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Submissions now open to the 11th annual LEAF / NewSong Singer-Songwriter Competition

Monday, February 24th, 2025

The annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Showcase and Competition, now in its eleventh year, will take place at LEAF Global Arts Retreat, in Black Mountain, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Submit your original songs HERE

The performance showcase and competition is a collaborative effort between NewSong Music and LEAF Global Arts. It aims to identify and recognize exceptional performers and songwriters from across the country. Eight finalists will be invited to perform, network, and compete at the LEAF Retreat (a more intimate iteration of LEAF’s annual fall festival) in May.

The winner of the LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, selected from a panel of music industry judges, will earn a spot as one of only eight finalists at the annual International NewSong Competition, held in Asheville, N.C., in the fall. The winner will also return to the LEAF Global Arts Festival, held October 16-19, 2025, as a featured, paid performer.

Past winners include Admiral Radio, Jimmie Griffith, Noan Partly, and Moon Bride.

The deadline for Early Bird submissions is Sunday, March 2 (at which point submission prices increase). One early bird entrant will be selected as a finalist for the LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition. (All other early bird entries will remain in consideration.) The final deadline to submit entries is Sunday, March 23, at 11:59 PM PST. This year’s eight finalists are scheduled to be announced on Facebook, Instagram, our website blog and newsletter on Wednesday, April 2.

Submit your original songs HERE

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Meet the NewSong Competition Judges

Tuesday, January 7th, 2025

Now in its 24th year, the NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition is one of North America’s premier showcases of emerging performers and songwriters today. This crowd-sourced effort seeks to identify the truly exceptional artists within our communities and to work closely with them to develop their careers and introduce their music to a broader, international audience while building a supportive community of performers and songwriters across all genres of music and levels of skill.

But, as important as songwriting skills and stage presence is to this competition, it’s our panel of esteemed judges — all members of the music industry — who have to make the difficult decision: What musical act will take home the grand prize.

This year’s judges, for the finale event on Saturday, March 15, include:

China Langford head shotChina Langford —China Langford is an events promoter, musician, and arts administrator currently based in Old Fort, NC. She owns and runs the independent live music production company Lonesome Station, originally founded in San Francisco in 2019, and now operating at multiple venues in the Asheville area. She recently opened the small music venue Lonesome Station Old Fort at Seeker Coffee. She grew up in Black Mountain surrounded by singer-songwriters and immersed in the rich musical landscape of Western NC. Her solo music is released under the name China Smith. 

 

A man wearing glasses and a blue shirt stands in front of an old building with blue siding.Claude Coleman Jr. — Best known as the drummer for the alternative rock group Ween. He has also worked with Eagles of Death Metal, Chocolate Genius, the Wooden Soldiers, Elysian Fields and 3 Input Woman, and has been a touring member of the Mike Dillon Band on multiple occasions. A multi-instrumentalist, Coleman is also the singer-songwriter for his own group Amandla. Since 2017, he has co-owned and actively managed SoundSpace@Rabbit’s, a music rehearsal and art studio facility inside of a 1947 Black-owned tourist court and soul food cafe’ known as Rabbit’s Motel, in the historically African American district of Southside, Asheville, North Carolina.

 

A man wearing a white shirt and glasses leans against a mixing board. Gar Ragland — Gar Ragland is a producer, musician, and president and co-founder of the NewSong Music Group. Ragland relocated to Boston to study composition and improvisation at the New England Conservatory with MacArthur ‘Genius’ Award winning pianist, composer and educator Ran Blake. It was there in 2001 that he started producing his fellow classmates’ demos and records, and co-founded NewSong Music. In 2005 Ragland moved to New York City, working out of his studio in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn. In 2012, he relocated with his wife and three children to Asheville, NC, to take up residence at Echo Mountain Recording Studios; and in 2020 founded Citizen Vinyl, presenting sponsor of NewSong Music. Ragland is a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammys), and formerly served for five years as the board chair of the Asheville Area Arts Council (ArtsAVL).  

