Posts Tagged ‘newsong’

NewSong Artist Roundup: Alice Howe, Ben Lubeck, & More

Monday, July 1st, 2019

There are so many talented artists who are part of the NewSong family — it can sometimes be difficult to keep up! That’s why each week, we compile a list of new releases, shows, and videos from past NewSong artists who we think deserve your attention. 

Thinking about submitting to this year’s NewSong Music Singer Songwriter Competition? The Early Bird Deadline is July 15th. Submit your music here

 

Alice Howe — Visions

 

2018 NewSong finalist Alice Howe released a new album, Visions, this spring, and it’s a beautiful collection that deserves a spot in your summer rotation.

Via alicehowe.com: “Vistas and the faces and emotions they summon unfurl with compelling grace on Visions, Howe’s anticipated debut album. A modern love letter to 60s and 70s folk and timeless blues, Visions pays homage without succumbing to imitation, and offers an intimate snapshot of a young artist discovering her own power.”

 

Ben Lubeck (Farewell Milwaukee) — “For You Again”

 

We met Ben Lubeck, frontman of the band Farewell Milwaukee, in 2010 when he was a finalist in the NewSong competition. He recently released a series of singles, one of which is the lovely “For You Again.”  This song, explains Ben, “explores the many emotional ups and downs of a couple’s relationship as they add members to their family and the daily practice of cultivating each other’s hearts through the complex and mundane parts of life.” Check out this song as well as his other singles, “Mrs. Bluebird” and “The Show,” on the artist’s website.

Ana Egge — “Cocaine Cowboys”

 

Ana Egge recently released a dreamy new single, “Cocaine Cowboys,” which premiered on PopMatters

Via PopMatters: “This one started out as a song in tribute to life on the road and the camaraderie and friendship of bandmates and it quickly crossed into territory of honky-tonk life on the road,” says Ana Egge, reflecting on her new single, ‘Cocaine Cowboys.’ Hailing from her upcoming album, Is It the KissEgge’s latest is a mellow, sweetly ruminant folk tune that explores the romantic haze surrounding the stories of old-school country stars.”

Is It the Kiss is due for release in early September via StorySound Records. It is now available to pre-order.

‘Come Together’ series in NYC continues in July, August

Enjoy new original music inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Beatle’s Abbey Road album on Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 12:30 – 1:30 PM at One New York Plaza and Thursdays July 18, August 1 and August 15 at Brookfield Place. Performers include past NewSong finalists Kaiti Jones, Crys Matthews, Suzie Brown and Mel Bryant, as well as Asheville, NC-based bands Slow Packer and For Def. For event info, visit our Facebook page

 

Early Bird Deadline is July 15 for NewSong Music Competition 

We are proud of our ever-growing NewSong community and the support, camaraderie and networking that goes on among finalists stretching back through the competition’s 18 years.

Will this be the year you will submit your original music? The Early Bird Deadline is July 15! Visit our submissions page here

NewSong Artist Roundup: Blair Bodine, Kim Ware & more

Tuesday, June 25th, 2019

There are so many talented artists who are part of the NewSong family — it can sometimes be difficult to keep up! That’s why each week, we compile a list of new releases, shows, and videos from past NewSong artists who we think deserve your attention. 

Thinking about submitting to this year’s NewSong Music Singer Songwriter Competition? Submit your music here

Kim Ware — “His Name Was the Color That I Loved”

We are loving 2019 LEAF finalist Kim Ware’s new single “His Name Was the Color That I Loved” from her forthcoming album Prose and Consciousness. We got to know Kim and her band, The Good Graces, when she was a finalist in our LEAF Singer Songwriter Competition this spring.

In fact, the new single was one of the songs she played onstage in the Barn at LEAF. Kim’s emotional, heart-on-her-sleeve songwriting leaves a mark, and we are eagerly anticipating the October 2019 release of the full album. 

Blair Bodine — World Cafe Live June 25

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Blair Bodine performs at the NewSong Competition showcase at Lincoln Center in 2015.

