Posts Tagged ‘LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition’

Q+A With LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition Finalist Sadie Gustafson-Zook

Friday, April 29th, 2022

Sadie Gustafson-Zook is a versatile singer, intricate guitar player, and contagious songwriter. Her pure voice and hummable melodies balance with witty lyrics to create charmingly honest and relatable music. Indiana-grown, Boston-nurtured, and Nashville-based, Sadie has brought her lovable stories and songs to audiences across the country, in homes, churches, and renowned folk venues and festivals across the country, including Club Passim, The Purple Fiddle, Walnut Valley Festival, Red Wing Roots, and more. Sadie is a two-time Kerrville New Folk finalist, has been featured on the Folk Alley and the Basic Folk podcast, and holds a master’s degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music from Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA. On her new album “Sin of Certainty,” Sadie explores the process of questioning all that she had taken for granted, through finding a new community in the roots scene of Boston, studying jazz, and coming out as queer.

NewSong Music: What inspired you to enter the NewSong Contest?
 
Sadie: I have had a number of friends who have done well in this competition and it seems like NewSong treats the winners super well, especially in terms of continued publicity, and so that was a major factor that made the NewSong contest seem appealing. 
 
What was your introduction to music?
 
My parents are both musicians so I was kind of indoctrinated into a family band at the age of 6 (once I had been playing violin for two years), but music has generally been around me for my whole life. 
 
What is the first song you wrote that you were proud of, and why?
 
In 5th grade I wrote my first official song called “My Tears Are Melting Away,” which described an incident on the playground in which my crush was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, and I felt so many feelings about it, so I wrote those feelings into a song. I was proud of it because it was my first fully formed song that was more than a ditty, and it was a really helpful way for me to express my emotions (however dramatic they were as a 12 year old in love lol). 
 
What instrument do you play, and why?
 
I’d consider myself a multi-instrumentalist, but for songwriting I’ve found guitar to be my chosen instrument. I love (and hate) how complicated and versatile the guitar can be. Even though I started playing when I was 12 I never run out of new things to learn! I also have been working on banjo and grew up playing stringed instruments. 
 
How did the pandemic impact you as an artist (for better or worse)?
 
I went through many different phases in the pandemic as it relates to my artistry. I started off with a lot of momentum, running a kickstarter, and practicing for hours every day (though I could only do covers- for whatever reason I was pretty much unable to write for a large chunk of the pandemic). Then I kind of got into a slump where I wasn’t making much music at all. Around this time I also got a remote part-time job (in addition to teaching voice/guitar lessons over zoom), which took a lot of the pressure off of music to pay my bills. I think was a very positive thing that allowed me to start creating music again without the added stress of “I should be booking.” That being said, I felt really removed from music for a long time and I wasn’t sure what my future would look like. Between 2020-2021 I was also recording an album (in chunks) which felt like a really distinct detour from my normal pandemic life (and a reference to my pre-pandemic life). It was a really welcome reminder that I am a musician and I am skilled, but it also felt pretty surreal to travel to NYC, record, have this whole very musical experience, and then come back home to my slow indoor life. 

 
Does the place where you grew up inspire you as an artist? If so, in what way?
 
I grew up in a liberal Mennonite community in Indiana, and there was a huge emphasis on the importance of being of service to other people, which I think was confusing to me for a long time as it related to my songwriting. I found myself feeling like I wasn’t doing a good job unless I had a really tangibly service-oriented profession (like being a teacher or social worker, etc). But as I’ve grown up a bit and lived outside of my hometown I’ve found that my songs are actually quite helpful to a lot of people, and that devaluing their power is a disservice to my artistry. So I suppose I keep that in the back of my mind when I write songs now– the acknowledgement that simply by sharing my own experience I can help someone else feel more heard and understood, which is a really important job! 
 
In what ways does the craft of songwriting still surprise you?
 
It’s so easy to fall into a pattern of how I write music, and the more I write, the more clearly I can see what my tendencies are. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of music and writing a lot, and it’s been a joy to notice interesting things that other songwriters do in their work, and to experiment with ways that I can incorporate those ideas in my songs. So I guess it’s just surprising that it’s such a unique process and there are so many ways to write a song!
 