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Q+A with NewSong Finalist Marcus Fetch

Saturday, January 4th, 2025

Marcus Fetch’s songs are heartfelt and raw, with lyrics that paint unique life experiences. Red House is a coming-of-age album that squeezes every last drop of angst out of one’s late twenties. Breaking away from friends and the party scene, soul searching through late nights, house parties, and wild road trips. Fetch unleashes this powerful musical performance writing and recording almost the entire album himself.

Marcus will join seven other finalists to network and compete at the NewSong Performance & Songwriting Competition finals on Saturday, March 15, at Citizen Vinyl. Find tickets here.

NewSong Music: What sort of music was playing in your house when you were growing up?

Marcus: Outside of my father’s love for the Beatles, my older sister blew my mind with alternative rock music as a kid. 

What inspired you to become a songwriter?

I learned how to express my emotions through writing songs as a young teen and never stopped. 

If you could partner with another living songwriter to co-write a song, who would it be? 

That’s a tough one! Would have to be Bob Dylan.

What attracted you to submit your song(s) to the NewSong Competition? 

Just wanted to put myself out there. 

Do you have any recent or forthcoming projects to tell us about? 

I’ve written a few beat poems to slow jazz piano lately. Inspired by Kerouc. 

 

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Q+A with NewSong finalist Lindsay Foote

Tuesday, December 31st, 2024

Lindsay Foote is a singer-songwriter and producer from Boston. Her heartfelt music has been featured on CBS and recognized in several national songwriting competitions. When she’s not songwriting, Lindsay spends her time rock climbing, hosting dinner parties, and trying to keep her house plants alive.

Lindsay will join seven other finalists to network and compete at the NewSong Performance & Songwriting Competition finals on Saturday, March 15, at Citizen Vinyl. Find tickets HERE.

NewSong Music: What sort of music was playing in your house when you were growing up?

My parents loved singer-songwriters, so I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! I grew up listening to Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin, James Taylor, and Jonatha Brooke. My Dad also loves country and bluegrass, so there was lots of that playing in the house.

What inspired you to become a songwriter?

I wanted to be a songwriter ever since I understood that it was a job! I used to pore over the lyric sleeves of every CD I got, and memorize every word. Once I got a bit older, I started writing songs, and felt like I could really express certain things through the medium that I couldn’t express elsewhere. I was hooked!

If you could partner with another living songwriter to co-write a song, who would it be?

Hmm, this is a tough one!! There’s so many, but I think at the moment it would be Adrienne Lenker. Her music is so original and authentic, and I would love to see how she approaches the writing process!

What attracted you to submit your song(s) to the NewSong Competition?

A few favorite songwriters of mine —Kaiti Jones, Jobi Riccio — have been finalists in this contest, so I thought I’d give it a shot. I also love getting the chance to meet and connect with new musicians from all over!

Do you have any recent or forthcoming projects to tell us about?

I’m working on a new album with my band here in Boston. It’s a collection of songs from the past few years about friendship, connection, and growing older. 

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Q+A with NewSong finalist Erika Lewis

Monday, December 30th, 2024

Known for her lengthy tenure touring and busking with beloved New Orleans jazz band Tuba Skinny, prolific songwriter and singer Erika Lewis has been churning out American originals all her own for the past several years. From classic country to cosmic Americana to dreamy indie folk, Lewis continues to dip her toes more deeply into an ever-expanding pool of roots music styles. Her new record A Walk Around the Sun is a testament to Lewis’ songwriting prowess and exceptional vocal ability.

Erika will join seven other finalists to network and compete at the NewSong Performance & Songwriting Competition finals on Saturday, March 15, at Citizen Vinyl. Find tickets here.

NewSong Music: What sort of music was playing in your house when you were growing up?

Erika: Motown, Blues, Country, Jazz, Soul 

What inspired you to become a songwriter?

Singing and making up melodies have always been a sort of default mode for me. And I like poetry, so it was sort of a natural progression of self expression. Also, I was very inspired by other people making music around me.

If you could partner with another living songwriter to co-write a song, who would it be?

Liliana Hudgens 

What attracted you to submit your song(s) to the NewSong Competition?

I live in Asheville and noticed the competition was being held here. And I’ve always had a stop and go relationship with songwriting and just feeling very ready to put more energy into it, hopefully by working on a new album in the coming year. So I thought this contest would be a good incentive.

