The annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, now in its ninth year, will take place at Spring LEAF Retreat, in Black Mountain, N.C., on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Eight singer-songwriters have been selected from across the country to showcase, compete, and network at the competition.
CORRIE LYNN GREEN (Port Republic, VA)
Born and raised in The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Corrie Lynn Green writes and reflects the secrets and stories of life in a small holler town. Drawing from her deep roots in rural Appalachia, she pulls the history of life, rebellion, religion, hardship, grit, joy, acceptance and the displacement of her friends and family off Shenandoah National Park into her captivating songs.
NewSong Music: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
Corrie Lynn Green: I would describe my music as an authentic, raw and unique sound and experience. My banjo style is unique to the folk songs I create. I break a lot of rules when it comes to any of the ways music is “supposed” to be. I just put forward what seems real and right to me as its being created. I tell stories that help heal me and help convey the story of the people I grew up with living the beautiful mountain way, often misunderstood, underestimated and ignored.
What is the first album you bought, and why?
The first album I ever purchased was on Vinyl and it was Prince, Purple Rain. It is still my all time favorite album. Regardless of musical genre Prince was an incredible instrumentalist and creator of songs never heard before. He always broke rules and did things completely his way. He had a vision and his music is timeless but also captures a perfect time in my life as I fell in love with music.
What is one influence on your music that might surprise us?
An influence on my music that may surprise you are bands like Beastie Boys, Tribe Called Quest, Moby, and Chris Isaak. These are not the main things I listen to but each of these styles existed somewhere in my time growing up and helped me break away from the idea that just because I had a very specific voice or that I played a very specific instrument I could experience and know music to have endless possibilities and I could go my own way following my heart to my authentic sound.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a new album with D.W. Fearn that will be very different from the first. I believe we are always growing and changing and having life experiences that shape our music and sound. I am also getting ready for a very cool summer of gigs including Redwing Roots Festival, FredFest, The Purple Fiddle, and in the fall The Northern Appalachian Folk Fest Inc.
The annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, now in its ninth year, will take place at Spring LEAF Retreat, in Black Mountain, N.C., on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Eight singer-songwriters have been selected from across the country to showcase, compete, and network at the competition.
LYLE DE VITRY (Asheville, NC)
Asheville based singer-songwriter Lyle de Vitry‘s thoughtfully crafted melodies and poetry are imaginative, visually arresting and thought provoking as he explores themes of nature, love, memory and the temporal. Lyle’s creative expression and inspiration are derived from a wide range of sonic spaces. A life of classical training, curious exploration of jazz, and a passion for traditional Appalachian music have each shaped his style into something fresh and innovative.
NewSong Music: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
I didn’t start buying vinyl until quite recently, actually. I don’t own many, but the first one I bought was Abysskiss by Adrianne Lenker. She’s one of my favorite songwriters and guitar players. That album is a masterpiece.
What is one influence on your music that might surprise us?
I’m an old-time musician, and although most of my music may not sound inspired by Appalachian old-time, I’ve noticed more and more of my songs have a similar trance quality to some of the fiddle tunes I love to play.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’ve been working on my debut album titled Door Within A Dream for the past year and a half. We’ve reached the mastering stage, so it’s nearly done! I also have a backlog of instrumental guitar music and a few piano compositions that I hope to record this spring/summer with some friends in Asheville. Additionally, I’ve been experimenting with writing choral music and arranging strings.
The annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, now in its ninth year, will take place at Spring LEAF Retreat, in Black Mountain, N.C., on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Eight singer-songwriters have been selected from across the country to showcase, compete, and network at the competition.
KATE PRASCHER (Highland, NY)
Kate Prascher is a Tennessee-born, Hudson Valley-based singer and multi-intrumentalist who writes evocative original songs with an “intangible vintage feel” – Ink 19
NewSong Music: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
Kate Prascher: Kate Prascher’s songs are invisible and sometimes tender, by turns playful and heart-piercing. Audiences will hear Kate’s “delicate and expressive singing” – Ink 19 and experience an evocative mix of Americana, bluegrass and folk.
