2016 NewSong Music Finalist Ethan Crump Returns to LEAF on October 22

Ethan Crump is a Hartwell, Georgia-based musician who pens country-folk songs with a world weariness and wisdom beyond his nineteen years. The singer-songwriter’s straightforward yet poignant tunes caught the attention of judges at last year’s NewSong Music competition at the Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) in Black Mountain, North Carolina. He won first place that day, which means festival-goers will have another chance to watch this promising young musician perform at LEAF on Saturday, October 22, 2016.

Crump released his debut EP, Hellfire and Amazing Grace, this summer. He counts John Prine and Guy Clark among his influences, but says his rural country upbringing — including afternoons spent with his grandmother — had more impact on his songwriting than anything else. The EP’s impressive title track is inspired by his grandparents, who were born into the Great Depression.

Crump says that he isn’t “competitively inclined,” but he submitted his songs to NewSong Music anyway, at the urging of a friend who had participated in past years. “Despite my preconceived notion that competitions are always intense and combative — I grew up in a football town — the overall atmosphere was relaxed,” says Crump. “The other finalists were very amiable and supportive.”

Not only did Crump secure himself slot in the 2016 LEAF lineup, but he also says the competition opened up other doors for him. “Aside from it being an excellent experience as a performer, [NewSong] introduces you to a network of great people involved in the music scene around Asheville,” he says. Crump will open for folk musician Jeff Black at Isis Music Hall in Asheville on Wednesday, October 5th.

LEAF-goers will not want to miss Crump’s Saturday, October 22nd performance at 12:15 pm at the barn stage. For more information on LEAF, visit theleaf.org. For more information on Ethan Crump, including his tour schedule, visit ethancrump.com.