What are some of your creative goals for this year?
 
I recently moved to Nashville, and since arriving I’ve found myself really digging into my creative pursuits (in all mediums). I’ve gotten really into print-making and embroidery, I’ve been digging into arranging my room, I’ve been spilling out songs (and keeping track of what I’ve written so even if it’s not a keeper, I still have record of my work), and I started the year strong with morning pages (freewriting 3 pages each morning- an idea from the book The Artist’s Way), which I’m hoping to recommit to soon. In addition to prioritizing these more solitary creative pursuits, I want to work with other people more, maybe make a band (especially since I now live around so many musicians) and play music with my friends!

Q+A with LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition Finalist Rachard Dennis

Wednesday, April 27th, 2022

Poet-teacher-rapper Rachard Dennis is up next and ready to change the world. The Bossier native represents for his community and his culture, providing bars to uplift and rhymes to make you think. Rachard draws inspiration from a variety of musical genres to tell his story; historically Black art forms such as hip hop, gospel, jazz, neo-soul, and the blues all lend to his sonic profile. His brand, For The LO., is tatted on his arm and on his heart; for the burgeoning artist, For The LO. encompasses a movement of like-minded friends and family, all hoping to leave their musical mark on the world.

NewSong Music: What inspired you to enter the NewSong Contest?

Rachard Dennis: Last year, 2021, I entered the New Song International Songwriting Contest and came up short of being selected as a finalist, but Mr. Gar sent me a personal message that sort of lit a fire within me. This year I just wanted to take up the opportunity to be heard, so I shared a record that’s special to me and here we are.

What was your introduction to music?

I’m from the south and come from southern baptist gospel roots, so the hymns and praise and worship music of the church were my first musical experiences.

What is the first song you wrote that you were proud of, and why?

“Children of the Ghetto.” In that moment more than ever I knew I had written something so personal yet so universal. I feel like that’s a sweet transcendence that is often celebrated when accomplished.

What instrument do you play, and why?

No instruments. I tried to take up piano, but I never could devote the time and attention to it that it deserves. I believe the energy and effort that I placed into studying the craft of writing and learning to embrace my voice is an interesting alternative.

How did the pandemic impact you as an artist (for better or worse)?

I love performing, and to have the stage taken away from me at what was my most productive season, sucked. Yet, I can truly say that I grew as a writer and recording artist over that period of time. I was also able to redefine my purpose and goals within the arts.

Does the place where you grew up inspire you as an artist? If so, in what way?

Most definitely. It’s the backdrop to each of these stories I’m telling. Coming from a place like Bossier Parish, who many don’t know exists, gives me the opportunity and responsibility to introduce listeners to the land I call home.

In what ways does the craft of songwriting still surprise you?

I’ve been songwriting for 12 years now, and I feel as if I’m truly just touching the surface of my potential as a songwriter. There are great songs within me that will take working on the craft to get them out. That’s what I love about it, the devotion to the craft and the journey you go on to develop the ability to articulate a feeling, thought, experience, etc. so well.

What are some of your creative goals for this year?

Premiering a musical theater production in Shreveport, LA titled The Art of the Eulogy on October 1, 2022. As well as studio work with my bandmates, and hopefully some performance/touring opportunities.

Q+A with LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition Finalist Our Band

Monday, April 25th, 2022

Our Band will win your heart. Steeped in the tradition of great male and female duets such as Johnny Cash and June Carter, Sasha Papernik and Justin Poindexter bring their award-winning songwriting, intimate harmonies, and Eastern-European flair to a rich Americana soundscape. Together, they have performed for audiences in some of the world’s greatest venues, from Carnegie Hall to Lincoln Center to the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. In 2018-19 they toured Poland, Germany and Estonia as ambassadors of American music for U.S. State Department. Their debut album, featuring American music legend David Amram, was released to critical acclaim in 2021.   

NewSong Music: What was your introduction to music?