What is the first album you bought, and why?
As a preteen, I was up late one summer night and saw Iris Dement perform “My Life” on Conan O’Brien’s show. It affected me deeply and I was driven to Borders in the next few days to buy the album.
What is one influence on your music that might surprise us?
I really love the Cranberries! Like most folks, especially in these hyper-connected days, I listen to a little of everything.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am almost finished with my first full length solo album. Started back in October 2022 and excited to bring that project into the world.
The annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, now in its ninth year, will take place at Spring LEAF Retreat, in Black Mountain, N.C., on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Eight singer-songwriters have been selected from across the country to showcase, compete, and network at the competition.
MAISCÉU (Lenoir, NC)
MaisCéu is the brainchild of Jimmie Griffith, a musician who hails from the mountains of Minas Gerais, Brazil. His music is a fusion of American and Brazilian musical traditions, reflecting his upbringing steeped in both cultures.
Inspired by the Blue Ridge mountains and the “Mares e Morros” of Minas Gerais, MaisCeu’s unique sound, featuring heartfelt Portuguese lyrics, is a reflection of his deep love for the outdoors and his passion for bending music genres. With an authentic and soulful approach to his craft, MaisCeu’s music speaks to the heart and soul of his listeners, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of his childhood home and the rich musical traditions that have shaped him.
NewSong Music: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
Jimmie Griffith: The music itself borrows heavily from the music from my home state of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Clube da Esquina). The guitar harmonies, vocal melodies, and lyrics are very heartfelt and evokes a feeling akin to sunshine right after a rainstorm.
What is the first album you bought, and why?
Dori Caymmi — Tome Conta de Meu Filho. This album was the soundtrack for a documentary on Dorival Caymmi who I was obsessed with in my early teens. Dorival was a great songwriter and storyteller who told stories about the lives of the fishermen and the beautiful state of Bahia, Brazil. He was way ahead of his time musically and heavily inspired musicians from the Bossa Nova era and beyond.
What is one influence on your music that might surprise us?
Jamiroquai, the first three albums are still in heavy rotation at my house.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am looking for collaborators! My dream project would be to play with musicians that are well versed in old-time music but also other genres in order to seamlessly weave and blend NC (North Carolina) with MG (Minas Gerais, Brazil).
The annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, now in its ninth year, will take place at Spring LEAF Retreat, in Black Mountain, N.C., on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Eight singer-songwriters have been selected from across the country to showcase, compete, and network at the competition.
JOSHUA BATENHORST, AKA CAPT. JOSH (Asheville, NC)
NewSong: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
Josh: You can hear the places I’ve lived in it. The High Plains, Austin, Western North Carolina — so a lot of country, a little blues, gospel, and a little jam. The constellation that I navigate by has folks in it like Jerry Jeff Walker, Robert Earl Keen, Guy Clark, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Amanda Anne Platt, Bob Weir, Robert Hunter, Susan Tedeschi.
What is the first album you bought, and why?
So, I’m pretty sure I begged my mom to buy me the Air Supply album, back before I was even in kindergarten. I’m just going to let that speak for itself.
As for actually spending my own money on something, that would be a double purchase. I bought Michael Jackson’s Bad at full price, and Bruce Springsteen’s Welcome to Asbury Park, New Jersey at the same time from the dollar bin because I think I had $15 to spend when I got my first tape player. I think I listened to Bad quite a bit, and didn’t quite get Welcome to Asbury Park until I was a little older. I did like it enough to make my second purchase Tunnel of Love, which I wore out.
What is one influence on your music that might surprise us?
Maybe the Indigo Girls? I love harmonies and they’re killer songwriters, but I’m also kind of a dude — played football, have a big beard and a belly.
What projects are you currently working on?
