Posts Tagged ‘Rachael Kilgour’

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Weekly Roundup: NewSong Artist News 1/28-2/3

Monday, January 28th, 2019

We love keeping you up-to-date on all the great shows, releases and collaborations that are in store this year for the ever-growing and talented community of NewSong artists. 

These performing songwriters live and perform across the continent and beyond, and their work spans multiple genres. To keep track of it all, we’ve put together a list of shows, album releases and other happenings that we think you should be paying attention to this week.

 

1. 2018 NewSong grand prize winner mel bryant to perform at Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe

2018 Grand Prize winner Mel Bryant will travel to Park City, Utah to showcase in the Sundance Film Festival’s esteemed Sundance ASCAP Music Café on Thursday, January 31 and Friday, February 1.

From Mel: “Post-NewSong, the band and I have been really invigorated with a new excitement about the future and our upcoming new music releases. We are really stoked to get to Park City and perform at Sundance. What I’m most looking forward to is meeting the fellow ASCAP Music Café artists and hearing their sets, connecting with them and exploring the Sundance Festival. We got a bunch of tickets for screenings that we’re really excited about. I studied media composition at the Frost School of Music, so music and movies have always been a very big part of my life.”

We’ll be doing a ‘Facebook Live’ webcast of her two performances from our Facebook page. Both shows begin at 2 PM MST / 4 PM EST.

RSVP for the Facebook Live webcast here.

See the full lineup and schedule of the ASCAP Music Café. 

 

 

2. Suzie Brown @ Nashville City Winery Mon. 1/28

2018 finalist Suzie Brown will perform at Nashville’s City Winery on Monday, January 28 at 7PM with Zoe Sky Jordan. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter is also an Advanced Heart Failure/Heart Transplant cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. After years of working hard for success in the medical field, Brown discovered a relentless pull towards music that has now yielded five albums, a succession of songwriting awards, featured placement of her music at retailers like Starbucks and the Gap, and invitations to TEDMED and other conferences around the country to speak about finding a vulnerability through music that makes her a better doctor.

Learn more about Suzie Brown and her upcoming shows on her website.

Ticket link: https://citywinery.com/thelounge/skylinesessiones012819.html
 
 
 
3. WATCH: Rachael Kilgour’s ‘Game Changer’
 

The Bluegrass Situation premiered Rachael Kilgour’s newest video, “Game Changer,” off her latest album. 

In Their Words: “After my divorce I took a long time to think about what kind of person I wanted to be and how best to share that self with another human. I obsessively deconstructed our ideas of romance and relationship and tried to pinpoint what exactly made a connection a healthy one. I met my current partner after a few years of living a fulfilling single life and was heartened to find someone who shared my sense of cynicism. With equal portions of self-awareness, hope and caution, we forged a relationship I have grown very fond of.” — Rachael Kilgour

 

4. Alexa Rose @ Isis music Hall (Asheville, NC) Thurs. 2/7

Alexa Rose, a finalist in the 2018 LEAF Competition and performer in the upcoming “NewSong in Nashville” performance showcase, will perform on Thursday, Feb. 7 at Isis Music Hall in Asheville, NC. Moving deftly between complex dexterity and heart-tugging familiarity, Rose achieves a sound that pushes gently alongside the bright vocal experimentalism of Joni Mitchell and Joanna Newsom while maintaining the brassy attitude and simple refrains that run straight through American roots music from mountain ballads to rock n roll.

Learn more about Alexa Rose and her upcoming shows on her website. 

Buy tickets for the Feb. 7 show here. 

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Weekly Roundup: NewSong Artist News 12/3-12/9

Monday, December 3rd, 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 continent and beyond, 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.

We are very excited to announce the NewSong Music Songwriting & Performance Competition will be held at Isis Music Hall in Asheville, NC on Dec. 15. Finalists have been announced, and the full list can be found on our blog. Purchase tickets here. 