 

Blair Bodine, a NewSong finalist in 2015, will perform on the World Cafe Live this Tuesday, June 25 at 8PM. In addition to being a NewSong finalist, Blair was the winner of American Songwriter Magazine Grand Prize for lyric writing, earning her the description of “a songbird with heart.” Learn more about the event here

 

Suzie Brown — “Under the Surface” 

Parade Magazine was the latest to recognize 2018 NewSong finalist Suzie Brown’s talent when the magazine premiered her new single, “Under the Surface.”

Via Parade: “Brown shares, ‘It’s so easy to get sucked into the illusion everyone else’s life is picture perfect, especially now in the age of social media. How many times has each of us looked at someone else and wondered why our own life doesn’t measure up, only to realize later that that person was secretly falling apart? This song is a reminder that you really never know what’s going on just under the surface.'”

NewSong Recordings Spotlight: Kelly English // City Limits

 

We are excited to feature Kelly English and her debut album, City Limits, on the blog this week. Kelly recorded the album with NewSong Recordings in 2017, and she has been back in the studio recently to record her next project, coming soon.

City Limits represents the passage from being a young songwriter, to finally finding my own original sound and sharing it with people,” says Kelly. “That album gave me confidence, as well as a renewed hunger to keep writing music.” Read our full interview with Kelly here.

Submissions now open for NewSong Music Competition 

We are proud of our ever-growing NewSong community and the support, camaraderie and networking that goes on among finalists stretching back through the competition’s 18 years.

Will this be the year you will submit your original music? Visit our submissions page here

 

NewSong Recordings Spotlight: Kelly English’s ‘City Limits’

Monday, June 24th, 2019
This week, we are checking in with up-and-coming songwriter Kelly English, who recorded her debut album, City Limits, with NewSong Recordings in 2017. We first met Kelly when she was a finalist in the NewSong competition in 2015, where she impressed judges with her strong vocals and intimate lyrics. NewSong Recordings is proud to release her sophomore album, The Savannah Theory, coming soon. 
 

 

What does your first album represent for you?

City Limits represents the passage from being a young songwriter, to finally finding my own original sound and sharing it with people. That album gave me confidence, as well as a renewed hunger to keep writing music. City Limits was also special to me because I got to work with Gar Ragland at Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville, NC. The process of working with Gar, and getting to release my album through NewSong Music, has been incredibly rewarding.
 

What can you tell us about the new album coming out?

My new upcoming album is called The Savanna Theory. I was lucky enough to get to work with Gar Ragland again on this project. The Savanna Theory takes a harder, darker look at the emotions associated with the aftermath of a relationship and the prospect of moving forward. The album has a dark, moody indie/folk sound. I used a lot of electric guitar on this album, which I was really excited to explore. I brought my Fender Jazzmaster down to Asheville, and Gar and I were able to create some really cool, new sounds for this record.
 

How do you feel like you have grown or changed as a musician since City Limits was released?

One way I have grown as a musician is in finding my own unique point of view and trusting it. City Limits is a really accurate snapshot of my life and my emotions at that time. I have continued to grow in that direction and draw from my own experiences. Releasing City Limits also gave me the confidence to be bold and original in my songwriting. It gave me the drive to continue refining and improving my songwriting craft.
 

What news do you have to share?

Since releasing City Limits, I have been performing around the CT tri-state area. I have been getting a great response to my original music, especially songs from the record. 
 
This past May, I competed as finalist in a songwriting contest based out of Cape Cod, MA called the Eventide Songwriting Competition, in which I took home first prize in the singer/songwriter category for my song “Selfish Like You.” It was a real honor to get to perform alongside other talented musicians, and to be recognized for my music. Meghan Trainor is a past winner of the competition.
 
I have some great festival gigs coming up this summer, including the Glastonbury Apple Harvest and Music Festival, as well as the Rose Arts Music Festival in Norwich, CT. I will also be performing at the free music event “Audio Feed” Live on Constitution Plaza in Hartford, CT this July.
 
