she has vivid memories of that night. "It's so surreal. My parents, my cousin, and my manager all attended. I'm hanging around backstage and just marveling in the legends and icons who have graced the Opry stage."

You'd think Schueler would have been nervous, but she confesses it was just the opposite. "It wasithe calmest I think I've ever felt on stage. I knew where I was, and how important the Opry is, especially in country music. But rather than let nerves get the best of me, I decided to bask in the moment, with all the glory the Opry presents."

Country music fans and newcomers to Faith Schueler will have an opportunity to witness her stage presence and song catalog when she performs as one of the opening acts at the 2026 Palmetto Freedom Fest on Friday Oct 30th on the Grand Lawn at Credit One Stadium.

The annual charitable concert and fundraiser benefits the Palmetto State Chapter of Folds of Honor, an organization raising educational scholarship funds for families of fallen or disabled military and first responders. Nashville hit-maker Chris Janson headlines the show with fellow Charleston singer songwriter Grace Miller Moody taking part.

Since its founding in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 scholarships totaling more than $340 million nationwide. The nonprofit supports students at multiple stages of their education, from K-12 private school tuition and tutoring to college, trade school and graduate programs. The 2026 concert is titled 'Good Vibes for a Great Cause'. 

Schueler admits it's a humbling experience. "I love what they do for the military and their families. I'm always happy to participate in events that help people. It's a great cause, and I'm honored they chose me to take part."

According to her website, 'music isn’t just a dream; it’s a calling'. "I feel certain this is the path God wants me to be on. For more on Faith Schueler, her music, and upcoming tour dates check out her website at https://faithschueler.com/home and for more on the Palmetto Freedom Fest visit https://palmettofreedomfest.org/ and for more on Folds of Honor's mission go to https://palmettostate.foldsofhonor.org/