Posts Tagged ‘singer songwriter’

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.

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

Weekly roundup: NewSong artist news 9/17-9/23

Monday, September 17th, 2018

We love to keep up with our past NewSong Music Contest finalists and winners, and, over the years, we have amassed a busy and hardworking group of musicians we admire. 

NewSong songwriters live and perform across the country, their work spans multiple genres, and these artists are always putting out new material. To keep track of all their news and upcoming shows, we will be highlighting NewSong artists in our weekly roundup. 

We’ve put together a list of five shows, publications and recordings we think you should be paying attention to this week. 

1. Rachael Kilgour – game changer Kickstarter Campaign ends Sept. 23

Rachael Kilgour is a Minnesota-born, Boston-based songwriter and performing artist whose sincere, lyric-driven work has been called both brave and humane. As the 2015 grand prize winner of the NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition, Rachael has performed at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and the ASCAP Music Cafe at the Sundance Film Festival. 

Rachael’s new EP, Game Changer, is produced by NewSong founder Gar Ragland and recorded at Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville, NC. “I believe in what I do as a songwriter and as a human being committed to connecting with others and building emotional literacy and resiliency through stories and songs,” says Kilgour. “I am hopeful that you believe in me too.”

Take a look at Rachael’s Kickstarter and pre-order Game Changer today! Listen to Rachael’s past work on Spotify. 

2. Beth snapp – Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival Sept. 21-22

Beth Snapp is keeping busy in the wake of her recent album release, Don’t Apologize. Catch her at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival on September 21 and 22.

From the Festival: “The Festival hosts over 130 bands on 20 stages in downtown Bristol during the third weekend in September. Attendance has grown to approximately 45,000. Among its many accolades the Festival has been named as one of Rolling Stone’s ‘Top 20 Tours and Festivals,’ and has won a Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association.” 

More festival information here. Listen to Beth Snapp’s latest album, Don’t Apologize, on Spotify and iTunes

3. Wilder Adkins – praise for “Marietta”

Wilder Adkins continues to garner praise from critics for his recent single release, “Marietta,” which takes its inspiration from the Bruce Springsteen classic “I’m Goin’ Down.” This time, the review comes from York Calling. “It may be a cover,” says the reviewer, “but Adkins has managed to make the track truly his own.”

Read the full review here. Listen to “Marietta” on Spotify

4. Brie Capone – Two old hippies Sept. 21

Brie Capone was a finalist in our 2017 NewSong Songwriting Competition and the winner of the 2017 LEAF Singer Songwriter Contest. This soulful and accomplished songwriter has been playing shows around the US after the release of her 2018 album, If I Let You In.

Catch her next show at Two Old Hippies in Nashville, TN on Friday Sept. 21 at 6 pm. Free show. For full event information, visit the event page on Facebook.

Listen to Brie Capone’s latest on Spotify

5. Chris velan – New album, Amateur Hour, now available

Montreal singer-songwriter and producer, Chris Velan, has always been crossing borders with his mix of world music-influenced, singer-songwriter pop. NewSong has had the pleasure to work with Chris Velan on past albums including, Glow (2016) and The Long Goodbye (2013).

We are loving his most recent work, so head over to your favorite music platform and give Amateur Hour a listen

You can explore Velan’s work via NewSong Recordings here

Weekly roundup: NewSong artist news

Monday, September 10th, 2018

We love to keep up with our past NewSong Music Contest finalists and winners, and, over the years, we have amassed a busy and hardworking group of musicians we admire. 

NewSong songwriters live and perform across the country, their work spans multiple genres, and these artists are always putting out new material. To keep track of all their news and upcoming shows, we will be highlighting NewSong artists in our weekly roundup. 

We’ve put together a list of five shows, publications and recordings we think you should be paying attention to this week. 

1. Beth Snapp – album review and upcoming shows

The Knoxville News Sentinel reviewed Beth Snapp’s new album, Don’t Apologize,” writing, “The beauty of the singer-songwriter’s work is … its actual beauty. … ‘Don’t Apologize’ is a poised, and occasionally playful, soundscape perfectly suited for Snapp’s vocals.”