Do you have any recent or forthcoming projects to tell us about?

My first studio album A Walk Around the Sun was released in 2022.

 

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Q+A with NewSong finalist Paula Boggs

Saturday, December 28th, 2024

Paula Boggs has written and recorded four full-length albums fronting the Paula Boggs Band, and has also recorded two EPs. She is a voting member and a Governor of The Recording Academy, Pacific Northwest Chapter Board, and member of the Americana Music Association.

Paula and her band mate Darren Loucas will join seven other finalists to network and compete at the NewSong Performance & Songwriting Competition finals on Saturday, March 15, at Citizen Vinyl. Find tickets here.

NewSong Music: What sort of music was playing in your house when you were growing up? 

Paula: I grew up Catholic but my mom was African Methodist Episcopal, so in my home I heard the music of both faith traditions. My dad was actually a cantor in our parish church. Beyond church music we played mostly Motown in my house. By attending Catholic school I got exposed to folk music by Peter, Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, etc. At 13, my family moved to Europe and while there I got exposed to jazz, classical, Europop, top 40s rock/pop and a broader range of folk, including the works of Joni Mitchell.

What inspired you to become a songwriter?

At age 10 I started writing songs shortly after learning how to play guitar. Guitar was the main instrument I heard when listening to folk music in school and its poetry mesmerized me. I wanted to do that too. The first song I ever wrote was “Ozymandias,” about an imaginary dog. I’m pretty sure Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Puff The Magic Dragon” inspired it.

If you could partner with another living songwriter to co-write a song, who would it be? 

Bruce Springsteen. The canvas he paints through song has wowed me since I first discovered his music in my college years. 

What attracted you to submit your song(s) to the NewSong Competition? 

Most songs I write, and our band performs, are rooted in storytelling. The NewSong Competition is prestigious and rewards songwriting so we decided to apply. We also love Asheville, having played at the now closed Isis back in 2017.

Do you have any recent or forthcoming projects to tell us about? 

We recorded our 5th studio album Sumatra last summer at Grammy-winning Tucker Martine’s Portland, OR studio. It releases in 2025 and features The Blind Boys of Alabama and Brandi Carlile’s longtime cellist Josh Neumann among other guest artists.

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Announcing the finalists for the 2024 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition!

Saturday, December 14th, 2024

Thank you to all of the talented musicians who submitted, and to the music fans who follow along. And special thanks for your patience and understanding as we recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene here in Asheville. We’re sorry we needed to reschedule and postpone the finals until January, yet we’re very excited to celebrate these wonderful artists and their music as our community recovers.

This year’s NewSong Music Finalists are:

Eliza Edens

(Brooklyn, NY) — On Eliza Edens’ sophomore album We’ll Become the Flowers, she seeks to understand what happens after the end. Whether grappling with heartache or a loved one’s mortality, the Brooklyn-based songwriter re-imagines endings not as finite events but as devotional experiences that give way to new beginnings. Edens takes inspiration from folk luminaries such as Nick Drake, Karen Dalton and Elizabeth Cotten.

Paula Boggs

(Seattle, WA) — Paula Boggs has written and recorded four full-length albums fronting the Paula Boggs Band, and has also recorded two EPs. She is a voting member and a Governor of The Recording Academy, Pacific Northwest Chapter Board, and member of the Americana Music Association.

R.O. Shapiro*

(Los Altos, CA) — R.O. (Raphael Odell) Shapiro started performing at an early age, first with dance and then musical theater, before picking up guitar at the end of high school. R.O. is currently based in Northern California, and always on the lookout for new communities and stages where he can share his authentic warmth and wit.

* 2024 Early Bird Finalist

Rai Omri

(Carbondale, CO) — Rai Omri is a Western Colorado-based songwriter inspired by dreams, stories, old melodies, ambient sound, and the natural world. In 2023, she was named a Finalist in Kerrville Folk Festival’s Grassy Hill New Folk Competition. Her first EP, Astral Plains, explores the dream world, the cycle of death and rebirth, and life in a small town.