Right now most of my creative energy is going into getting some traction with the new band — the Acoustic Light Brigade (ALB) — is what we’re calling it. It’s a four-piece right now and we’re just a baby band but we live all over the map — Atlanta, Asheville, Athens — so rehearsals have to be very strategic and timely. As a bit of content building, we’ve spent April doing “ALB Undercover” in which we are throwing some of our favorite cover tunes up on YouTube — one each day this month. I also run a touring theatre company for young audiences, Bright Star Touring Theatre, and that takes most of my day-job time and attention.
NewSong Music announced the eight finalists who will perform at this year’s LEAF Songwriter Competition.
The event 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. The finalists are invited to network and compete at the LEAF Retreat, on Saturday, May 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m. in Eden Hall.
This year’s finalists for the LEAF competition are: Corrie Lynn Green (Early Bird Finalist), a country-tinged folksinger from Port republic, Va.; Melodic, emotive, and punk-informed The Accidentals, who formed in Michigan by are now based in Nashville; singer and multi-instrumentalist Kate Prascher, from Highland, N.Y., who is best known for her evocative songwriting; singer-songwriter Josh Batenhorst — aka Captain Josh — from Asheville, N.C.; Wellesley, Mass.-based songwriter Maggie Monaghan; MaisCeu, from Lenoir, N.C. whose music is inspired by Brazil and the Blue Ridge Mountains; singer-songwriter Jess Clemons from Portland, Ore.; and Lyle de Vitry from Asheville, N.C., who crafts thoughtful melodies and poetry.
The winner of the LEAF 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 in the fall. The winner will also return to the LEAF Festival, held October 19-22, 2023, as a featured, paid performer.
The LEAF Songwriter Competition is always a memorable experience where songs are shared, friendships are forged, and great music finds a welcome and supportive audience. It’s worth noting that the event is not intended to be a cut-throat music competition. Instead, NewSong is committed to building and supporting a community and network of outstanding artists.
About LEAF Global Arts
LEAF Global Arts is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a mission to connect cultures and create community through music and arts. LEAF is composed of two key cultural arts education programs — LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International — as well as two signature events: LEAF Retreat (May) and LEAF Festival (October). Since 1995, LEAF has served more than 200,000+ youths with programs in more than 15 community locations and in 10 countries worldwide. www.theLEAF.org
The annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, now in its ninth year, will take place at Spring LEAF Festival, in Black Mountain, N.C., on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Congratulations to our LEAF Festival Competition’s ‘Early Bird’ finalist Corrie Lynn Green!
Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Corrie Lynn writes and reflects the secrets and stories of life in a small holler town. Drawing from her deep roots in rural Appalachia, she walks down a path of self discovery through personal heartbreak, rebellion, hardship, joy and acceptance, Corrie Lynn stays true to the strength and grit that defines her personal story and others living the mountain way.
Corrie Lynn will be joining seven other yet-to-be-determined finalists at the LEAF Retreat May 11-14 in beautiful Black Mountain, NC, to network, showcase and compete in the annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition.
The annual LEAF Singer-Songwriter Showcase and Competition, now in its ninth year, will take place at Spring LEAF Festival, in Black Mountain, N.C., on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
The performance showcase and competition is a collaborative effort between NewSong Music and LEAF Community 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 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 Fall LEAF Festival, held October 19-22, 2023, as a featured, paid performer.
Past winners include Sadie Gustafson-Zook, Noan Partly, Parker Ainsworth, and Carly Taich.
While the event is a contest, it’s decidedly not a cutthroat competition. Instead, the focus is on building a community among songwriters and sharing the magic of songcraft. “It’s a celebration of one of humanity’s oldest art forms, something that helps us all process and understand the world around us,” says NewSong Music founder Gar Ragland. This is an “opportunity to recognize talented musicians and bring new voices to a bigger stage.”
The deadline for Early Bird submissions is Friday, Feb. 24. 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, April 2. Finalists are expected to be announced by Wednesday, April 12.