Read the full review here. Listen to Beth Snapp’s Don’t Apologize on Spotify and iTunes

 

Catch a Beth Snapp show September 13th at the Old Oak Taproom in Greeneville, TN and again on September 14th at The Spinning Jenny in Greenville, SC. 

2. Wilder Adkins – “Dancing in the Dark”

Wilder Adkins has a new single out that should be in your rotation! Glide Magazine premiered the tune, writing, “[the song] flirts with glitchy Radiohead narratives, before Adkins offers his sincere vocals to complete the picture – giving this Springsteen classic its own personality.”

Check out his surprising and satisfying take on the Bruce Springsteen original, “Dancing in the Dark” on Spotify.  

3. Carly Taich – “My Own Stages”

Carly Taich, winner of this year’s LEAF Singer-Songwriter Contest, has released a new single titled, “My Own Stages.” The Mountain Xpress quotes Carly speaking to the inspiration behind the song: “I have a love-hate relationship with the technology I survive on, and I find myself wishing to experience, for even a day, this romantic past I’m not so sure ever existed.”

Check out “My Own Stages” on Spotify or your favorite music platform. 

4. Max Hatt // Edda Glass – upcoming performances

Max Hatt // Edda Glass will be performing September 12 in Idaho Falls, ID at the Carr Gallery at the Willard Arts Center presented by the Eastern Idaho Jazz Society and again on September 14  in  Cody, WY at The Cody Theatre presented by the Park County Arts Council. Can’t make the shows? Listen to the band’s latest on Spotify.

5. Blue Yonder – feature in Charleston Gazette-Mail

The Charleston Gazette-Mail featured The Blue Yonder this week. “As supergroups go,” says writer Billy Lynch, “you’d be hard-pressed to find one as unassuming as Charleston’s Blue Yonder.”

Read the full article here. Listen to the band’s new album, Rough and Ready Heart, on Spotify and iTunes.

Wilder Adkins releases new single, “Marietta”

Friday, August 17th, 2018

“Marietta” is the latest single from 2016 NewSong Music Competition Grand Prize Winner, Wilder Adkins.

 
Wilder Adkins, Alabama-based musician and 2016 Grand Prize Winner of the NewSong Music Competition, released a new single Friday, August 17. The song is called “Marietta,” and we asked Adkins to share his thoughts on the song’s meaning, his process and what is coming up next for this talented and prolific songwriter. 
 
NewSong: Could you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind the song? 
Adkins: “Marietta” is about someone who has to end a relationship because they know their partner isn’t happy and probably never will be — because they’re always chasing that next big thrill. The singer is “taking a fall,” knowing that he will be blamed, and that’s why he sings “I’m going down.”
 
Was there any particular impetus for writing it?
I was working on some Springsteen covers for a tribute show that I played over in Atlanta, and this was the next song that I wrote. So I think it was influenced a bit by that process and listening to some Heartland rock songs, but it has my own melancholy spin on things.
 

WIlder Adkins and producer Gar Ragland are currently working on a two volume recording project that was recently recorded at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Recording Studio.

In what ways has your songwriting process or point of view changed over time?
I think in some ways I have gotten faster at songwriting. I still take a while to finish most songs, but mainly because I don’t have a lot of free time to work on them. This song came pretty quickly, and I think part of that is because I’ve learned to stop trying to edit myself before putting the words down, as opposed to moving on and editing afterwards.  
 
What musical collaborations are featured on the recording?
My good friend Molly Parden sang harmonies with me. She is a great songwriter in her own right, but also performs frequently with notables such as Peter Bradley Adams, Matthew Perryman Jones, and David Ramirez. A Birmingham native, Jamison Harper, played the Baritone sax. Jamison is a visual artist, as well, so he is a very multi-talented guy. 
 
What’s next for you in your music career?
After this song releases, I am putting out a cover of Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” next month. I’m also looking forward to finishing up a recording project at Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville this fall. 
 

 
Listen to “Marietta” on Spotify.
Listen to “Marietta” on iTunes.
Stay up-to-date with Wilder Adkins at his website.

#WeAreNewSong :: Crys Matthews

Wednesday, August 15th, 2018

Every year, NewSong receives countless song submissions from talented artists across North America and beyond. Only a handful are chosen each year as finalists. And while not all of these finalists take home the grand prize, all of them leave a lasting impression on the NewSong team. Supporting and fostering new and as-yet-undiscovered musicians is what NewSong is all about, which is why we aim to celebrate past finalists and winners in our new video series, #WeAreNewSong. 