Admiral Radio**

(Columbia, SC) — Admiral Radio is the husband-and-wife duo of Becca and Coty. Together, they aim to leave listeners better than they found them. The duo recently won first place at the 2024 Tucson Folk and was a finalist in the legendary Kerrville New Folk Competition.

** 2024 LEAF Competition Winner

Erika Lewis

(Asheville, NC) — Known for her lengthy tenure touring and busking with beloved New Orleans jazz band Tuba Skinny, prolific songwriter and singer Erika Lewis has been churning out American originals all her own for the past several years. From classic country to cosmic Americana to dreamy indie folk, Lewis continues to dip her toes more deeply into an ever-expanding pool of roots music styles. Her new record A Walk Around the Sun is a testament to Lewis’ songwriting prowess and exceptional vocal ability.

Marcus Fetch

(Birmingham, AL) — Marcus Fetch’s songs are heartfelt and raw, with lyrics that paint unique life experiences. Red House is a coming-of-age album that squeezes every last drop of angst out of one’s late twenties. Breaking away from friends and the party scene, soul searching through late nights, house parties, and wild road trips. Fetch unleashes this powerful musical performance writing and recording almost the entire album himself.

Lindsay Foote

(Somerville, MA) — Lindsay Foote is a singer-songwriter and producer from Boston. Her heartfelt music has been featured on CBS and recognized in several national songwriting competitions. When she’s not songwriting, Lindsay spends her time rock climbing, hosting dinner parties, and trying to keep her house plants alive.

Tickets are on sale now for the NewSong Music Competition Finale at Citizen Vinyl: Join us for an evening of songs and connection on Saturday, March 15. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

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Early Bird finalist selected — R.O. Shapiro from Los Altos, CA!

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

CONGRATULATIONS to soulful Americana artist R.O. Shapiro on being selected the ‘Early Bird’ finalist in this year’s NewSong Performance & Songwriting Competition. R.O. (Raphael Odell) Shapiro is a purveyor of original Americana music, carefully crafted and soulfully sung. With Jenner Fox he formed the band Odell Fox. The duo started touring almost immediately, cultivating an energetic and intimate live show experience that R.O. has continued to build upon as a solo artist. In Austin, TX, they released two records, the Moon Shiner EP in 2016, and Thank You in 2017.

When the band parted ways, R.O. stayed in Austin, gigging regularly in the hallowed venues of that world famous music scene. It was then he developed the full-band, electrified sound that you can hear on 2021’s King Electric Sessions, his first release since leaving Odell Fox.

In recent years he has typically played solo, touring regularly in the Northeast, California, and Pacific Northwest including Alaska and Vancouver Island. R.O. is a winner of the 2022 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk songwriting contest, and recently recorded with producer/instrumentalist Phil Cook (Bon Iver, Hiss Golden Messenger.) He is currently based in Northern California.

Submit YOUR original songs to this year’s NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition. We have extended the deadline and are accepting submissions through Sunday, September 15.

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Submissions are open for the 2024 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition

Tuesday, June 4th, 2024

NewSong Music is now accepting original song entries for its 23rd annual Performance and Songwriting Competition, presented by Citizen Vinyl. The program’s curated showcases have been a fixture in the national music scene since 2001. The competition finals, formerly staged in New York City at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, relocated to Asheville, N.C. in 2017.

SUBMIT YOUR SONGS HERE

Eight finalists, selected from advance online submissions from across North America and beyond, will bring their musical magic to Asheville where they will perform, compete, and connect with one another. A panel of music industry judges will select one grand prize winner to  receive a fully funded six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Citizen Studios, plus 300 vinyl records pressed at Citizen Vinyl, and a featured, paid performance at Arts Brookfield’s Summer Concert Series in New York City in the summer of 2025.

Past NewSong winners and standouts include Ingrid Michaelson, Grace Potter, Crys Matthews, Jobi Riccio, and Slow Runner. The 2023 Grand Prize Winner was Natalie Price.