Justin: My dad is a country singer and guitar player, and he played at a lot of NASCAR events when I was growing up. Though we certainly have different styles, the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.

Sasha: I started playing classical piano when I was four and went through conservatory studying classical piano performance. 

What is the first song you wrote that you were proud of, and why?

Justin: I wrote a song for Alison Krauss once. She never sang it, and probably never even heard it, but I remember when I finished it, I knew that she would sound great singing it, and just having that feeling was new and amazing.

Sasha: I wrote a raw burner of a breakup song and it was SO MUCH FUN. I played it at a show at The Bitter End in New York City and although I’d performed for audiences since I was a little kid I’d never been so nervous in my life. Not interpreting someone else’s music like I’d always done but putting it all out there: my words, my music, my story, and connecting to people like that was electrifying. 

What instrument do you play, and why?

Justin: I play guitar, and it allows me to play in so many genres that I love, as well as giving me an excuse to keep lots of fun and sexy guitars around.

Sasha: I play the piano because I fell in love with everything about it when I was four. I also play the accordion because it channels my Eastern European heritage. 

How did the pandemic impact you as an artist (for better or worse)?

Justin: Being home consistently after several harried years of running around connected our family in deep and lasting ways. I’m proud of the team we have become.

Sasha: The pandemic highlighted for me how fleeting our time really is. I decided to focus on my young family, being an active member of my community, and the music that I truly wanted to play, compose, learn and teach. The pandemic didn’t give me more time – we were juggling a baby and a 4-year old with no childcare, but the time I did have was 100% spent on what I wanted to do. 

Does the place where you grew up inspire you as an artist? If so, in what way?

Justin: I grew up in North Carolina, and the people I grew up around are amazing, inspiring and hilarious characters. They are a wellspring of songwriting fodder.

Sasha: My parents are from Russia. Their story of immigration and my identity as a first generation American is a constant source of inspiration to me as an artist. 

In what ways does the craft of songwriting still surprise you?

Justin: It’s all architecture, but without some kind of sincere emotion, the house doesn’t stand. 

Sasha: I’m always still surprised when a great song seems to just make itself known – like it’s always been there – complete. 

What are some of your creative goals for this year?

Justin: Our recent collaboration with the wonderful lap steel player, Cindy Cashdollar, was incredibly fruitful. Sometimes I think having another collaborator can really bring out the best in mine and Sasha’s artistry. I hope to do more collaboration.

Sasha: I plan to begin work on a musical project telling the stories of my family and their friends as they immigrated to this country. 

NewSong Music announces finalists for 8th annual LEAF Festival singer-songwriter competition & showcase

Saturday, April 16th, 2022

NewSong Music announces the eight finalists who will perform at this year’s LEAF Festival singer-songwriter competition and showcase.

The event 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. The finalists are invited to network and compete at the Spring LEAF Retreat, on Saturday, May 14.

This year’s finalists for the LEAF competition are: Grace Morrison, a country-pop artist based in Massachusetts; American Idol alum Stephen Sylvester, who calls the Gulf Coast home; Louisiana native Rachard Dennis, a poet-teacher-rapper; indie-folk artist Kristian Phillip Valentino, from North Carolina; Tennessee-based indie-rocker Kelly Hoppenjans; Sadie Gustafson-Zook, also based in Tennessee, a versatile singer and intricate guitarist; roots musician Philip Bowen from West Virginia; and Justin Poindexter + Sasha Papernik from New York who make up the award-winning Americana duo Our Band.

 

 

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 in the fall. The winner will also return to the Fall LEAF Festival, held October 20-23, 2022, as a featured, paid performer.

The LEAF Singer-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 NewSong Music

Now in its 21st year, NewSong Music is an independent artist development organization and independent record label. Its mission is to identify and celebrate truly exceptional artists, and to build and support a community of performers and songwriters across all genres of music.

About LEAF Community 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 comprised of two key cultural arts education programs, LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International, as well as two signature events, LEAF Festival and LEAF Downtown.  Attendance at 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 over 200,000+ youth with programs in over 15 community locations and in 10 countries worldwide. Learn more at www.theLEAF.org.

