SPOONER OLDHAM
Hit Songwriter
Chris Tompkins has been no stranger to success since his 2002 arrival in Nashville.
Spooner Oldham is a legendary singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who helped define the sound of Southern soul and American popular music. Born Dewey Lindon Oldham Jr. in 1943 in Sheffield, Alabama, he grew up in a musical family and developed a love for gospel, country, and rhythm & blues early on. A childhood accident earned him the nickname “Spooner,” which stuck for life.
Oldham began his career at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, where his soulful keyboard playing shaped countless classics, including Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman,” Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally,” and Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You). His signature sound became central to what the world now knows as the Muscle Shoals Sound.
In the late 1960s, Oldham moved to Memphis and partnered with Dan Penn, writing timeless hits like “I’m Your Puppet” (James & Bobby Purify) and “Cry Like a Baby” (The Box Tops). Their partnership bridged the soul of Muscle Shoals with the grit of Memphis, creating songs that became part of American music history.
Oldham later became a sought-after session musician in Los Angeles and Nashville, collaborating with Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, and many more. His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between rock, soul, country, and pop, appearing on landmark recordings for over six decades.
His achievements have been recognized with inductions into the Musicians Hall of Fame (2008), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2009), and Alabama Music Hall of Fame (2014). Even in recent years, he continues to record and perform, including his 2024 collaboration with the Scottish band Texas on The Muscle Shoals Sessions.
A true architect of American music, Spooner Oldham’s soulful touch and songwriting genius continue to influence generations of artists and shape the sound of modern music.
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CHRIS TOMPKINS
Hit Songwriter
Chris Tompkins has been no stranger to success since his 2002 arrival in Nashville.
After moving from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Tompkins received his first publishing deal at the age of 22 with Little House Music. He then went on to sign with Big Loud Industries in 2006, the same year in which he dominated the country charts with Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.” Not only did it achieve #1 on every country chart and hold its position for five consecutive weeks, but achieved Pop Crossover success, spending a total of 64 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Charts. In 2007, it was named ASCAP Song of the Year and was nominated for two Grammy awards, including overall Song Of The Year and Country Song of the Year, which it won. It was the first country song in history to have over two million digital download sales. Chris also took home his second Grammy award for Country Song of the year in 2013 for Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away.” In 2022, Tompkins found a new publishing home with Boom Music Group and Warner Chappell.
With 17 #1’s, Chris Tompkins’ notable singles include Morgan Wallen’s “Lies Lies Lies,” Jason Aldean’s “Burnin’ It Down,” Luke Bryan’s “Drunk On You,” Blake Shelton’s “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” and Dierks Bentley’s “Drunk On A Plane.” He has had eleven of his songs recorded by Country Duo Florida Georgia Line, including the #1 hit singles “Dirt,” “Get Your Shine On,” “Round Here,” and “Anything Goes.” Tompkins had 6 songs on Morgan Wallen’s record-breaking album “I’m The Problem” including the #1 hit “Lies Lies Lies,” “If You Were Mine,” “Dark Til Daylight,” “Revelation,” “LA Night,” and “Crazy Eyes.” Tompkins also penned Jon Pardi’s current single “Friday Night Heartbreaker” which is nearing the top of the charts, as well as Bailey Zimmerman & Diplo’s “Ashes” and Mackenzie Carpenter & Midland’s “I Wish You Would.”
Amongst the innumerable artists to bring Chris’ songs to life, Tompkins has had cuts with Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, and Hank Williams, Jr. Chris’ songs have crossed over all genres of music. In addition to Country, he has worked with rapper Nelly, First Lady of Disco, Gloria Gaynor, actress Bette Midler, Americana artist and good friend since elementary school Jason Isbell, and rock bands Three Days Grace, Nickelback, Daughtry, Hinder, and Plain White T’s. In 2006 Jimmy Buffett recorded his song “Bama Breeze” and named his 2007 Tour after the song. Chris continues to experience success, which he shares alongside his wife, Jessica, and his son Hayes and daughter Emmy Rose.