 

1. Meet our 2018 NEwSong competition Finalists (and judges!) on the blog 

Keep an eye out this week as we introduce our 2018 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition finalists and judges. We’re sharing videos, artist links and interviews with the artists who will compete at Isis Music Hall on Dec. 15! So far, we have introduced Nashville-based songwriter Suzie Brown and Asheville, NC-based artist Carly Taich. 

Brown speaks to the challenges of balancing her songwriting career with the demands of motherhood and her career as a physician. Taich discusses her songwriting process: “When I’m writing, I often feel like two parts of my brain are fighting. One part wants to solve the song like a puzzle, while the other part wants to be totally abstract. I’m just standing in the middle trying to get them to compromise.”

For our full list of finalists, click here.

2. Rachael Kilgour’s “holy We are” featured in Rolling Stone’s “10 best country and Americana songs of the week” 

 

Congratulations to Rachael Kilgour, whose new single, “Holy Are We,” from her forthcoming NewSong Recordings release, Game Changer, (avail Feb 1) is one of this week’s Top 10 Country and Americana Songs in Rolling Stone.

From Rolling Stone: “‘If my greatest sin is to love her well, you can send me to hell,’ Rachel Kilgour sings, turning this acoustic ballad into a stunning defense of same-sex love. A light string arrangement swoons lovingly in the background, but Kilgour’s unapologetic lyrics are the real treat here, taking an unapologetically personal look at the ways in which ignorant outsiders can mistake something sacred for blasphemy.”

Read the full list here. 

 

3. ListeN: 2018 NewSong Music Competition Finalists Playlist

We’ve created Spotify and YouTube playlists featuring this year’s lineup of NewSong finalists, and these artists are well worth a listen. Follow the playlist on Spotify here, and watch our YouTube playlist here.

 

4. 2018 NewSong Competition Finalist Suzie Brown featured in Harvard Magazine

2018 NewSong finalist Suzie Brown was recently featured in Harvard Magazine in an article titled, “Vocals, Guitar, and Stethoscope: Suzie Brown, M.D., writes prescriptions—and love songs.” The article explores Brown’s journey to balance her two careers as a cardiologist and a musician.

From Harvard Magazine: “For more than a decade she committed herself to becoming a top research cardiologist. Then, in 2009, just as she was about to complete a grant proposal that would have funded her work into her forties, she decided she couldn’t ignore her musical desires any longer. She abandoned the grant for a part-time clinical job, treating patients with heart failure, and devoted the rest of her time to making and promoting her music. She says the decision felt reckless at first: “I think I was afraid to admit to myself that I didn’t want a high-powered academic career…even if I could have had it.”

Read the full article here. 

 

5. NewSong Music Finals to take place in asheville, NC, dec. 15

 

 

 

Thank you to all who submitted their songs to this year’s NewSong Music Performance and Songwriting Competition this year. The exciting process of selecting eight finalists is underway. Stay tuned for the results, coming soon! This year, the finals competition will be held December 15 in beautiful Asheville, NC at Isis Music Hall. Purchase tickets here. 

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Weekly Roundup: NewSong Artist News 11/26-12/2

Monday, November 26th, 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 continent and beyond, 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.

We are very excited to announce the NewSong Music Songwriting & Performance Competition will be held at Isis Music Hall in Asheville, NC on Dec. 15. Finalists have been announced, and the full list can be found on our blog. Purchase tickets here. 

 

1. Robby Hecht — Support via Patreon

Nashville-based songwriter Robby Hecht, a 2008 NewSong finalist, is sharing two unreleased songs per month via his Patreon page. From Hecht: “I’ll be releasing a new song [November 25] as well as an extra bonus video for my birthday week that will be free for all members. If you’re a fan of my music, it really is a great way to get your ears on new songs, most of which I’ll probably never end up having on a record.”

“I believe that good songs have the power to take us to a place where we can celebrate our common truths and feel less isolated and alone.” – Robby Hecht

 

Support Robby Hecht via Patreon here. 