To learn more about Kelly English and her music, visit the artist’s bandcamp page, and follow her Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

NewSong Artist Roundup: Crys Matthews, Alex Wong, & more

Thursday, June 13th, 2019

There are so many talented artists who are part of the NewSong family — it can sometimes be difficult to keep up! That’s why each week, we compile a list of new releases, shows, and videos from past NewSong artists who we think deserve your attention. 

Crys Matthews — Singing OUT Tour 2019

2017 Grand Prize Winner, Crys Matthews, may be coming to a city near you this month for the The Singing OUT Tour 2.0 — a social justice-centered LGBTQ-supergroup composed of meHeather MaeJoe Stevens (formerly of Coyote Grace) and JJ Jones (formerly of Girlyman). 

Mae, a powerhouse performer and earthshaking vocalist, has turned her personal struggle with mental health and body image into an empowering message of self-love, a universal light force that shines for every audience member. Matthews is a powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls “the poster-child for intersectionality.” This group of immensely talented artists is on the road to celebrate Pride month, so show them some love! 

Alex Wong — “Landfall” premieres on The Bluegrass Situation

We got to know Alex Wong as a finalist in the 2018 NewSong competition, and we are thrilled to see his work recognized on The Bluegrass Situation this week. 

In The Artist’s Words: “When we set out to tell this story, we wanted people who listened to the album from beginning to end to feel like they were watching a movie… and we wanted ‘Landfall’ to feel like our establishing shot… As a song, it’s a birds eye view of our own introduction to the story of the village of Kivalina and how climate change was affecting so many in their situation. The chorus came out of our own ignorance of the scope of the issue… who would believe such a crazy thing could be happening right now?” — Alex Wong

Anais Mitchell — Hadestown takes home eight Tony Awards

Image result for anais mitchell tony

You may already know about the record-breaking Broadway musical Hadestown taking home eight Tonys, including Best Musical. But did you know that the show’s playwright, Anais Mitchell, was one of the earliest performers in the NewSong competition? So exciting to see this artist get the attention and feedback she deserves. If you can’t make it to Broadway, we suggest checking out the Hadestown playlist on Spotify. Read more about Hadestown and how its eight Tonys represented unprecedented victories for woman via Slate

Rose Cousins — Indian River Festival 6/28

We’re big Rose Cousins fans, and we think you should be too. Rose will perform June 28 at the Indian River Festival on Prince Edward Island. For those who haven’t yet heard of Rose and her powerful music, we suggest giving her 2017 album, Natural Conclusion, a listen. Learn more about the artist on her website

Submissions now open for the 2019 NewSong Competition

This year’s grand prize winner will receive an all-expense paid six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Asheville, NC’s Echo Mountain Recording Studios and released on the NewSong Recordings label. 

The grand prize winner will also receive a performance showcase at the esteemed 2019 ASCAP Music Café at the Sundance Film Festival (January 23 – February 3, 2020) in Park City, Utah, and a be booked for a paid, featured main stage performance at this summer’s Arts Brookfield Summer Plaza Series in New York City.

Submit your music here.

MEL BRYANT PERFORMS AS PART OF ‘COME TOGETHER’ SERIES IN NYC MAY 29

Monday, May 27th, 2019

There aren’t many albums that are more iconic or influential than the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Arts Brookfield and NewSong Music have come together to present the New York City spring outdoor concert series ‘Come Together: New original music inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ last studio album. This Wednesday, May 29, we are excited to welcome 2018 NewSong Grand Prize Winner, Mel Bryant and the Mercy Makers, to perform. 

The ‘Come Together’ series features five free outdoor lunchtime concerts taking place every Wednesday in May. Each concert begins at 12:30 PM at the Grace Plaza, located at 1114 6th Avenue, just north of Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. 

