Posts Tagged ‘newsong’

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2020 LEAF Competition Live Performance Finals to take place Fall 2020

Saturday, March 21st, 2020

The 2020 LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition Live Performance Finals has been postponed until
October 24, 2020.

In the interest of public health, the Spring 2020 LEAF Festival has been postponed. We support our friends at LEAF in this very difficult but necessary decision.

This year’s NewSong – LEAF Competition will continue as planned, EXCEPT this year’s live performance showcase and competition finals will take place at the Fall LEAF 2020 Festival.

We are keeping submission pricing at the discounted ‘Early Bird’ rates throughout the submission period, and have extended the submission deadline for two additional weeks.

Stay healthy, music lovers, and we hope to see you in the fall! 

 

From LEAF: 

“During this unprecedented world phenomenon, LEAF Global Arts is drawing upon the beauty and healing power of 25 years of hosting a world gathering built on friends, family, tradition, arts, culture and MUSIC to face the gravity of how we move forward together. … The Spring LEAF Festival, originally scheduled for May 14-17, 2020 is officially shifting to combine with our Fall Festival taking place Oct 22-25, 2020 – for a special 50th Festival Celebration honoring all we hold dear about our Global Community.” Read the full statement here. 

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday, May 4: Final deadline to enter

Monday, June 1: 2020 LEAF Finalists Announced

Saturday, October 24: LIVE PERFORMANCE FINALS to take place at the Fall LEAF Festival; Black Mountain, NC (near Asheville, held Thursday Oct. 22 – Sunday Oct 25, 2020).

Submit your songs safely and securely online at newsong-music.com. A portion of the contest proceeds will support LEAF Schools & Streets’ local cultural arts education programming.

With a mission to identify and celebrate exceptional performers and songwriters from across North America, the competition aims to bring some of the continent’s most accomplished emerging artists to showcase and compete at the 50th LEAF Festival. The LEAF winner will also earn a spot as one of only eight finalists in the 2020 annual, international NewSong Competition held in Asheville, NC. 

COST TO ENTER
1 song: $35
2 songs: $60
Additional Songs: $20/each

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The 7th Annual NewSong LEAF Competition is now accepting entries

Friday, February 21st, 2020

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL NEWSONG PRESENTS: LEAF SINGER-SONGWRITER COMPETITION IS NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES

 

UPDATE: Due to public health concerns regarding Covid-19, the LEAF Competition Live Performance Finals will now take place Oct. 22-25. Submission deadline is Monday, May 4, 2020. 

 

February 18, 2020 (Asheville, NC) – LEAF Community Arts (LEAF) and NewSong Music are proud to announce the launch of the 7th Annual NewSong Presents: LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition. With a mission to identify and celebrate exceptional performers and songwriters from across North America, the competition aims to bring some of the continent’s most accomplished emerging artists to showcase and compete at the 50th LEAF Festival, which takes place Oct. 22-25, 2020. The LEAF winner will also earn a spot as one of only eight finalists in the 2020 annual, international NewSong Competition held in Asheville, NC. 

“The LEAF Competition continually attracts and recognizes some of North America’s most talented performing songwriters, across a wide array of genres,” says NewSong co-founder and director Gar Ragland. “This program – and the LEAF – NewSong Music partnership behind it – cultivates and supports a community of exceptional artists from across North America, connecting them not only with one another, but to the deep-rooted LEAF community as well as the local community of talented musicians here in Asheville and Western NC.”

ENTER HERE

The contest is currently accepting online song submissions, and the final deadline to enter is 11:59 PM EST on Monday, May 4, 2020. The deadline for  ‘Early Bird’ has been extended through the final deadline. 

Judges will select eight finalists from advance online submissions, who will then perform in the live showcase and competition finals at the Fall LEAF Festival during the weekend of Oct. 22-25, 2020. A panel of music industry judges will select the overall winner of the competition.

“Entering into our seventh year, LEAF is thrilled to continue a flourishing partnership with Newsong,” says Ehren Cruz, LEAF Artistic Director. “NewSong has an uncanny ability to attract and curate a selection as diverse as it is talented who are united through a powerful shared passion to perform.  We are grateful to provide an opportunity for singer songwriters to expand their audience and receive professional resources helping to build a powerful bridge into new career opportunities. We can’t wait to host this Spring’s finalists at our big 50th LEAF Festival Celebration!” 