Listen to Robby Hechy on Spotify here. 

 

2. Lora Faye — Listen: “Waltzes”

 

This week, we’re throwing it way back to Lora Faye’s Waltzes, a 5-song EP recorded with NewSong Recordings in 2013. 

The Brooklyn native took first place at The Mountain Stage NewSong Contest in 2012. These days, Lora-Faye Åshuvud is now the award-winning composer, singer, and instrumentalist behind the band Arthur Moon. Lora-Faye writes many of her lyrics using cut up newspaper and magazine articles, and describes the process of composing the band’s experimental pop arrangements as similarly collage-like. Lora-Faye also curates Soundfly’s “Incorrect Music,” an online interview series with musicians. 

Listen to Waltzes on Spotify and Bandcamp. Listen to Arthur Moon on Spotify. 

 

3. David Berkeley — Listen: “The Faded Red and Blue”

David Berkeley, a 2010 NewSong finalist, released a new album this month: The Faded Red and Blue. Santa Fe-based songwriter and author David Berkeley writes songs capable of both breaking and mending the heart. The San Francisco Chroniclecalls him a “musical poet,” and the New York Times praises his “lustrous, melancholy voice with shades of Tim Buckley and Nick Drake.”

Listen to The Faded Red and Blue on Spotify. 

 

4. brie Capone — Performs at New Belgium Brewery in Asheville, NC Dec. 7

 

2017 NewSong finalist Brie Capone will perform at New Belgium Brewery in her hometown of Asheville, NC for “Fat Tire Friday” on Dec. 7. Capone is a singer/songwriter and performer with belting female lead vocals and heartfelt, introspective lyricism. Brie’s 2018 EP ‘If I Let You In’  was recorded at Echo Mountain Studios. After returning from a nation wide run this past April and California tour in July, Brie has continued to promote her record with a run of shows in the Southeast.

Find event details for the Dec. 7 show here.

Listen to Brie Capone on Spotify here. 

 

5. NewSong Music Finals to take place in asheville, NC, dec. 15

 

 

 

Thank you to all who submitted their songs to this year’s NewSong Music Performance and Songwriting Competition this year. The exciting process of selecting eight finalists is underway. Stay tuned for the results, coming soon! This year, the finals competition will be held December 15 in beautiful Asheville, NC at Isis Music Hall. Purchase tickets here. 

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Watch & Listen: Rachael Kilgour’s “Holy Are We” single out TODAY

Friday, November 16th, 2018

 

“Like all good storytellers, her words draw complete attention from its listener—making them eagerly grasp at lyrics to come, and hang on to and cherish what’s already past.” –WXPN The Key

 

Singer/Songwriter Rachael Kilgour To Release Game Changer Five-Song EP February 1 on NewSong Recordings

First Single/Video “Holy Are We” Out Today

Watch/Share: “Holy Are We”

Tour Dates Confirmed

Hailed as “a heartfelt slice of master crafted indie folk” (Billboard), Minnesota-born, Boston-based singer/songwriter Rachael Kilgour, will release Game Changer, a five-song EP February 1, 2019, on NewSong Recordings. Now available for pre-order, the first single and video, “Holy Are We” was released today.

Recorded at Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville, NC, produced and mixed by Gar Ragland, engineered by Grammy winner Julian Dreyer, and featuring carefully woven string arrangements by Sara Pajunen, Game Changer charts common ground that Kilgour and her listeners have come to share.

Following the success of her 2017 release, Rabbit in the Road, the new EP examines the artist’s first tentative steps into a more hopeful, post-heartbreak existence. With a clear head, Kilgour touches on the complicated nature of romance and relationship, sets up a stunning defense of queer love, and reassesses her priorities as a citizen of a changing wider world.