Crys Matthews is one of those artists who did, in fact, take home the grand prize in 2017. Watch our interview with Crys to learn more about her NewSong experience and what drives her songwriting. 

Crys Matthews is the second NewSong artist featured in the series, and we have been thrilled to continue working with this talented songwriter since her grand prize win in 2017. As recently as July 2018, Crys co-wrote and recorded a new single with fellow 2017 NewSong finalist David Robert King at Echo Mountain Recording Studios. Producer and NewSong founder, Gar Ragland, was at the helm.

To call Crys “busy” might be an understatement. In August 2017, she simultaneously released both a new full-length album, The Imagineers, and an EP, Battle Hymn For An Army Of Lovers. These collections showcase two sides of Matthews’ dynamic songwriting; The Imagineers is a selection of thoughtful songs about love and life, while Battle Hymn For An Army Of Lovers tackles social justice themes.

We hope you follow Crys’s career, as we will, and check out her work on Spotify and iTunes

To stay up-to-date with Crys’s news and schedule, visit her website

Meet LEAF contest finalist: Lee Jean Jr.

Friday, May 11th, 2018

 

Lee Jean Jr. had a whirlwind start in the music business at age 15, when he auditioned for American Idol. Not only did he make it to Hollywood, the Raeford, North Carolina-based musician made it all the way to top 8. “Looking back on it, I don’t feel I was really ready. I wasn’t sure of my musical identity and how I wanted to go about my career,” he says, though he does acknowledge the benefits of such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Since then, he has been working on finding his own voice and point of view as a songwriter. “As of now, I am focusing on my own music and trying to establish myself as an independent artist,” he says. “And here I am.” 

We asked Lee Jean Jr. some questions to learn more about his songwriting process and his artistic vision. 

What is your songwriting process like?

I get these random bursts of musical inspiration, and I go straight to my guitar and voice record as much of it as I can metaphorically vomit out before I tap out. It’s a very figurative vomit-based experience. Then I take that rough idea of a song, and, over time, I nitpick and polish until I come out with something that I love.

Where do you find inspiration? Do you have any songwriting heroes?

I can draw inspiration from pretty much anywhere because I listen to so many different kinds of music. With that being said, I have a lot of musical role models because of it. I look up to people like SRV and Hendrix and John Mayer, as well as people like Billie Marten, Ed Sheeran and Ben Howard. Marcus King, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kurt Cobain obviously, Dave Grohl, Greta Van Fleet, Fleetwood Mac, Hippocampus, Young in the City, Led Zeppelin, Coldplay. I could go on for hours naming musical entities that I look up to for so many reasons.

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’ve never thought that I was a good songwriter. That’s the main reason that I hadn’t really gotten into it until these past couple of years. I’ve always thought that my music was juvenile and that no one would ever like it because it was just plain bad. Over these past couple of years, I’ve been getting a lot more comfortable with my songwriting, but it’s still something that I’m very self conscious about. Being picked as a finalist for this competition is more redeeming than anything. It’s definitely given me a lot more confidence in my songwriting ability.

What would you like your audience to know about you and/or your music?

I write and produce all my music by myself in my bedroom, and I’ve taught myself everything I know, with the help of YouTube, so they are all quite literally my brain babies. Although some songs are based off of my real life, others are just hypothetical situations that I have gone through in a way or can relate to. These are all very close to my heart and a direct product of who I am.

Meet LEAF Contest finalist: Randy Steele

Thursday, May 10th, 2018

Randy Steele is a charismatic banjo picker from Chattanooga, Tennessee and frontman of the award-winning band Slim Pickins Bluegrass since 2008. His passion for acoustic-based storytelling and bluegrass and blues roots shine through in his solo work. “I enjoy writing stories, and the pieces on Songs from the Suck [his first solo release] are mostly fictional,” he says. “Seems like the newer fans are there not just to enjoy the musical atmosphere, but to really experience the songwriting. I grew up loving that storytelling style of songwriting, and it’s exciting to have the opportunity to share it. Whether I’m playing solo or with the band, I’m having fun making music with my friends.”