The overall LEAF winner will advance to perform and compete as one of only eight international finalists at the annual, international NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition held in Asheville in the fall of 2020.

All eight finalists will each receive a complimentary LEAF Festival performer pass for the day of the performance.

 

‘EARLY BIRD’ DISCOUNTED COST TO ENTER:

$35 – 1 SONG ENTRY

$60 – 2 SONG ENTRY

$20 – EACH ADDITIONAL SONG

Submit your songs safely and securely online at newsong-music.com/contest. A portion of the contest proceeds will support LEAF Schools & Streets’ local cultural arts education programming.

ENTER HERE

 

IMPORTANT NEWSONG PRESENTS: LEAF SINGER-SONGWRITER COMPETITION DATES

Tuesday, February 18

– Online mp3 submission platform opens for entries

Monday, May 4

– Final deadline to enter

Monday, June 1

– Finalists Announced

Saturday Oct. 24

– LIVE PERFORMANCE FINALS at the Spring LEAF Festival (Oct. 22-25); Black Mountain, NC (near Asheville)

 

About LEAF Community Arts

LEAF Community Arts (lovingly called LEAF) 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 (the event that started it all) 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.

 

About NewSong Music

NewSong Music is an independent artist development company headquartered in Asheville, NC.

NewSong’s mission is to build and support a community of performers and songwriters across all genres and levels of skill, and to identify the truly exceptional artists to introduce their music to a broader, international audience. Its programs include a boutique record label (NewSong Recordings), artist management services, concert production and the annual, international NewSong performance and songwriting competition.

Its presenting partners include Arts Brookfield and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, the ASCAP Music Café at the Sundance Film Festival.

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Mel Bryant to release new single, “I Love You I’m Sorry” Feb 14

Tuesday, February 11th, 2020

Mel Bryant, grand prize winner of the 2018 NewSong competition, will release a new single on Feb. 14, 2020.

 
Mel Bryant is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a new single release. “I Love You I’m Sorry” is the latest from the 2018 NewSong Grand Prize Winner and her band, Mel Bryant and the Mercy Makers. 
 
Recorded in the Mercy Makers’ home in East Nashville, “I Love You I’m Sorry” combines the best of Bryant’s powerhouse vocals and confessional songwriting sensibilities. The emo-tinged anthem will appear on the band’s forthcoming record as the title track. The album is slated for release in June, with two additional singles out in March and April.
 
 

 
“I wrote ‘I Love You I’m Sorry’ in a time when I didn’t know how to explain myself in my relationships, particularly when I was feeling like I wasn’t being heard or understood,” says Bryant. “It’s become increasingly clear to me that I — and many women I know and love — automatically default to saying ’sorry’ and taking blame whenever there is conflict. We internalize and apologize and hope that the problem’s solved. But that’s not fair and it’s not how you live truthfully and happily. … Ultimately, this song was a self help practice in understanding myself and why I act the way that I do … and I hope that it helps other women do the same.”
 
“I Love You I’m Sorry” is the sophomore release from this up-and-coming group and the long-awaited follow up to their debut single, “In My Head,” which premiered on Nashville’s top indie music station, Lightning 100, and helped the artist win the 2018 NewSong International Songwriting Competition.
 

The band will premier “I Love You I’m Sorry” live on Today In Nashville, News channel 4, on February 13, and celebrate with a show at The Basement that night.

 
Mel Bryant & the Mercy Makers, an indie rock outfit from East Nashville, TN comprised of lovers and friends, making music for their lovers and friends. Listen to Mel Bryant and the Mercy Makers on Spotify, and follow the band on Facebook and Instagram. 

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Jobi Riccio performs at Sundance Film Festival’s Sundance ASCAP Music Café

Wednesday, January 29th, 2020

NewSong is thrilled to announce that 2019 Grand Prize Winner, Jobi Riccio, will perform at the 2020 Sundance ASCAP Music Café in Park City, Utah. Join us this Thursday, January 30 at 2 pm MST at the Music Café stage or on Facebook Live. Sundance ASCAP Music Café takes place at 751 Main Street, Park City, UT. Click here for the full Music Café lineup. 