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GORDIE SAMPSON
Hit Songwriter
Born and raised in picturesque Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Gordie Sampson grew up thoroughly immersed in music, first playing the family piano at age four before picking up the guitar as a teenager. He drew on a wide range of influences—Celtic, pop, R&B, and rock—absorbing everything from Stevie Ray Vaughan and Black Sabbath to Stan Rogers and Neil Young, all filtered through the Gaelic and French traditions that shaped his community.
After cutting his teeth in bar bands, Sampson began working with artists such as Ashley MacIsaac, Natalie MacMaster, The Rankin Family, and The Chieftains, blending pop sensibilities with Celtic roots in ways that pushed his songwriting and production forward. He released his debut album “Stones” in 1998, but it was his sophomore effort, “Sunburn” (2004), that caught Nashville’s attention—leading country stars like Keith Urban and Faith Hill to reimagine his songs.
The following year, Sampson’s ballad “Jesus, Take the Wheel”—made famous by Carrie Underwood—earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, cementing his place as one of Nashville’s most sought-after writers.
Since then, Sampson has been nominated for two additional Grammy Awards (including one as an engineer) and has amassed more than 400 artist cuts, with dozens climbing the radio charts. His songs have been recorded or performed by Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Guy Clark, Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, and Florida Georgia Line, among many others.
Over the years, he has also collected numerous major accolades, including a CMA Song of the Year, an Academy of Country Music Award, multiple Juno and SOCAN Awards, more than a dozen East Coast Music Awards, several Canadian Country Music Awards, and international recognition from the ASCAP Awards, Nashville Songwriters Association, and International Songwriting Competition.
Today, Gordie Sampson remains an in-demand writer, producer, performer, and session guitarist, continuing to shape the sound of contemporary country and pop music from his base in Nashville.
Gary Baker
Hit Songwriter
Gary Baker, who has lived in Sheffield for 43 years, earned a Grammy for the smash hit “I Swear,” which he co-wrote with Frank J. Myers. The song was number one on the country charts and crossed over to the number one spot on the pop charts. Baker co-wrote “I’m Already There,” which also hit number one on the country charts before crossing over to the top five on the pop charts. His first major songwriting success was with “Once Upon a Lifetime,” which was performed by the group “Alabama” and soared to the number one on country charts. Through the years he has penned hit songs for numerous other artists including the Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees and Reba McIntire. His songs have been featured in numerous high-profile television show and movie soundtracks. He has produced many records, including the Backstreet Boys greatest hits album. He launched his career in Muscle Shoals with the famed LeBlanc Carr Band, performing on their top 10 hit named “Falling.” He wrote and recorded with several artists ranging from Mac Davis to Marie Osmond before becoming a member of the “Shooters, a hit country act from Muscle Shoals.
Clint Daniels
Hit Songwriter
Born in Panama City, Florida, Clint Daniels is an American country music singer and songwriter. He was signed as a solo artist with Arista Nashville in 1998. There, Daniels released four songs, two of which charted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. In 2003, Daniels signed to Epic Records but never released an album. Having already co-written his first Number One single for Joe Nichols (Brokenheartsville), he focused his career on songwriting and has been primarily known for his songwriting and performing at showcases across the country. As a BMI award-winning, Grammy nominated songwriter, Daniels has co-written Number One singles for Joe Nichols, Montgomery Gentry (Roll With Me) and most recently, Eric Church (Some Of It). His songs have helped shape country music for almost 20 years and have been recorded by George Strait, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Clay Walker, Easton Corbin, Jon Pardi, Brandy Clark, Cody Johnson and other country acts.
Terri Jo Box
Hit Songwriter
Terri Jo Box is a singer-songwriter from Nacogdoches, Texas, currently living and working in Nashville, Tennessee. She signed a publishing deal in November 2019 with Jonas Entertainment Group, founded by CEO Kevin Jonas Sr., longtime manager of The Jonas Brothers. Terri Jo pens everything from the old-school traditional country she grew up on to contemporary country, contemporary Christian, southern gospel, pop, red dirt, and bluegrass. Her voice carries a sweet, soulful sound that draws listeners exactly where her songs want them to go.