We took some time to talk to 2007 NewSong Music Competition finalist and ‘Come Together’ performer Mel Bryant to learn more about her songwriting, and how she has been influenced by the the well-loved album. 

HOW HAS ABBEY ROAD INFLUENCED YOU AS A MUSICIAN?

 
Abbey Road is one of those bodies of work that not only presents the listener with a bunch of amazing and timeless songs, but is a complete experience that takes the listener on a cohesive journey through sound. It has an arc, a storyline, and a groundbreaking style that sounds like nothing else that came before, but at the same time, it is self aware of the influences it draws from classic blues and soul music. In that way, the Beatles have consistently inspired me to ask myself: Is the music i’m making different from what came before? Am I aware of my influences and respectful of them? 
 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ABBEY ROAD SONG? 

 
My favorite song on Abbey Road changes a lot, but right now it’s “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window.”
 

WHAT LIFE AND MUSIC NEWS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE? 

 
The band and I are playing at The Bitter End in the village on Saturday June 1st at 9 pm, and we are gearing up to release our second single, “Never Thought,” in mid June. 
 

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT THE UPCOMING SHOW IN NYC? 

 
We are so looking forward to playing in a beautiful outdoor space, for a completely different crowd than who we normally play for. I’m from New York so it will be good to feel back at home, but every time I come back it also feels exciting and different from the last time i was there. 

 

To learn more about Mel Bryant and the Mercy Makers, visit the band’s website

To Join our ‘Come Together’ Facebook event, click here

Ana Egge performs as part of ‘Come Together’ Series in NYC May 22

Tuesday, May 21st, 2019

There aren’t many albums that are more iconic or influential than the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Arts Brookfield and NewSong Music have come together to present the New York City spring outdoor concert series ‘Come Together: New original music inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ last studio album. This Wednesday, May 22, we are excited to welcome past NewSong finalist Ana Egge to perform. 

The ‘Come Together’ series features five free outdoor lunchtime concerts taking place every Wednesday in May. Each concert begins at 12:30 PM at the Grace Plaza, located at 1114 6th Avenue, just north of Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. 

We took some time to talk to 2007 NewSong Music Competition finalist and ‘Come Together’ performer Ana Egge to learn more about her songwriting, and how she has been influenced by the the well-loved album. 

 

How has Abbey Road influenced you as a musician?

 
I remember when my family moved to New Mexico I got a cassette of Abbey Road for my 10th birthday, and I listen to it pretty much nonstop.
 

What is your favorite Abbey Road song? 

 
It’s hard to pick one, but I’d have to say “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” because of the impression it made on me when I was young and still the quality of the song and the actual track and how it sounds. It was just so amazing.
 

What life and music news would you like to share? 

 
Years ago, I had the opportunity to record in Abbey Road Studios with my friend Joel Plaskett. That was a highlight! That was the same year we opened for Sir Paul in Halifax. I’m in the studio now mixing my new record Is It the Kiss, produced by Alec Spiegelman, which is coming out this September on StorySound Records. 
 

What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming show in NYC? 

 
I love playing NYC! And I love playing free outdoor shows in NYC! Plus my band is going to be pretty smokin’. 

 

 

To learn more about Ana Egge, visit her website

To Join our ‘Come Together’ Facebook event, click here

Crys Matthews performs as part of ‘Come Together’ Series in NYC May 15

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019

There aren’t many albums that are more iconic or influential than the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Arts Brookfield and NewSong Music have come together to present the New York City spring outdoor concert series ‘Come Together: New original music inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ last studio album. We are excited to welcome 2017 NewSong finalist Crys Matthews to perform this Wednesday, May 15. 

The ‘Come Together’ series features five free outdoor lunchtime concerts taking place every Wednesday in May. Each concert begins at 12:30 PM at the Grace Plaza, located at 1114 6th Avenue, just north of Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. 

We took some time to talk to Crys to learn more about her songwriting and how she has been influenced by the the well-loved album. 

 

How has Abbey Road influenced you?