Jobi is a songwriter and performer from Denver, Colorado, currently based in Boston, MA. Inspired by artists ranging from Buck Owens to Joni Mitchell, and the bluegrass community she came of age in, she writes songs that meld classic country sounds with modern sensibilities. 

In addition to the Sundance performance, as the grand prize winner, Jobi will receive a fully funded six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Asheville’s own Echo Mountain Recording Studios and released on the NewSong Recordings label. Jobi also receives a featured performance in the 2020 Arts Brookfield ‘Summer Plaza’ series in New York City. Read more about Jobi and her NewSong win on the blog. 

Can’t make it to Park City? Watch Jobi Riccio perform on our Facebook Live channel  @ 2PM MST on Thursday 1/30.

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Meet NewSong finalist Aaron John

Wednesday, November 20th, 2019

NewSong is proud to introduce 2019 finalist Aaron John! The Nashville-based singer-songwriter will join his fellow finalists onstage at Isis Music Hall on Saturday Nov. 23 for the 18th annual NewSong Final Competition. 

We asked Aaron about his musical inspiration, songwriting process and what music news he has coming up in the Q&A below. 

Connect with Aaron on his bandcamp, Facebook page, and Instagram. For more information on attending this event, please visit our Facebook event page. Purchase tickets to the NewSong finals at Isis Music Hall on Nov. 23 here. 

What are your most significant musical/artistic inspirations?

The Hotelier, Pinegrove, Blake Mills, Big Thief, Neil Young, and Sun Kil Moon.
 

What is your songwriting process like?

For me, it’s pretty essential that the melody and rhythm guitar part materialize together. Just about everything I write starts off with a tidbit of a melody/guitar part that gets stuck in my head, followed respectively by a guitar part/melody that flows into place most naturally. After the initial idea is established, I turn off the objective and analytical side of my brain and let lyrics out until I find a phonetic current that folds into the guitar and melody. From there, I ride that current out until more direction has been uncovered and change most all of the words (because everything i’ve let out up to this point in the process is likely grammatical gibberish). And then on it’s just a slog of a pursuit for maintaining purpose and cohesion.

 

What was your reaction to being named a NewSong finalist?

Excitement, easily! I was lucky enough to play backup guitar in last year’s New Song finals for the eventual winner, Mel Bryant, so I was able to see firsthand how wonderfully supportive, talented, and encouraging the entire New Song community is. Because of how rare it is to find a contest environment like that, choosing to apply for myself the following year was an easy decision.
 

What music news would you like to share with readers?

I have my debut EP “Coming Clean” releasing in early 2020!
 
 
For more information on attending the NewSong Competition event, please visit our Facebook event page. Buy tickets here. 

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Meet NewSong finalist Grant Maloy Smith

Thursday, November 14th, 2019

NewSong is proud to introduce 2019 finalist Grant Maloy Smith! The Kingston, RI-based singer-songwriter will join his fellow finalists onstage at Isis Music Hall on Saturday Nov. 23 for the 18th annual NewSong Final Competition. 

Grant is songwriter heavily influenced by country/roots music — boasting an artful blend of country, bluegrass and folk. Grant has performed at Carnegie Hall and won numerous awards, including two Grammy certificates. One of his songs was turned into an award-winning children’s book, launching him into the world of publishing. When he isn’t playing music, Grant is also an actor. 

We asked Grant about his musical inspiration, songwriting process and what music news he has coming up in the Q&A below. 

Connect with Grant on his website, Facebook page, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. For more information on attending this event, please visit our Facebook event page. Purchase tickets to the NewSong finals at Isis Music Hall on Nov. 23 here. 

What are your most significant musical/artistic inspirations?

Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, the Beatles, and Mozart.
 

What is your songwriting process like?

I normally start with the music and some words at the same time, then develop the whole structure. Then I come back and write the entire lyric, which takes the most time to do.
 

What was your reaction to being named a NewSong finalist?

I was very excited and honored to be chosen.
 

What music news would you like to share with readers?

My song “Man Of Steel” has been selected as the official theme song of the National Veterans Foundation. And I appeared in the feature film “Oildale” performing my original song “I Come From America” on screen. The film is premiering in LA on December 12.
 