“There’s a school of thought that songwriters should work to be more inclusive of the audience,” Kilgour muses. “But I’ve come to feel that the more detail I can bring into a song, the more personal aspects there are, the more listeners can find themselves inside of it. The universality is in the emotion beneath the detail.”

The 2015 grand prize winner of the international NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition and winner of the 2017 Kerrville New Folk Contest, Kilgour has been featured at NYC’s Lincoln Center, at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and by the ASCAP Music Cafe at the Sundance Film Festival. She has released four previous recordings Self-Titled (2008), Will You Marry Me? (2011), Whistleblower’s Manifesto (2013) and Rabbit in the Road (2017).

 

RACHAEL KILGOUR TOUR DATES


Sat, Nov 17 @ 7:30PM Voices in the Heights

Rachael Kilgour, Belle-Skinner, Robinson Treacher

119 Pierrepont Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201



Sat, Nov 24 @ 7:00PM Rockwood 3

Rachael Kilgour and Crys Matthews

185 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002



Sun, Nov 25 @ 6:30PM East Rock Concert Series

Rachael Kilgour and Crys Matthews

285 Nicoll St, New Haven, Connecticut 06511

 

Wed, Nov 28 @ 8:00PM Garnet Rogers at OLS w/Rachael Kilgour,

181 State St, Portland, ME 04101

 

Thu, Nov 29 @ 7:00PM Garnet Rogers at Red & Shorty’s w/Rachael Kilgour

4 Paul Street, Dover, NH 03820

 

Sat, Dec 1 @ 8:00PM Rachael Kilgour at Possum Hollow

BeJae Fleming opens

Saint Paris, OH

 

Fri, Dec 7 @ 8:00PM The Warming House

Rachael Kilgour and Scott Cook

4001 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409

 

Sat, Jan 5, 2019 @ 7:00PM The Roots Cellar

1219 University Ave SE

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Weekly Roundup: NewSong Artist News 11/12-11/18

Monday, November 12th, 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 continent and beyond, 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.

We are very excited to announce the NewSong Music Songwriting & Performance Competition will be held at Isis Music Hall in Asheville, NC on Dec. 15. Stay tuned for finalist announcements, coming soon. 

1. Rachael Kilgour — “Holy Are We” single release out this Friday

Rachael Kilgour will release her single “Holy Are We,” off her forthcoming record Game Changer, this Friday. 

Recorded in Asheville, NC at Echo Mountain Studios and produced by Gar Ragland, the EP will be released on NewSong Recordings and features captivating string arrangements by violinist Sara Pajunen.

Pre-order your digital copy here. 

2. Jeffrey Martin — UK TOur

Past NewSong finalist Jeffrey Martin will embark on a tour in the UK this November, with his first show on Nov. 30 in Coggeshall, UK. If you won’t be across the pond for his tour dates, we highly recommend seeking out his music and giving the Portland, OR-based songwriter a listen. 

Praise from Portland Mercury: “Jeffrey Martin’s music is not widely known, which is a shame, because he might be the best songwriter in Portland. With lyrics that read like Raymond Carver stories and a voice that’s one breath away from breaking completely apart, Martin’s songs are beautiful, sparse, and utterly devastating.” 

Listen to Jeffrey Martin on Spotify. 

3. Ana Egge — ListeN: White tiger

Ana Egge, a NewSong finalist from 2007, is another artist we have in our rotation this week, and we think you should, too. Her tenth studio album album, White Tiger, is an ethereal, emotional treat, not to be missed. Folk Alley has this to say about the artist: “Ana Egge has one of those voices—full of breath and breeze one minute, grounded like a boot in a puddle the next—that just feels free.”

Listen to Ana Egge’s latest, White Tiger, on Spotify. 

 

4. Amber Rubarth — European tour + Listen: “A Common case of Disappearing”

Amber Rubarth was NewSong Music’s 2010 grand prize winner. She has spent her fall performing on stages across Europe, with her next show taking place on Nov. 13 in Barcelona, Spain.