Since devoting her career to songwriting, Terri Jo has had songs recorded by Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Trisha Yearwood, Ashley McBryde, Trent Tomlinson, Michelle Wright, Wade Hayes, Shenandoah, Gwen Sebastian, Jason Sellers, Gary Chapman, William Clark Green, Chelsea Bain, Holly Tucker, Red Marlow, Danny Worsnop, and Clayton Anderson, among others.
Singles released to radio include:
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Trent Tomlinson — “Come Back To Bed”
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Chelsea Bain — “What If I”
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Gary Chapman & Holly Tucker — “About A Baby”
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Michelle Wright — “Laugh A Little”
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Gwen Sebastian — “Quicksand”
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Ashley McBryde — “American Scandal”
In 2016, Terri Jo landed a cut on Miranda Lambert’s double album “The Weight of These Wings.” The song “Dear Old Sun” — co-written with Lambert and country artist Gwen Sebastian — helped the album win ACM Album of the Year (2017) and earn a CMA Album of the Year nomination (2018). She has also had songs featured on four Grammy-nominated albums and has received one Daytime Emmy nomination.
Terri Jo Box has made a major contribution to the Nashville songwriting community by creating, booking, and hosting two of the longest-running writer’s showcases in Music City, second only to the legendary Bluebird Café. She now owns and hosts the popular Music Row Freakshow at The Local.
MARK HALL
Hit Songwriter
Mark Hall is the Co-Owner and Chairman of Fame Music Publishing and House of Fame Music. He is a 35-year veteran of the Music industry and an award-winning Songwriter and Publishing Executive. The company has been awarded 43 ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC Awards during its tenure along with hundreds of cuts on major label artists, mostly based in Nashville. In the mid-nineties, the companies won back to back to back Song of the Year awards by the CMA, the Grammys, and his song I Like It, I Love It was awarded Song of the Year for 1995 by American Songwriter Magazine. The song has been the Nashville Predators’ Goal song for every home goal of the franchise’s history and has been recently featured regularly in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. More recently, the company has published Jason Isbell for most of his career as he has ascended to become a superstar of the Americana genre. To date, Jason has won four Grammy awards, and Alabama Pines, a Fame song, won Americana Song of the Year in 2013.
Lisa Silver
Hit Songwriter
Lisa Silver is a multi-faceted talent who has been an in-demand Nashville studio musician/vocalist since the early 1970’s. At that time, Lisa was one of very few female instrumentalists working in Nashville recording studios.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Lisa combined her classical training as a violinist at the University of Michigan School of Music and her eclectic musical influences to become an award-winning musician, playing violin and fiddle on television and recordings for Chet Atkins and Ray Stevens.
As part of the well-respected studio vocal group, The Cherry Sisters, and in combination with other background singers, Lisa has performed on dozens of television shows and earned over 20 gold and platinum albums for her contributions to thousands of recordings by hundreds of artists including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Randy Travis and Vince Gill.
You may have also heard Lisa on many commercials for Nestle Crunch, McDonald's, United Airlines, and Kellogg's. Lisa's voice is featured on her original theme song for the cartoon Baby Looney Tunes, and she has done many commercials for radio and TV as a voice-over artist. Noted for her singing and violin/fiddle playing, Lisa has also enjoyed a long career as a respected Music City songwriter. She has had over 50 of her original songs recorded by artists including Reba McEntire, Marie Osmond, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, and Charlie Daniels. Lisa was a recipient of the Songwriter’s Guild Rising Star Award. Her #1 song, "Forty Hour Week", recorded by the group Alabama, earned her a Grammy nomination. Lisa moved to the Shoals in 2019, and currently teaches the Songwriting course at FAFA (Florence Academy of Fine Arts at Florence High School). She is married to Musicians Hall of Fame member and well-known Shoals area keyboardist Clayton Ivey, and has a grown daughter, Olivia.
CINDY WALKER
Hit Songwriter
Cindy moved to Muscle Shoals in 1976 with the dream of becoming a background vocalist. While pursuing that passion, she was wisely encouraged to explore songwriting as well—a path that would become a defining part of her career.
Over the years, Cindy has recorded and performed on studio projects for legendary artists including Steven Tyler, Alicia Keys, Garth Brooks, Crystal Gayle, Kenny Chesney, Percy Sledge, Etta James, Randy Travis, Faith Hill, Ronnie Milsap, Alabama, George Jones, Ray Stevens, Willie Nelson, and many others.