Meet 2020 LEAF Finalist Scott Fab

Thursday, September 24th, 2020

NewSong’s 7th annual LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition takes place Oct. 24! This month, we are introducing readers to our eight, talented finalists. Today we are proud to highlight Royal Oak, MI based Scott Fab.

Scott Fab is a Detroit born singer songwriter. In 2017 Scott released his first full length album, Leave My Friends, which No Depression called “A beautifully crafted album, perfect for today but reaching into the past.” Each song is a single brush stroke capturing the immediacy and intimacy often recognized in his live solo performances. Scott released his latest recording, Someday Soon Somehow, in March 2020.

We asked Scott some questions to learn more about his artistic process and inspiration. 

How do you describe your songwriting process?

My most reliable process usually begins with a chord progression and a loose melody. If the melody is strong enough, it will often give rise to a mood that provokes a word, thought or phrase. After that, it’s all hammer and nails until the song can stand on its own.
 

Where do you find inspiration and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?

Inspiration for me comes with a personal connection and is usually dependent on how close I can listen and how long I can look. The slower the better. I’ve always been inspired by songwriters that have a lyrical poetry to their songs like Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Richard Buckner and Leonard Cohen. Songs that leave room for my imagination to wander.
 

What important news about your music do you have coming up?

I released my new album, Someday Soon Somehow, in March 2020, days before the world would close due to the pandemic. I am still very excited about the record, and I’m really looking forward to a time when I can share these songs in a live setting.
 

What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?

I think it’s an honor whenever one of your songs is recognized by your peers or by those with a real passion for songs. I’m really looking forward to this new experience. I’ll hope for an adventure.
 
To learn more about Scott Fab, visit his website and follow the artist on Instagram @ScottFabMusic and Facebook

Meet 2020 LEAF Finalist Noan Partly

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020

NewSong’s 7th annual LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition takes place Oct. 24! This month, we are introducing readers to our eight, talented finalists. Today we are proud to highlight Tampa, FL based Noan Partly.

Jazzy, indie-folk with midwest roots, Noan Partly was born and raised in Oklahoma. Residing and performing mostly in Florida’s Tampa Bay area, musical stylings of voice, guitar and banjo reverberate between a sultry focus and a spritely, soulful groove.

We asked Noan some questions to learn more about her artistic process and inspiration. 

How do you describe your songwriting process?

The best songs I write tend to come out all at once or in one or two sittings. Its kind of surreal when it’s all said and done — like my mind clears itself to make room for a feeling to get through. Those bad boys practically write themselves. The usual case though is, I have sort of a nagging emotion that I can’t put my finger on, and music has this way of really helping me tell myself the truth, so I hash and hash until the emotion or message finally aligns with my expression of it.
 

Where do you find inspiration and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?

I tend to find the most inspiration through my existential habits, feelings I can’t shake, questions I need help asking but don’t necessarily need the answers to. Observing the endless colors of the human condition and then sort of stretching out those observations and commenting on the textures that lay therein. I so admire the storytelling of Anais Mitchel and Andy Shauf, Andrew Bird’s ability to create such full auditory landscapes, Ani Difranco’s assured boldness, The Fleet Foxes really showed me what modern folk could be, Lianne Lahavas’s soul-striking vocals, Bela Fleck who gifted me my admiration of the banjo. The list goes on, as the say.
 

What important news about your music do you have coming up?

I am preparing to start a Music Therapy program here in Florida in the coming months. I look brightly forward to learning to utilize music’s magical properties in a new way.
 

What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?

I know I’m not alone when I say that music is consistently reassuring and heartening. I am so flipping grateful and honored to be featured among such authentic artists and am very thankful for the opportunity to share my rendering of musical expression with a new audience. I’m nearly mostly excited to meet with others who harness music in a similar way and can’t wait to all gather, bear witness to and be inspired by each other’s stylistic approaches.
 