Abbey Road is such an iconic album and has influenced so many artists across so many genres. I remember listening to Musiq Soulchild’s version of “Something” back in college and being so obsessed with it. It’s such a simple song, but it is a textbook example of less being so much more. I hope to master that art some day.

 

What is your favorite Abbey Road song? 

“Something.”
 
 

 

What life and music news would you like to share? 

The Singing OUT Tour 2.0 — a social justice-centered LGBTQ-supergroup composed of meHeather MaeJoe Stevens (formerly of Coyote Grace) and JJ Jones (formerly of Girlyman) — is hitting the road in a couple of weeks to celebrate Pride month. All are welcome in our house!
 
WHAT IS THE SINGING OUT TOUR: Ask anyone in the know about the new generation of social justice music-makers and they’ll mention Heather Mae or Crys Matthews. Mae, a powerhouse performer and earthshaking vocalist, has turned her personal struggle with mental health and body image into an empowering message of self-love, a universal light force that shines for every audience member. Matthews is a powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls “the poster-child for intersectionality”. These two singer-songwriters have joined forces with JJ Jones (Girlyman) and Joe Stevens (Coyote Grace) for The Singing OUT Tour. With Jones’s “kinetically charged” percussion and Stevens’s multi-instrumentalist brilliance, the music will be a powerful as their collective message — stand up and sing out. 

Parker Ainsworth wins the sixth annual LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition, presented by NewSong Music

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Western folk/soul artist Parker Ainsworth, from Los Angeles, has been named the winner of the sixth annual LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition, presented by NewSong Music. Ainsworth, along with five other finalist singer-songwriters, was selected from more than 400 entries to this year’s contest. The finalists performed at LEAF Saturday, May 11, in front of a full house at the Barn venue. This year’s judges were Alli Marshall, arts editor at Mountain Xpress; Jeff Santiago, a local musician and operations manager at The Orange Peel; and Melissa Meyers, founder of Red Rover Booking, an Asheville-based talent agency.

Other finalists were Cat Terrones from San Pedro, CA; Demos Papadimas from Warren, OH; Krista Shows from Candler, NC; Kim Ware from Atlanta, GA; and Syd Caldera from Brooklyn, NY. Ainsworth, Ware and Caldera were the three songwriters selected to move on to the second and final round. Finalists were judged equally on their performance and songwriting ability.

“Playing the Barn was such a magical experience,” says Ainsworth. “An open space full of music-loving folk, braving the elements to hear songs in their rawness. The event felt like it expanded me with the presence of genuine care … it pretty much blasted my heart wide open.”

He adds, “Talking with my fellow contestants reminded me that though this musical life can feel quite lonely at times, ultimately we’re never really alone. In fact, we’re unavoidably all in this together.”

Ainsworth will release his new EP, Far Away, this summer.

“It’s always difficult to select a winner, considering the impressive pool of talent,” says Alli Marshall, who returned as a judge for the fourth time. “This year’s showcase included stunning, Appalachian-flavored balladry, sultry swing, and rootsy folk offerings. All six performers were engaging; each is likely to become a recognizable name in the near future.”

Marshall adds that Ainsworth made a smart move in enlisting Asheville-based musician Zack Kardon as his accompanist. Though the two had not meet previous to the LEAF contest, Kardon provided tasteful electric guitar textures to Ainsworth’s rhythmic and storied song craft. “Parker also made great song choices, sharing his Texas roots, gritty soundscapes, and a non-cliched take on the need for gun control,” says Marshall. “Plus, he invited the enthusiastic audience to share in a sing-along.”

As the winner of the LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, Ainsworth will receive a paid, featured performance at the fall 2019 LEAF Festival (October 17-20, in Black Mountain, NC), including lodging and accommodations. Other Asheville-area dates are in the works.