As a songwriter, her work has been recorded and released by a wide range of artists such as Etta James, Ronnie Milsap, Patti Austin, John Prine, Dorothy Moore, Dottie West, The Whites, America, Dr. Hook, Vaya Con Dios, and more. One of her most notable co-writes, Sheena Easton’s “Almost Over You”, became a major hit in 1983, earning a BMI Million-Air award, and was later recorded by country artist Lila McCann. Cindy’s versatile voice has also been featured on national commercials for McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Dolly Madison, as well as in entertainment projects such as the video game Fallout 4, Disney’s Fox & The Hound 2, The Beverly Hillbillies movie, and DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt.
Her solo Christian project, Crusader, was released in 1984 and re-released in 2004. On stage, she has toured with Crystal Gayle, Alabama, and most recently Lynda Carter, along with numerous live performances alongside many other artists.
Cindy is also one of The Shoals Sisters with singer Marie Lewey. Since its inception, she has been a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame House Band and continues to perform as part of the renowned Muscle Shoals Allstars.
Mark Irwin
Hit Songwriter
Mark Irwin, a country songwriter from the Northeast, moved to Nashville in 1987 and landed his first cut four years later with Randy Travis’ “Meet Me Under The Mistletoe.” Soon after, his “Grandpa’s Mandolin” was nominated for IBMA’s Bluegrass Song of the Year, leading to recordings by Patty Loveless, The Whites, Larry Stephenson, and others.
In 1989, Irwin co-wrote Alan Jackson’s breakthrough No. 1 hit “Here in the Real World,” earning multiple award nominations. He went on to co-write chart-toppers like Tyler Farr’s “Redneck Crazy,” Tim McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care” (with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban), and Blake Shelton’s “Neon Light.” Other notable singles include Jimmy Buffett’s “Bama Breeze” and Hank Williams Jr.’s “That’s How They Do It in Dixie.” His songs have been recorded by stars including Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Lee Brice, George Jones, Faith Hill, Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson, and even Gwyneth Paltrow for Country Strong. Most recently, his work appeared on Lainey Wilson’s Grammy-winning Bell Bottom Country and Tim McGraw’s Standing Room Only. A former bartender at Nashville’s Bluebird Café, Irwin is featured in the Bluebird documentary. This summer, he will release his first CD, Never Gets Old, featuring collaborations with Josh Kear, Shane McAnally, and Brandy Clark.
Jenn Schott
Hit Songwriter
Born and raised in Pittsburg, Kansas, Jenn Schott was destined to have a career in music. It’s in her genes. Her grandfather was the concert master violinist for the CBS orchestra including the Ed Sullivan show, her father was a university professor of woodwinds, and her mother is a flutist. After graduating with a journalism degree from the University of Missouri, Jenn made the move to Nashville to pursue a career as a songwriter. More than 20 years later, Jenn’s songs continue to resonate with artists in Nashville and beyond. Jenn co-wrote Tim McGraw’s #1 hit single, “7500 OBO” which also received the coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” Award from the Nashville Songwriters Association. She also co-wrote the title track of McGraw’s Grammy nominated album, “Two Lanes of Freedom,” which went on to be the namesake of McGraw’s 2013 summer tour. Jenn also penned Mickey Guyton’s debut single, “Better Than You Left Me,” which was named one of Billboard’s 10 Best Country Songs of 2015. Other artists who have recorded Jenn’s songs include Rascal Flatts, The Eli Young Band, Billy Ray Cyrus, Pam Tillis, Lonestar, Gloriana, Jana Kramer, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Hemby, Lucy Hale, Jamie Lynn Spears, and Restless Heart.
Jenn is an alumna of Leadership Music and proudly sits on the board of the Nashville Songwriters Association and a committee for the Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC).