For those not in Spain, we recommend listening to the artist’s Grand Prize album, A Common Case of Disappearing, produced and mixed by Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon). 

Listen to Amber Rubarth on Spotify.

Purchase A Common Case of Disappearing. 

5. NewSong Music Finals to take place in asheville, NC, dec. 15

 

Thank you to all who submitted their songs to this year’s NewSong Music Performance and Songwriting Competition this year. The exciting process of selecting eight finalists is underway. Stay tuned for the results, coming soon! This year, the finals competition will be held December 15 in beautiful Asheville, NC at Isis Music Hall.

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Weekly Roundup: NewSong Artist News 11/5-11/11

Monday, November 5th, 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 continent and beyond, 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.

We also want to extend our thanks to all who submitted to the NewSong Music Performance and Songwriting Competition. The submission period closed Sunday, Nov. 4, and we are very much looking forward to listening to your songs! 

 

1. NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting competition to take place at isis music hall in asheville, NC, dec. 15

Thank you to all who submitted their songs to this year’s NewSong Music Performance and Songwriting Competition this year. The submission period closed Sunday, Nov. 4, and we now start the exciting process of selecting a total of eight finalists to compete in the live performance finals, held on December 15 in beautiful Asheville, NC at Isis Music Hall. 

2. Wilder adkins — ListeN: “Marietta” // artist to record grand prize record at echo Mountain Studios 

Wilder Adkins, winner of the 2016 NewSong Music Competition, returns to Echo Mountain Studios later this week to record music for his grand prize album. The album is slated for release next spring. In the meantime, we encourage you to listen to “Marietta,” one of the Bruce Springsteen covers the Adkins released this fall.  

From Popdust: “The idea to cover such an iconic tune popped into his mind when he was asked to pay tribute to Springsteen at an ATL Collective concert in 2017. Adkins tells Popdust, ‘Someone told me at the show that I was too melancholy and not angry enough to sing Springsteen’s version of ‘I’m Goin’ Down,’ so I rewrote the verses to make it all my own,’ he said.”

Listen to “Marietta” on Spotify. 

3. Rachael Kilgour — “Game Changer” pre-order 

Fans of 2015 NewSong Music grand prize winner can now pre-order the artist’s new album, “Game Changer,” on bandcamp. The aptly titled work examines the artist’s tentative first steps into a new world, post-heartbreak. With a clear head, Kilgour touches on the complicated nature of romance and relationship, sets up a stunning defense of queer love, and reassesses her priorities as a citizen of a changing wider world. 

Recorded in Asheville, NC at Echo Mountain Studios and produced by Gar Ragland, the EP will be released on NewSong Recordings and features captivating string arrangements by violinist Sara Pajunen.

Pre-order your digital copy here. 

4. kelly english — Listen: “Bite The hand” (boygenius cover)

 

Kelly English returned to Echo Mountain Recording Studios in October to record her sophomore album with NewSong Recordings. Just this week, she released a cover of the boygenius song, “Bite the Hand.”

English competed at the NewSong LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition where she met producer Gar Ragland and toured Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville, NC. English says her experience competing at LEAF was an “eye opener” that pushed her to keep pursuing her career as a musician.

Listen to her first album, City Limits, on Spotify.

5. Beth snapp — Performs 11/10 at White Birch

Beth Snapp continues to perform in support of her recent EP release, Don’t Apologize. The new EP, tellingly titled Don’t Apologize is a collection of soothing and supple melodies, underscored by a bracing backing band, it offers astute observations about the challenges, expectations and ability to overcome obstacles — either self-imposed or those that result from outside interference.

This week, you can catch her at White Birch in Abington, VA on Saturday, Nov. 10 and another show Friday, Nov. 16 at the Down Home in Johnson, TN. 

For more information about this week’s show, visit the Facebook event page. Listen to Beth Snapp on Spotify. 