Discounted ‘Early Bird’ entries are now open (1 song: $45; 2 songs: $80; additional songs: $30 each). Entry prices increase after Sunday, June 30, with the final deadline for submissions on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST. To submit your original music, visit newsong-music.com/contest. This year’s eight finalists are scheduled to be announced on Facebook, Instagram, our website blog, and newsletter on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

SUBMIT YOUR SONGS HERE

Mark your calendar for the 2024 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition finale, which will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Citizen Vinyl in downtown Asheville.

For up-to-date information on the 2024 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition, visit newsong-music.com. To learn more about Citizen Vinyl, visit citizenvinyl.com. 

For media inquiries or questions about contest entry, contact Alli Marshall (alli@newsong-music.com).

ABOUT NEWSONG MUSIC

NewSong Music is an independent music organization that aims to build a supportive community of performers and songwriters across various genres of music and skill levels, while identifying truly exceptional artists and introducing their music to a broader international audience.

ABOUT CITIZEN VINYL

Citizen Vinyl was established by NewSong Music director and co-founder Gar Ragland. It opened October 2020 as Asheville’s first vinyl manufacturing facility. Citizen Vinyl boasts a variety of amenities including full-scale recording studio Citizen Studios, a vinyl-themed craft cocktail and coffee lounge, a record and art store, and more.

ABOUT CITIZEN STUDIOS

Citizen Studios is a classic space for timeless sounds; the modern analog rebirth of the historic WWNC radio station studios. The newly renovated space now consists of a large control room and a communal multipurpose room for recording, rehearsing and events. The studio is available for recording artists, engineers, producers and private functions.

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Q+A with LEAF Songwriter Competition Finalist Andy Sydow

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

In a career spanning more than a decade, Americana, rock, folk, singer-songwriter Andy Sydow has released several albums and singles, toured internationally, received Triple-A airplay (Alibi, 2022 and Keep On Driving, 2023), been a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Songwriter Competition (twice!), and supported numerous acts including Shane Smith & The Saints, Dick Dale, Chuck Prophet, Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish, Lucero, and Anders Osborne.

Andy is one of eight finalists selected to showcase and compete in the LEAF Singer Songwriter Competition, Presented by NewSong Music, at LEAF Retreat on May 11.

NewSong Music: What is the most recent song you wrote and what inspired it?
Andy Sydow: Well, it’s still a working title, but right now it’s called “Jam On Toast.” It’s not about putting jam on toast, that’s just a line in the third verse that stuck out to me. It’s also an odd name for a song, and I like that! “Jam On Toast” is about getting stuck in a rut and going through the motions. I’ve struggled with feeling that way some lately so I guess I wrote it as a remedy for that. My friend Nic Clark co-wrote the song.
 
What was your journey to becoming a musician — are you classically trained or self-taught?
My parents put me in piano lessons in elementary school and I stuck with it through high school and then majored in jazz piano in college at CU Denver. I also played the saxophone in concert band and jazz band through high school, and my dad taught me guitar in high school as well. Growing up, we often went to this radio show in Boulder called “eTown.” I got to see so many amazing artists from week to week including Natalie Merchant, Jackie Greene, Ben Harper, and Keb’ Mo’. One show in particular that stands out was seeing Buddy Guy at “eTown” as a 10 year old. Buddy saw me in the audience and walked over and handed me his pick and let me play his polka dot guitar in the middle of a song! I didn’t know how to play at the time, but the rush of getting to be a part of the show really gave me the performance bug. 
 
What music was playing in your house while you were growing up?
My parents had a pretty big CD collection to pick from! A few that come to mind as I’m thinking about it now are Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, Sarah McLachlan, Tom Petty, and Rush. I was also always big into movie soundtracks for the films I was watching as a kid. Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Jam and Shrek are a few that jump out off hand.
 
If you could co-write a song with anyone, who would it be, and why?
Dead or alive? Ok… I’ll answer both. Alive – Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes. He words things in ways that are truly unique, yet the listener knows exactly what he’s saying. It’s poetic without being too cryptic. Dead – I’d love to write a wild, twisted rock anthem with Warren Zevon. 
 
What has most surprised you about being a singer-songwriter?
The community is incredibly supportive. I don’t know what I expected when I got into this as a teenager, but it wasn’t this. The community is wonderful. It has also surprised me how many non-music related skills I’ve learned through this journey.

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