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.
Posts Tagged ‘LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition’
Q+A With LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition Finalist Sadie Gustafson-Zook
Friday, April 29th, 2022Q+A with LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition Finalist Rachard Dennis
Wednesday, April 27th, 2022Poet-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, 2022Our 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, 2022NewSong 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, 2020NewSong’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?
Where do you find inspiration and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?
What important news about your music do you have coming up?
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 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, 2020NewSong’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?
Where do you find inspiration and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?
What important news about your music do you have coming up?
What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?
Meet 2020 LEAF Finalist Aaron Burdett
Saturday, September 19th, 2020NewSong’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?
Where do you find inspiration and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?
What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?
What important news about your music do you have coming up?
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, 2020NewSong’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?
Where do you find inspiration, and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?
What important news about your music?
What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?
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, 2020NewSong’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?
Where do you find inspiration and who are your songwriting muses/heroes?
What important news about your music do you have coming up?
What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?
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, 2020NewSong’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.