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Weekly roundup: NewSong Artist News 10/8-10/15

Monday, October 8th, 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 continent and beyond, 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. David Robert King – #WeARENEWSONG video out today

David Robert King — a finalist in last year’s NewSong Music Competition whose striking songwriting has been compared to Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits — is featured in our video series, #WeAreNewSong. In the short video, King discusses his experience with the NewSong competition, as well as his musical inspirations and songwriting process. 

King was the runner up in last year’s NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition in New York City. Since then, he has released a new record, Idaho. This past summer, King recorded a single “Have Mercy” with NewSong Grand Prize Winner Crys Matthews and producer Gar Ragland.

David performs at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville on Wednesday Oct. 10. Buy tickets here. Listen to David Robert King on Spotify. 

 

 

2. Beth Snapp – Oct. Tour Dates

Beth Snapp is keeping busy after the release of her 2018 album, Don’t Apologize. This week, you will find the songwriter with her band at the Music on the Laurel Creek series Tuesday Oct. 9 in Damascus, VA and the Annual Harvest Boogie hosted by Jump TN on Friday Oct. 12.

Meanwhile, Don’t Apologize, recorded at Echo Mountain Recording Studios with producer Gar Ragland, continues to gather positive critical acclaim. Listen to the new album on Spotify. 

 

 

3. Farewell Milwaukee – Flannel Roots Music & Beer festival 

Farewell Milwaukee is a mainstay of the Minneapolis music scene since 2008. The band embraces the role that their Midwestern towns have played in shaping them artistically, garnering them fans through their authentic lyrics, lush vocal harmonies, and an honest sincerity at live shows. Farewell Milwaukee released their fourth full-length album, FM, in September 2018.

The band will perform at the the Flannel Roots Music & Beer Festival in Minnetonka, Minnesota Saturday Oct. 13. Listen to Farewell Milkwaukee on Spotify. 

 

4. NEwsong Recordings spotlight: Rachael Kilgour “Rabbit in the Road”

After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Rachael Kilgour is gearing up to release her next album, Game Changer, early next year. This week, we suggest revisiting Rachael’s first release with NewSong Recordings, Rabbit in the Road.

Billboard calls it “A heartfelt slice of master crafted indie folk, brimming with the battle-tested capacity to endure the worst in others. There’s a steadfast confidence to her voice, which lingers around the guitar and keystrokes like smoke above a dying fire.”

Listen to Rabbit in the Road on Spotify. Purchase the album on bandcamp.

 

 

5. JBird Shogren – Wild west songwriters festival

Shogren is a 2016 NewSong Music Competition finalist and has performed at Lincoln Center in NYC, as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as part of the NewSong Music Series. He was also in the studio earlier this year at Echo Mountain Recording with producer Gar Ragland, tracking material for his new solo project Horse Machine (stay tuned for more on that in future roundups).

Shogren will perform at the Wild West Songwriters Festival in Deadwood, SD, Oct. 12 and 13. For more information on the festival, visit the website. 

6. SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2018 NEWSONG MUSIC PERFORMANCE & SONGWRITING COMPETITION 


Now in its 17th year, the NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition is one of North America’s premier showcases of emerging performers and songwriters across an array of genres.The final deadline to enter this year’s competition is Sunday, November 4.

To learn more and submit, click here.

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Weekly roundup: NewSong artist news 9/24-9/30

Monday, September 24th, 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 continent and beyond, 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. ROSE COUSINS – on tour in Alberta

Halifax, Nova Scotia-based artist Rose Cousins is on tour this week in Alberta, and will continue play shows into the fall. Performances this week include the Theatre Junction Grand on Sept. 27th in Calgary; Arden Theatre in St. Albert on Sept. 28th; The Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod on Sep 29th; and The Communitea Cafe in Canmore Sept. 30th. For American fans, the songwriter will stop in Massachusetts and Connecticut in October. Visit her website for a full list of tour dates. 