Look out for Randy’s latest EP, Moccasin Bender, which is slated for release on July 13th. 

We asked some Randy some questions to learn more about his songwriting process and vision. 

Randy Steele will perform at NewSong’s LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition Saturday May 12.

What is your songwriting process like?

My songwriting process varies.  Sometimes I begin with melody and see where it goes from there. I keep a notepad of lyrics as another way to kickstart the songwriting process. Some songs take less than a day to finish and some take multiple years. I enjoy writing on the banjo a lot. The possibilities of intertwining melodies between the instrument and the vocals and backing them with an understated chord progression has been the mine I’ve dipped into the most lately.  My written music from the guitar is a completely different thing. The main tension in those songs tend to be between the chord progression and the lyrical content. It is the way I write the most even though it doesn’t tend to be the easiest for me personally. I have found that ‘experience dictates the song’ or to say it another way that ‘experience is the muse’.

Where do you find inspiration? Do you have any songwriting heroes?

My early inspirations ranged from Townes Van Zandt, Garcia/Hunter, John Prine, and Robert Earl Keen.  Lyric driven music stories were my early favorites and continue to be the Songwriting Medium that I feel the most comfortable with.  While I was listening to these guys I was studying some Jazz greats like Wes Montgomery, Thelonious Monk, and John Scofield while I was in school at the University of Tennessee.  After school I got into Bluegrass, especially Banjo driven Bluegrass. Jimmy Martin, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, and about every ounce of Bluegrass that I could be around during the last 15 years has been my major influence. I enjoy American Literature as well and most of my lyrical content is influenced by Dylan Thomas, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck with the ‘Spoon River Anthology’ by Edgar Lee Masters being one of the most significant influences.

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 have submitted to NewSong for the last three years so to get selected meant a lot. I can’t wait to be a part of the LEAF and to hear all of the great songwriters who are also finalists. Honestly I just feel blessed about the whole deal, so my expectations can really be summed up best by the words Honored, Excited, and maybe a little bit Scared.

What would you like your audience to know about you and/or your music?

I am a Banjo pickin’ Singer/Songwriter from the Tennessee Valley with something to say and stories to tell. I’m beyond excited to play for music for new people and hang out at LEAF!

Meet LEAF Contest Finalist: Carly Taich

Thursday, May 10th, 2018

Carly Taich is an Asheville, NC-based songwriter whose songs are at once soft and intense, fantastical and real. Her performances boast orchestral-rock arrangements paired with swooning vocals. Add in her her witty and irreverent writing style, and it’s no wonder Carly has steadily gained recognition in Asheville and beyond.

Taich will release a brand new single this summer, the first release since her October 2017 album titled Reverie. Her music video for her song “Give Me a Likeness” recently won “Best Soundtrack” at the Music Video Asheville awards show.  To top it off, she, along with her powerhouse band, will perform at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival this June.

We asked Carly some questions to learn more about her artistic process and vision. See her perform at NewSong’s LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition Saturday May 12

What is your songwriting process like?

I write with my guitar. Usually the melody and lyrics come out together and inform each other. It’s nice to have no idea where your song is going and let each line unfold all together. Completely on the contrary, lately, I’ve been inspired by the more structured and repetitive verses of old hymns and folk tunes, and in that case, I may approach the lyrics more like a puzzle, trying to squeeze the most accurate picture into just a few syllables. Paper is my best friend.

Where do you find inspiration? Do you have any songwriting heroes?

Growing up I was exposed to songwriters from every generation and recall a lot of Cat Stevens, the Beatles and the Andrew Sisters, among so many others. On my own I ventured into Tori Amos and Elliott Smith, which was my first exploration into more alternative songwriting. I also loved musical theater and am still very inspired by the big song productions of old musicals.

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 an honor to be considered among such wonderful songwriters. I hope to make some new friends who I can collaborate or share the stage with again, perhaps at a future LEAF. It’s a great opportunity to get to connect with other artists from around the country through an event like the NewSong competition.

What would you like your audience to know about you and your music?

I just try to be as honest as possible in my own language. Songwriting has always been the most natural way for me to express the deep complexities of life. I’m grateful that I get to share my stories with those will listen!