“NewSong has been an extraordinary LEAF partner, creating the opportunity for many amazing songwriters and singers to perform at LEAF Festival. For many artists, this was their first big step onto a national and international stage, and the teamwork with the organizations creates ease and support. In a nod to history, these artists are walking in the footsteps of historic Black Mountain College moments and LEAF Global artists from over 100 countries.” ~ Jennifer Pickering, LEAF Global Arts Co-Executive Director & Founder
About LEAF Global Arts
LEAF Community Arts is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a mission to connect cultures and create community through music and arts. LEAF is composed of two key cultural arts education programs, LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International, as well as two signature events, LEAF Festival and LEAF Downtown. LEAF Festival provides a family-friendly weekend experience infused with music and arts while supporting the long-term vision of the organization. Since 1995, LEAF has served more than 200,000 youth with programs in over 15 community locations and in 10 countries worldwide. Learn more at www.theLEAF.org.
NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition is thrilled to announce that AC Sapphire from Portland, Oregon, is the 2022 Grand Prize Winner.
During the Saturday, Dec. 3 finals, AC Sapphire impressed with her innovative song craft, intricate melodies, lush harmonies (with accompanist Kendall Lujan, seen below holding a vintage camera), and rockstar delivery. AC’s grand prize package includes a fully funded six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Citizen Studios, a vinyl package of the EP pressed at Citizen Vinyl, and a featured, paid performance at Arts Brookfield’s Summer Concert Series in New York City in the summer of 2023.
“Once again, this year’s accomplished finalists delivered a magical evening of live music to a full house at Citizen Vinyl, while tasking our team of music industry judges with the difficult work of awarding top honors,” says Gar Ragland, founder of NewSong Music. “In the end, AC Sapphire’s distinctive style, lyricism, engaging stage presence, musicianship and virtuosic vocal harmonies put her in a league of her own amidst a very talented group of artists.”
Learn more about AC Sapphire’s punk-infused indie-folk (and her band The Shoulder Pads) here.
The internationally recognized NewSong Music event, now in its 21st year, is one of North America’s premier showcases of emerging performers and songwriters today. The Saturday, Dec. 3 finale concert brought eight finalists — selected from nearly 500 entries, and from across the US and Canada — to Asheville, NC, for an evening of songs and connection. The magical evening of singer-songwriter performances ran the gamut from soulful Americana to indie-pop and from cosmic country to ethereal.
2022 NewSong Music finalists (with NewSong founder Gar Ragland, center back). Image by Aaron Stone Photo
Judges for the event, which took place at Citizen Vinyl in downtown Asheville, included Claude Coleman Jr., André Cholmondeley, Ariana Hellerman, Matt Hendrickson, and Gar Ragland. Learn more about the judges here.
As this year’s Grand Prize Winner, AC Sapphire joins NewSong Music’s impressive roster of artists such as Crys Matthews, Rachael Kilgour, Michael Flynn, Jobi Riccio, Mel Bryant, and others.
Now in its 21st 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.
The MC for this year’s event is Cass Herrington. Cass manages PR for Explore Asheville, the convention and visitor’s bureau, where she helps amplify stories about the city’s diverse community of artists and creatives. She previously worked at Citizen Vinyl, developing the company’s voice and storytelling strategy. Cass spent the first decade of her career reporting for public radio stations across the South and the Midwest, including Blue Ridge Public Radio. She’s the recipient of a national Edward R Murrow award and several AP Broadcast awards for her coverage, primarily focused on equity and immigration.
Cass Herrington hosting the 2021 NewSong Music Competition at Citizen Vinyl
We are offering a limited number of $25 Community tickets for Asheville’s creative community: Musicians, artists, and others who would like to attend the show but can’t afford the General Admission price point. Use the code COMMUNITY at check out.
VIP PACKAGE: Join us as a patron of the arts for a pre-concert gathering. Enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, an exclusive meet & greet with this year’s finalists, preferred seating for the evening and a digital recording of the night’s performances mixed by our own Gar Ragland, Co-Founder and Director of NewSong Music and Founder and CEO of Citizen Vinyl. Doors at 5:30PM.
GENERAL ADMISSION: General admission seating will include concert style and cafe tables as well as some bar stools. Seating is first come first serve. Doors at 6PM / Show at 7PM.