Cousins’ 2012 album We Have Made A Spark won a JUNO Award, 3 East Coast Music Awards, a Canadian Folk Music Award, was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, and made picks/best of lists in USA Today, NPR Music and Oprah Magazine. Her music has found its way into several TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy. 

Listen to Rose Cousins’ latest on Spotify. 

 

2. Brie Capone – Asheville Masonic Temple Show Sept. 29

 

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 the Masonic Temple in Asheville, NC on Saturday Sept. 29 at 6:30 pm. For full event information, visit the event page on Facebook.

Listen to Brie Capone’s latest on Spotify. 

 

3. Rachael Kilgour – “Game Changer” PRE-Order EXCEEDS goal on Kickstarter

The pre-order campaign for Kilgour’s forthcoming album, Game Changer, met its goal on Kickstarter last week. Two hundred and twenty-one backers pre-ordered $8,281 to help bring the project to life. The 2015 NewSong Music Contest winner, Kilgour has performed at Lincoln Center in New York, The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and the prestigious ASCAP Music Café at the Sundance Film Festival. 

Rachael’s new EP, Game Changer, is produced and mixed by NewSong co-founder and director 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 of her work.

Listen to Rachael’s music on Spotify. 

 

4. Wilder Adkins – “Side by side” featured on “Starbucks folk” spotify playlist

Wilder Adkins’ song “Side by Side” is featured on the “Starbucks Folk” playlist on Spotify.  “Side by Side” is a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and a reflection on the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing. According to Adkins, it’s “an anthem for peace and a call to keep hoping and never give up fighting darkness with the power of light.” 

Wilder finds himself in good company on the popular playlist, among an eclectic mix of artists including John Prine, Shakey Graves and Laura Veirs. 

Listen to the playlist on Spotify. Listen to “Side by Side” on Spotify. 

 

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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. 

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Billboard premieres heartwrenching single ‘Deep Bruises’ from Rachael Kilgour’s forthcoming album Rabbit in the Road

Tuesday, February 7th, 2017

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Billboard premieres heartwrenching single ‘Deep Bruises’ from Rachael Kilgour’s forthcoming album Rabbit in the Road

“[the track is] a heartfelt slice of master crafted indie folk brimming with the battle-tested capacity to endure the worst in others.” – Billboard
 
ANNOUNCES UPCOMING WINTER & SPRING TOUR DATES

RABBIT IN THE ROAD OUT 3/3/2017 VIA NEWSONG RECORDINGS

 

AUDIO: “Deep Bruises”/Soundcloud + Billboard (available for posting)

Rachael Kilgour is a Minnesota-based songwriter and performing artist whose sincere, lyric-driven work has been called both brave and humane. The 2015 grand prize winner of the international NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition, Kilgour has been featured at NYC’s Lincoln Center and by the ASCAP Music Café at the Sundance Film Festival. She was also a finalist in the 2015 Telluride Troubadour Contest. A versatile performer, Kilgour has shared stages with the likes of indie artists Haley Bonar & Jeremy Messersmith as well as folk legends Greg Brown, Cheryl Wheeler & Catie Curtis.

Kilgour married in her early twenties and devoted the rest of the decade to parenting her stepchild and building family and community. Her work from that time (Self-Titled 2008, Will You Marry Me? 2011, Whistleblower’s Manifesto 2013) chronicled her life as a young parent in a same-sex partnership and addressed sociopolitical issues from government corruption to income inequality to religious hypocrisy. Kilgour’s music career took a backseat during those years as she lived a slow, home-focused life.

In 2014, divorce brought an unwanted and excruciating end to her role as a member of her family. The sudden shift left her deep in grief. Kilgour spent many months processing with friends, family, and therapists and found solace in songwriting. Kilgour’s forthcoming album, Rabbit in the Road, was born out of that time: the love, loss, betrayal, disorientation and the profound sense of resilience that followed.