Ainsworth also advances as a finalist in the 18th annual, international NewSong Showcase and Competition, held later this year. The grand-prize winner of that contest will be awarded the opportunity to make a six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville and released on the NewSong Recordings label; and a performance showcase at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival’s coveted ASCAP Music Café. The 2019 NewSong Music Contest is now accepting entries.

Meet LEAF finalist, Krista Shows

Thursday, May 9th, 2019

Our 6th annual LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition is this weekend, Saturday, May 11! All this week we are introducing readers to our eight, talented finalists. Today we are proud to highlight Candler, NC-based Krista Shows.

Singer-songwriter Krista Shows is tied up in a place. Her sound — a combination of folk, R&B, and country with a raw, emotionally-gripping note that comes straight from the gut — is born of her life growing up in Mississippi, a place abounding in twofold realities. As new as a breath of fresh air and as old as the Mississippi River all at once, her songs are occupied by the people, the nature, and the heartbreak of that upbringing.

We asked Krista some questions to learn more about her artistic process and vision. See Krista and the rest of our 7 fellow LEAF finalists perform at NewSong’s LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition this Saturday May 11. 

  

 

What is your songwriting process like, and where do you find inspiration?

 
My songs start with a melody or a phrase. It’s not uniform; it’s just about what feels right. I write songs for mental health — to process a situation or to help myself figure out how I am feeling. I also write to push myself to get better at it. 
 
Inspiration for writing is nature itself, the nature of life, the humans around me. Musically, the soul and country music that was coming out of the south in the 60s and 70s is a big inspiration to me. I love Millie Jackson, Roger Miller and Outkast.

 

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

 
We just finished recording our debut studio album at Dial Back Sound in Water Valley, Mississippi. Not quite sure when it’ll be out yet, but we’re excited!
 
Our spring Asheville show is on Mother’s Day, May 12th, at Isis Music Hall. It’s an early evening show, 6-7:30, in the lounge. We’ll share the bill with our awesome friends, Drunken Prayer. 

 

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’m grateful for the opportunity. For me, creating new connections with people who are active in their own journey of music is exciting. I am also stoked because LEAF is a super special place to me, I volunteered at the festival for three years so that I could attend, now we’ll attend as performers.

Kaiti Jones performs as part of ‘Come Together’ Series in NYC May 8

Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

There aren’t many albums that are more iconic or influential than the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Arts Brookfield and NewSong Music have come together to present the New York City spring outdoor concert series ‘Come Together: New original music inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ last studio album. This Wednesday, May 8,we are thrilled to welcome 2018 NewSong finalist Kaiti Jones to the stage.

The ‘Come Together’ series features five free outdoor lunchtime concerts taking place every Wednesday in May. Each concert begins at 12:30 PM at the Grace Plaza, located at 1114 6th Avenue, just north of Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. 

We took some time to talk to 2018 NewSong Competition finalist and ‘Come Together’ performer Kaiti Jones to learn more about her songwriting and how she has been influenced by the the well-loved album. 

 

How has Abbey Road influenced you as a songwriter?

The Beatles were the first band I was introduced to as a kid. Even at a young age, I was struck by the band’s ability to tell stories, both melodically and lyrically, that burrowed into me and undoubtedly impacted the way I began to tell my own stories. I grew up studying classical violin and spent years playing in orchestras, and when I heard Abbey Road, I was struck by the symphonic nature of the album. It never goes where you think it’s going, and the arrangements are just masterful.

 

What is your favorite Abbey Road song?

So hard to choose! I think my earliest memory of the album was hearing “Here Comes the Sun,” so that song summons a nostalgic fondness. But “Something” really unravels me. It’s such a melodic and emotional powerhouse, and I love that it, like so many songs on the album, is so complex in its arrangements and takes the listener on a journey.

 

What are you excited to share about your own music career?

I’ve spent the last several months working on working a bunch of new material, and I’m looking forward to starting my next studio project later this year. Stay tuned!

 

To learn more about Kaiti Jones, visit her website

To Join our ‘Come Together’ Facebook event, click here