Check out Noan Partly on Spotify and Facebook

Meet 2020 LEAF Finalist Aaron Burdett

Saturday, September 19th, 2020

NewSong’s 7th annual LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition takes place Oct. 24! This month, we are introducing readers to our eight, talented finalists. Today we are proud to highlight Saluda, NC based artist Aaron Burdett

Aaron Burdett is an acclaimed Americana/folk singer-songwriter and performer from Western North Carolina, and is listed as one of the most important western NC musicians by WNC Magazine. His last four albums have been voted top 20 Albums of the Year by WNCW radio listeners. Drawing heavily on both the traditions of Appalachian folk music as well as nationally known songwriters, Aaron’s music gives voice to the small rural areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains while also speaking to the working men and women throughout the country.

We asked Aaron some questions to learn more about his artistic process and inspiration. 

 

How do you describe your songwriting process? 

Get an idea and write it down immediately. Store up all the ideas. Sit with a guitar and look at all the ideas as often as is possible. After a year so, one or two songs will emerge, and then you can edit them and reason with them individually. If it’s a good song, maybe perform or record it. If it’s not a good song, put it back in the pile and keep looking at the list of ideas. Repeat these steps as necessary.
 

Where do you find inspiration and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?

Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. From things people say or something heard off the radio or in a passing conversation. Songs come from patient observation of the world outside.
 

What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?

It’s quite an honor, and I’m looking forward to meeting the other finalists and hearing what their music is all about!
 

What important news about your music do you have coming up?

We’re still recording and releasing music, navigating the new lay of the land in the music industry as best we can. We’ve released several singles already in 2020 and one, “Rockefeller,” is a finalist in the bluegrass category at Merlefest’s Chris Austin contest that’ll hopefully pick back up in 2021.
 
Visit aaronburdett.com to learn more about Aaron Burdett. Follow Aaron on Facebook and Instagram @aaronburdett.

Meet 2020 LEAF Finalist Lynne Hanson

Friday, September 18th, 2020

NewSong’s 7th annual LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition takes place Oct. 24! This month, we are introducing readers to our eight, talented finalists. Today we are proud to highlight Canadian artist Lynne Hanson.

Lynne’s brand of “porch music with a little red dirt” can turn on a dime from a sunshine, blue sky ballad to a full-on thunderstorm of gritty Americana swamp from one song to the next. She’s known for her high-energy, roots guitar driven live performances, whether playing solo or with her band the Good Intentions. 

We asked Lynne some questions to learn more about her artistic process and inspiration. 

How do you describe your songwriting process?

Probably 90 percent of my creative process takes place while on a guitar. I might have a title or a line or two to start with, but melodies and groove are a big part of my lyrical development process. I can sometimes sit for an entire day playing the same thing over and over until the words find their way out and into my laptop. I pretty much never develop lyrics on actual paper as I love to edit while I go.
 

Where do you find inspiration, and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?

I’m pretty much a sponge, so anything and everything can inspire a song. I’ve started songs in the back of tour vans, hotel rooms, and even on stage during soundcheck. Prior to the shutdown, I spent a lot of time touring, so I really had to set aside specific times to be able to create. Like a lot of songwriters at this time, I’m not writing a lot, but I’ve been at it long enough to know that no writer’s block is forever, and a lot of the time it’s just a case of needing time to process. And there is a LOT to process right now.
 

What important news about your music?

I released my seventh studio album “Just Words” in February 2020 which has gotten some excellent attention, including landing me song of the year from Blues and Roots Radio in their international song contest. I was just starting a year of album release touring when the pandemic hit, but I’ve been keeping occupied learning how to record at home, to livestream, and even a little video production.
 

What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?

I know how prestigious it is to be a NewSong finalist, so it is really quite an honour to have been selected. I’m looking forward to hearing the other finalists, and joining a fantastic songwriting community. And I’ve heard so many amazing things about the LEAF festival that I can’t wait to experience it first hand when we’re able.
 