“While I have always felt a strong pull to address social injustices from the stage, this new collection of work requires something new of me,” Kilgour shared. “I feel called to use my platform to address emotion and grief and forgiveness in a way that is not often done in our culture.”

Though the album was instigated by a particular event in her life, each track explores a different aspect of Kilgour’s emotional journey. “I was taught from a young age that a person’s hurtful behavior is almost always a sign of inner pain and not a reflection of your self-worth. The second track on the album, ‘Deep Bruises’, was my attempt to put that belief into practice under the most difficult circumstances.”

Later, in “Ready Freddie”, Kilgour professes an unyielding confidence in her step-daughter as she steps into adolescence. In the title track, Kilgour examines the dualities of forgiveness. As is true of the album in its entirety, the detailed examination of Kilgour’s relationships and emotions is surprisingly universal:

“With your hands around his neck, You spared his misery, How swift you gave that rabbit, What you couldn’t give to me”

Rabbit in the Road, due out March 3rd, 2017 on NewSong Recordings, was co-produced by Catie Curtis, Gar Ragland and Crit Harmon, who engineered the album. The album was mixed by Gar Ragland at Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville, NC. The album takes an intimate and often painful look at the failed marriage and loss of family. Kilgour’s writing and delivery cut deep, with resolute simplicity. Sorrow, rage, resilience and compassion exist side by side within a series of honest and memorable melodies. The collection of work stands tall on a foundation of vulnerability and opens the door to moments of profound connection.

Today, the heartwrenching first track from the record, “Deep Bruises,” has premiered at Billboard, who say, “[the track is ] a heartfelt slice of master crafted indie folk brimming with the battle-tested capacity to endure the worst in others.. When Kilgour sings ‘No one’s predictable as you,’ there’s a steadfast confidence to her voice, which lingers around the guitar and keystrokes like smoke above a dying fire. There’s hints of Stevie Nicks and Neko Case in her pensive, almost rustic vocals, which do great justice to the song’s solemn mood.”

Rabbit in the Road is set for release 3/3/17 via NewSong Recordings, preorder available here.

***
Upcoming Rachael Kilgour dates:
2/4 @ Eat My Words Bookstore, Minneapolis, MN
2/10 @ House Concert, Hibbing, MN
2/11 @ Prairie Wind, Windom, MN
2/17 @ House Concert, Eagan, MN
2/18 @ House Concert, Minneapolis, MN
2/24 @ Uncommon Ground, Chicago, Ill.
2/25 @ The Broad Museum, Lansing, MI
2/25 @ The Pumphouse, Lansing, MI
3/3 @ The Park Theater, Hayward, WI.
3/4 @ Crescendo Madison, WI. with Josh Harty
3/11 @ House Concert, Cedar Rapids, IA
3/12 @ Des Moines Social Club, Des Monies, IA
3/22 @ Glensheen Mansion Unplugged Series, Duluth, MN
3/23 @ Root Note, La Crosse, WI
4/1 @ Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis, MN with Lucy Kaplansky
4/23 @ Jubilee House Concert, Duluth, MN
May 6 @ Circle of Friends Coffee House, Franklin, MA. with Catie Curtis
May 11 @ Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, VT.
May 18 @ One Longfellow Square, Portland, ME w/ Connor Garvey and Caroline Spence
May 20 @ Burghsong Concert Series, Pittsburgh, PA

***

Rachael Kilgour
Rabbit in the Road
Out 3/3/2017 via NewSong Recordings

Tracklisting:
You’re Through
Deep Bruises
Ready Freddie
Up From Down
Still My Wife
Don’t Need Anyone
Rabbit in the Road
Mama
Hit by a Bus
I Pray
Break Wide Open

 

Rachael Kilgour- Facebook
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Terrorbird Media

Publicist: Amanda Dissinger, Terrorbird 
Radio: Shannon Kurlander, Terrorbird
Licensing: Scott Cresto, Music Alternatives

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