 
For more information on attending the NewSong Competition event, please visit our Facebook event page. Buy tickets here. 

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Meet NewSong finalist Jobi Riccio

Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

NewSong is proud to introduce 2019 finalist Jobi Riccio! The Boston-based singer-songwriter from Denver, CO will join her fellow finalists onstage at Isis Music Hall on Saturday Nov. 23 for the 18th annual NewSong Final Competition. 

Inspired by artists ranging from Buck Owens to Joni Mitchell, and the bluegrass community she came of age in, Jobi writes songs that meld classic country sounds with modern sensibilities. Her Debut EP “Strawberry Wine” is an ode to the women of country music she grew up singing along to in her bedroom, and is streaming everywhere now.  

We asked Jobi about her musical inspiration, songwriting process and what music news she has coming up in the Q&A below. 

Connect with Jobi on her website, Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram. For more information on attending this event, please visit our Facebook event page. Purchase tickets to the NewSong finals at Isis Music Hall on Nov. 23 here. 

What are your most significant musical/artistic inspirations?

My greatest musical influences draw from classic country and Americana music. I’m specifically drawn to female artists and songwriters like Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris, as well as their contemporaries, such as Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, and Kacey Musgraves. I am also very inspired by songwriters and artists who heavily draw from roots genres, such as Bruce Springsteen and Joni Mitchell.
 

What is your songwriting process like?

I am primarily lyrically driven. I suppose that comes as a result of steady diet of Americana, country, and singer-songwriters all throughout my childhood. In general, I try to shape the melody and chords around the lyrical or emotional idea I have and really try to channel just what that experience or feeling sounds like. However, I feel every song has its own way it wants or needs to be written, and I and am always seeking out and discovering new ways of songwriting.
 

What was your reaction to being named a NewSong finalist?

I was super surprised and, of course, excited! It’s a real talented crop this year, and I think I’m one of the youngest — if not the youngest — artist to be selected so I’m extra honored and excited to cultivate new friendships with writers of all ages from all over the country.
 

What music news would you like to share with readers?

I released my debut EP “Strawberry Wine” last winter, and am planning on releasing some new singles this spring. I’ll be preforming at Swallow Hill Music on December 21st, where I grew up taking mandolin and guitar as a teenager in addition to several Boston area shows earlier in December and early 2020.
 
 
For more information on attending the NewSong Competition event, please visit our Facebook event page. Buy tickets here. 

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Meet 2019 NewSong finalist Parker Ainsworth

Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

NewSong is proud to introduce 2019 finalist Parker Ainsworth! The singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, CA will join his fellow finalists onstage at Isis Music Hall on Saturday Nov. 23 for the final competition. 

Parker’s song “Running for so long” was recently featured in the film The Peanut Butter Falcon (video below). His blend of Western folk and soul music earned him the Grand Prize at NewSong’s 6th Annual LEAF Competition in 2018.  

 

We asked Parker about his musical inspiration, songwriting process and what music news he has coming up in the Q&A below. 

Connect with Parker on his website, Facebook page, and Instagram. For more information on attending this event, please visit our Facebook event page. Purchase tickets here. 

What are your most significant musical/artistic inspirations?

Too many to name, really. I grew up on blues and country (Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, BB King, Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, the classics); lots of old rock (Stones, Beatles, specifically George Harrison and John Lennon made a huge impression on me); and Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, of course, made an impact. Then I got deep into hip hop, house music and drum ‘n’ bass (Aphex Twin, Project Blowed, Tribe called Quest, Beastie Boys, Metalheads, Danny Tenaglia — pretty all over the place). Beck definitely blew my mind, and Nirvana as well. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed the older Staples singers recordings and a band called Tinariwen.
 

What is your songwriting process like?

Every song is different. Sometimes words come first; other times, it’s just a melody, or chord changes that evoke a feeling. The most important process for me these days is one of being present for the spark and not analyzing it until it’s become a fire. I’ve lost many potentially good ideas by judging them too early. Now I’m trying to be more curious and playful with things.
 

What was your reaction to being named a NewSong finalist?

I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity.
 

What music news would you like to share with readers?

