2023 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition. Photo by Aaron Stone Photography.
NewSong Music, an independent artist development organization and record label, presents the final installment of the Music Performance & Songwriting Competition on Saturday, January 11, at 7 p.m. at Citizen Vinyl.
“Although the word ‘competition’ is in the title, this is not a cut-throat event,” says Alli Marshall with NewSong Music. “Every year I’m amazed by how quickly the finalists become friends. They jam together before the event. They root for each other.”
Ragland handpicks the finalists from hundreds of submissions to the competition, which has been running for almost 24 years. “The artists selected to compete are world-class songwriters,” says Marshall. “There are not many events that not only spotlight up-and-coming songwriters but also help them with development and finding their audience. That such an event is happening in Asheville, home of rich music history and deep songcraft, feels right.”
Americana musician R.O. Shapiro was identified as the Early Bird Finalist for the competition.
“Over the years I’ve seen many artists whom I greatly admire be selected for NewSong, and it’s very exciting to be counted among their number,” he says. “For independent musicians like myself, I think they can be great ways to be vetted in some way, to show that it’s not just me and my mom who like my songs. But the best thing that can come from these events is the community and camaraderie with the other finalists. I can’t wait to hang with them, hear their songs, and become part of each others’ networks.”
Admiral Radio, a duo composed of Becca Smith and Coty Hoover, was selected as a finalist during the LEAF/NewSong Competition, which takes place each spring at LEAF Global Arts Retreat. The winning act automatically advances to the NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Finals.
“We just aim to write songs that connect with us and that we hope will connect with the listener,” says Smith. “We like to touch on all kinds of emotions and subjects–we love a show when you can laugh and cry with your audience. NewSong is great because it inspires songwriters of different levels from all around the country to submit their original material to be heard, which is a big deal.”
Citizen Vinyl is located at 14 O’Henry Avenue, Asheville. Learn more and buy tickets to the event at NewSong-Music.com.