Visit to learn more about Lynne Hanson on her website. Follow her on Instagram @plynnehanson and Facebook

Meet 2020 LEAF Finalist B.J. Fisher

Friday, September 4th, 2020

NewSong’s 7th annual LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition takes place Oct. 24! This month, we are introducing readers to our eight, talented finalists. Today we are proud to highlight B.J. Fisher.

B.J. has been writing songs for the past 10 years while raising a young family of 6 and working in Milwaukee, WI. His debut album, Night Reminder, will be released this year

We asked B.J. some questions to learn more about his artistic process and inspiration. 

 

How do you describe your songwriting process?

My songwriting process varies, but often I feel a weight of experience and emotion that needs working out. I feel the need to look at my life, at things happening and begin naming things and letting them breathe. When I feel a song inside that needs working out, I do my best to pick up the guitar, fool around for a while and begin singing whatever comes, Free Willy style. When something lands and feels right, I stand on that to ride the wave, then slowly flesh out the rest of the song. It’s rare that the whole song happens at once, but it does happen. It’s usually a couple weeks, months or even years before it’s finished. I’ve also written words down on a page and put that to music, but it’s usually music before lyrics, or music and lyrics simultaneously.
 

Where do you find inspiration and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?

I find loads of inspiration from the wild ride of marriage, parenting small children, from striking works of art and relationships with people, nature and God. There’s been enough mystical happenings throughout my life that I’ve had to take notice, and I undoubtedly draw inspiration from them. The matters of the heart seem to strike more chords with me than any other. Some of my absolute favorite singer-songwriters are Bob Dylan, Bill Fay and Michael Nau.
 

What important news about your music do you have coming up?

I’m about to master my debut album, Night Reminder, releasing this year. The first single will be released this summer.
 

What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?

To be selected as one of the finalists for this event is so encouraging for me, as I’m just now beginning to release songs in my thirties, and to receive the support from the NewSong team is very special. Upon looking into the festival I was moved by the history, the welcoming spirit and holistic approach of bringing people together to celebrate life engulfed by the beautiful landscape of Black Mountain, NC. I hope to leave LEAF with new friends, a bigger heart and a greater sense of my purpose as an artist. 
 
Learn more about BJ on his website bjfishermusic.com. Follow him on Instagram @B.J._Fisher and on Facebook
 

 

Meet 2020 LEAF Finalist Naïmah

Friday, August 28th, 2020

NewSong’s 7th annual LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition takes place Oct. 24! This month, we are introducing readers to our eight, talented finalists. Today we are proud to highlight Los Angeles, CA based artist Naïmah.

Naïmah is a SESAC-affiliated and Billboard-recognized singer and songwriter from Washington, D.C., currently based in Los Angeles. She is a member of songwriting/production teams Astana Music—a new record and production company created by legendary producer & Grammy-winning songwriter George Brown (founding member of Kool & the Gang), and The Element—a songwriting & production team made up of esteemed Grammy-winning songwriters, musicians and engineers.

We asked Naïmah some questions to learn more about her artistic process and inspiration. 

How do you describe your songwriting process.

My songwriting varies, but whether it’s with a guitar, a produced beat, or just some snaps – first and foremost is the melody. I start with a melody to lead how the picture starts unfolding in my head. With a few filler words that don’t make any sense I come across the one line that stands out and starts to direct the storyline. From there, it’s all smooth sailing describing the story like a scene on film.

 

Where do you find inspiration and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?

I find inspiration anywhere, honestly. Books, experiences, stories my friends relay, films, dreams… everywhere. Elliott Smith has been my favorite songwriter since 8th grade and remains so to this day.
 

What important news about your music do you have coming up?

With Covid, a lot of projects have been placed on hold, but I look forward to things taking motion again and the projects I have music on.
 

What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?

It means a lot to be a part of this diverse and talented circle of songwriters, and the broader artist community via the LEAF roster. I am really hoping I can participate in the in-person festival once COVID-19 is under control, so we can all come together to celebrate each other’s talents, gain more inspiration, and identify collaboration opportunities!
 
Learn more about Naïmah on her website, and follow the artist on Facebook and on Instagram @naimahmusic