Anthony Smith
Hit Songwriter
Anthony Smith is a versatile songwriter, producer, and arranger whose work spans Country, Pop, R&B, and Jazz. His songs have been recorded by major artists including Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Jo Dee Messina, Kenny Rogers, Donna Summer, Lonestar, Rodney Atkins, Chris Young, Neal McCoy, Heartland, Suzy Bogguss, and many more. His hits include Lonestar’s “What About Now” (featured in a national Toyota campaign), Bucky Covington’s “I Want My Life Back”, Donna Summer’s “When Love Cries”, Clay Walker’s “Watch This”, Neal McCoy’s “Love Happens Like That”, The Wilkinsons’ “Jimmy’s Got a Girlfriend”, and Jo Dee Messina’s “Too Late to Worry.” His songs have also been featured in films such as Almost an Angel, Earth Force, and Graveyard Shift. Smith has produced debut albums for South Sixty-Five, Trini Triggs, and Rio Grand, contributed to Kirk Whalum’s In This Life, and created jingles like “Titans on 2” for Nashville’s WKRN. He appeared as a mentor songwriter on CMT’s Gone Country alongside Jermaine Jackson and George Clinton.
Mark Narmore
Hit Songwriter
Mark Narmore, raised in Center Star, Alabama near the Muscle Shoals music hub, has built a 39-year career as a songwriter. After earning a commercial music degree from the University of North Alabama in 1988, he went on to have songs recorded by Reba McEntire, Josh Turner, Alabama, John Michael Montgomery, Shenandoah, Neal McCoy, Blackhawk, Brandy Clark, Carly Pearce, Terri Clark, and many others.
His first cut, Shenandoah’s “Moon Over Georgia”, became a national Top 5 hit, and he later co-wrote Blackhawk’s No. 2 hit “Like There Ain’t No Yesterday.” His biggest success came with Craig Morgan’s “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” which spent five weeks at No. 1, was Billboard’s most performed country song of 2005, ranked #8 of the decade, and earned gold certification.
Narmore’s songs have appeared on nine gold or platinum albums, with 16 co-writes recorded by Josh Turner. His work has earned Grammy and Dove nominations (via Brandy Clark and Shenandoah), the George Jackson Contemporary Songwriter Award (2022), and a bronze star at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. In addition to publishing work with FAME, Sony ATV Tree, and Starstruck Music, he has recorded three albums with Andreas Werner on Crazy Chester Records, blending country, soul, and funk. He continues to live and write in Muscle Shoals, where he is honored locally for his musical achievements.
Levon Gray
Hit Songwriter
Levon Gray is a 2x platinum songwriter and singer from Mobile, Alabama, best known for co-writing Kane Brown’s No. 1 hit “One Mississippi.” His credits span artists like Tanner Adell, Cheat Codes, Jimmie Allen, and Noah Thompson, as well as a vocal production credit on Eric Benét’s latest album “The Co-Star”. Ready to release his own music, In August 2025, Levon debuted as a reggae artist with his single Million Ways, which peaked at #36 on both U.S. and Global iTunes Reggae charts. He plans to continue releasing music as he continues to co-write with artists and writers in Nashville and beyond.
Matt warren
Hit Songwriter
Chart-topping songwriter. Solo artist. Multi-platinum award winner. Soul singer. For nearly a quarter century, Matt Warren has played all the parts, building a versatile career that's taken him from the elite writing rooms of Music Row to stages across the country. He turns a new page with Heartbreak Superstar, his first solo release in a dozen years. Inspired by the R&B classics, soul songs, and southern music of his youth, it's a timeless record for the modern age. Warren's songwriting is on full display, showcasing the chops that have already earned him a pair of ASCAP Awards, an ACM Song of the Year nomination, and a Number 1 hit on country radio. Heartbreak Superstar is a singer's record, though, and Warren — who created the album with co-producers Oscar Charles and Cliff Audretch — delivers each song with a voice that's every bit as raw, road-worn, and resilient as his own journey.
That journey has taken Warren from the top of the Billboard charts — where Gary Allan's "Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)" made him one of Nashville's most in-demand songwriters during the 2010s, reaching Number 1 the same year Warren received his self-titled solo debut — to rehab, where he found God and rediscovered himself. Fueled by the personal and creative rebirth of his sobriety, Heartbreak Superstar capturesthe melodies and southern stories that have always fueled his work with renewed clarity. The result is a mix southern soul, Tennessee twang, and Laurel Canyon country-rock, all glued together by a songwriting veteran who's happy to reclaim his solo artistry.