The Peanut Butter Falcon, a gorgeously human film that I wrote a song for earlier this year is out now. I’m also playing a show at a The Troubadour in LA opening for an artist named Desi Valentine on Dec. 10. This will be my first time to play that venue, which is a legendary home for music in Los Angeles.
 
 
For more information on attending the NewSong Competition event, please visit our Facebook event page. Buy tickets here. 

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Meet 2019 NewSong finalist Jae Jin

Friday, November 8th, 2019

NewSong is proud to introduce 2019 finalist Jae Jin! The singer-songwriter from Wolftown, VA will join his fellow finalists onstage at Isis Music Hall on Saturday Nov. 23 for the final competition.

Jae Jin is an independent global recording artist, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist & actor. He has self-released 3 albums: Kairos (2015), Baltimore Boulevard (EP, 2017), and his most recent album, an anthemic full-length titled ‘Letters and Drinks.‘ 

We asked Jae about his musical inspiration, songwriting process and what music news he has coming up in the Q&A below. 

Connect with Jae Jin on his website, Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram @JaeJinMusic. For more information on attending this event, please visit our Facebook event page. Purchase tickets here. 

What are your most significant musical/artistic inspirations?

My biggest inspiration comes from the relationships with the people around me. The connections around me are necessary for the creation of words that sufficiently capture my thoughts, feelings, and struggles, which allows for others to connect to those feelings. My faith is also a major part of what influences my art, who I am, and why I create.
 

What is your songwriting process like?

My songwriting process is quite introspective and painstaking. The process is a long, arduous one. None of my songs actually come to a place where I think they are finished. Rather, I reach a certain point where I need to arbitrarily decide to allow for a song to be shared, at whatever point it is in regards to being completed. I always write my lyrics first, almost in the form of prose or poetry and slowly allow for them to come into the grooves and shapes of the top lines of the melodies once I introduce the written component to the music.
 

What was your reaction to being named a NewSong finalist?

Honestly, surprised and humbled. I am excited to compete for the chance to represent NewSong as the grand prize winner. I am excited at the prospects to perform in places I wouldn’t have otherwise, and to be able to work at the Echo Mountain studios with talented creatives.
 

What music news would you like to share with readers?

My latest album, titled Letters and Drinks, is a full-length album I painstakingly created and released. Numerous songs from that album won songwriting awards including the 2019 John Lennon Songwriting Award, 2019 International Songwriting Competition, 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA), 2018 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition, and the 2018 Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
 
 
For more information on attending this event, please visit our Facebook event page. Buy tickets here. 

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Meet 2019 NewSong finalist Danielle Ponder

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

NewSong is proud to introduce 2019 finalist Danielle Ponder! The singer-songwriter from Rochester, New York will join our other finalists onstage at Isis Music Hall on Saturday Nov. 23 for the final competition.

Danielle performs across the U.S. with her band, Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People. The group transcends musical genres with a blast of deep, powerful groove and soul. According to Ponder, soul is more than a sound. “Soul music is something you feel,” she says. “It gives you goose bumps.”

Beyond Danielle’s musical talent, she is a passionate defense attorney, speaker and Adjunct Professor. She has dedicated the past 15 years to organizing and speaking up for marginalized communities. She has worked on issues such as education funding, women’s rights, and has spent the past 8 years working for criminal justice reform.

We asked Danielle about her musical inspirations, songwriting process and what music news she has coming up in the Q&A below. 

Connect with Danielle on her website, Facebook page, and Instagram. For more information on attending this event, please visit our Facebook event page. Buy tickets here. 

What are your most significant musical/artistic inspirations?

My biggest inspirations include Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill. I’m also inspired by the blues, the black experience, and the church.
 

What is your songwriting process like?

Every song has its own process. Sometime I am in the airport, a line will come to me, and before I land, I have a whole song. Other times, I want to write a song, but the exact words take forever to come. But mostly I hear the music first, and then I immediately know what words belong with the music.
 

What was your reaction to being named a NewSong finalist?

I was excited!!! I am grateful and ready to meet new people!
 

What music news would you like to share with readers?

I am releasing a single on November 22nd. I will be releasing a new album in the spring.
 
 
For more information on attending this event, please visit our Facebook event page. Buy tickets here. 

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