SCOTT STEPAKOFF
Hit Songwriter
Originally from Atlanta, Scott Stepakoff arrived in Nashville in 2004 after spending five years as the lead singer of the rock band Turtle Grove. Known for his outstanding lyrical and vocal abilities, Stepakoff aims to always deliver a song in an honest and soulful way. Since moving to town, Stepakoff has landed cuts with multiple top artists including Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Jake Owen, Brandy Clark, Walker Hayes, and Kip Moore, among others. He co-wrote Kip Moore’s Top 20 hit single “She’s Mine,” as well as Kip’s debut single “Mary Was The Marrying Kind,” which opened many doors early in his career. Stepakoff is currently collaborating with many new and emerging artists, such as Kelsey Hart, whose song “Life With You,” co-written by Stepakoff, went viral and is climbing the country radio charts. He also co-wrote three songs on Tigirlily Gold’s debut album “Blonde” (winners of the ACM Award for Best New Duo), including the title track. Although he spends most of his time writing with and for other artists, Stepakoff also enjoys recording his own material, showcasing his artistry alongside his songwriting talents. In July 2019, he released the album “Creatures of Love,” followed by “Once Upon a Highway” in 2022. Most recently, he has released the singles “162” and “The Things You Don’t Like About Me.” Scott Stepakoff is currently a staff writer for Nashville-based publisher Smack Songs.
Gary Nichols
Hit Songwriter
Gary Nichols was born in Tuscumbia, AL, on the 8th day of August 1978, about a mile from the music town of Muscle Shoals. Some say he entered the world with a guitar in his hand and a song in his heart. At the age of five, he joined his first band and took to the stage as if he had been performing for years. It did not take long for the local industry to take notice of Gary’s songwriting abilities, and at the age of 21, he signed a publishing deal with the legendary Fame Recording Studios and Publishing Company. This led to his first cuts as a songwriter and an artist deal with Mercury Records of Nashville. He made his first full-length album for Mercury and in 2004 released two singles,” I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “Unbroken Ground”. “Unbroken Ground” debuted in the Billboard Top 40 and was a multi-week top 15 video on CMT’s Top 20 countdown. In 2009, Gary replaced Chris Stapleton as the frontman for the Bluegrass band The SteelDrivers. He went on to make two albums with the band,” Hammer Down” and “The Muscle Shoals Recordings”. The latter won a Grammy in 2016 for Bluegrass Album of the Year. That album was produced by Gary and the band, along with guest producer and childhood friend Jason Isbell. Gary later departed from the SteelDriver and nearly two years later, he stepped on stage as a solo artist.
Alissa Moreno
Hit Songwriter
Alissa Moreno was born on a small Navajo reservation then grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She co-wrote the Grammy nominated hit "Every Day" for Rascal Flatts, she has a new song "Walking Blind" on The Voice winner, Javier Colon's new album and two on his previous "When" and "That's My Little Girl." She wrote the John Oates/Time Jumpers single "Santa Be Good To Me" and the Grammy winning Morgan Heritage hit single "Pineapple Wine" for their Grammy nominated album Avrakedabra. She wrote “The Yee-Haw Song” for Duck Dynasty’s Uncle SI and The Psychotics, and had a #1 success with international star Alexander Kogan translating in English to “Beautiful World”. Her songs "Far From Here" and “Hold On” were the show ID for the Lifetime series "Army Wives," and she co-wrote/co-performed ABC's "Hope and Faith" theme song. Her song "Next Time" is featured on the Interscope Records release "Laguna Beach: Summer Can Last Forever". Her music is featured in television and film with numerous songs licensed to shows like "The Vineyard", "The Hills," "Laguna Beach," "How I Met Your Mother," "Guiding Light", "Will and Grace" "Criminal Minds", commercials such as Tide, Belk, Young and The Restless Promo, and Central Way Numbers, and many others including the films "Daltry Calhoun" and Slamdance hit "Mall Cop". She was the vocal coach to Ben Affleck for his award winning role in "Hollywoodland". Alissa currently lives in Nashville, and has written with and been recorded by numerous artists.
Caleb Hearn
Writer To Watch
North Carolina-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Caleb Hearn created his 2024 debut album Left on McKinney with a commitment to raw honesty. At 25 and living in Nashville, he decided to confront his fear of vulnerability in songwriting, believing his openness could help others.
This album, which features his viral hit single “Little Bit Better,” delves into personal struggles, including his battle with panic disorder and the challenges of coming of age. Rooted in his wistful brand of folk-pop, each track reflects Hearn’s journey and growth as an artist, capturing moments of introspection, love, hope, and many of the more daunting aspects of growing up.
Hearn’s journey began in Mount Airy, North Carolina, where writing became an outlet during a turbulent childhood marked by his parents’ divorce and a friend’s death. He started with short stories before transitioning to songwriting at age 12 after receiving a guitar.
Despite a period of setting music aside in high school, Hearn rediscovered his passion and committed fully to his craft, leading to a pivotal conversation with his father about authenticity in his music. This epiphany inspired him to write “Always Be 2.0,” a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, which garnered significant streaming success and attracted record label attention, resulting in his signing with Nettwerk in 2022. Three EPs and a debut album later, Caleb has generated 800M+ cumulative streams, 1.6M TikTok fans, and 3M+ monthly Spotify listeners, along with support from editorial playlists including New Music Friday, Pop Rising, New Pop Picks, Fresh & Chill, Folk Pop, Chill Pop, and more.
Caleb Hearn is currently working on his sophomore album, slated for early 2026.
charlie argo
Writer To Watch
Charlie Argo blends Southern Soul and country influences, making him a notable name among singer-songwriters. Originally from Selma, Alabama, Charlie's upbringing in this vibrant, cultural town fueled his love for music and performance. Inspired by artists like Otis Redding, Gregg Allman, Amos Lee, and Travis Tritt, Charlie developed a sound that goes beyond traditional country. In 2015, he released his first original track, “Phenix”, and soon moved to Nashville to focus on songwriting.
This transition led to a collaboration with drummer and producer Jay Tooke, resulting in his debut EP, “In the Name of Love”. Featuring musicians like guitarist Joey Landreth and pianist/organist Billy Justineau, the EP reached the top of the iTunes Blues charts. The single “Tennessee Will” also hit #1 on the Blues Singles chart.
Charlie has since teamed up, again, with Producer Jay Tooke for his sophomore, full length record, “Mindful Man”, which was recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Charlie recently released this LP at the beginning of 2025, and is currently traveling the US with backing band “Jive Mother Mary” playing these new tunes. Catch Charlie’s music wherever you stream your music, and follow him to see his full band soon in a town near you!
Kelsey Lamb
Writer To Watch
As a singer-songwriter, Lamb made a name for herself as a vocalist with a rich, emotionally transparent voice, influenced by the likes of Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and Tim McGraw.
Lamb had a strong passion for not only songwriting but performing. She has shared stages with Mark Wills, Florida Georgia Line, Maddie & Tae, Kenny Rogers, and many more.
In March of 2022, Lamb took the national stage in the NBC series premiere of American Song Contest, where she performed as the official representative of her home state of Arkansas garnering a standing ovation. Co-host and pop superstar Kelly Clarkson praised it “sounded like a hit country song,” while Clarkson counterpart Snoop Dogg said it made him get “in my zone.”
Recently Lamb has gone viral on social media for her song “You Made Me.” Generating over 15 Million views on TikTok alone and charting on country iTunes at #3 and all genre at #7. In May of 2024 Lamb released her EP “Just Wait”, earning the #3 spot on the iTunes Charts for Country albums. She also recently saw virality with “Just Wait” generating millions of views across all social media platforms!
Lamb just completed her successful summer tour and release of her new EP “Happy Now” and is excited to continue this journey!
60 Mil+ Streams
351K+ TikTok
128K+ Instagram
420K+ Facebook
Taylor Goyette
Writer To Watch
Taylor Goyette is a rising singer-songwriter known for weaving intimate storytelling with cinematic production, built on a foundation of strong live performance and an expanding footprint in music and media. He has garnered attention through a steady ascent on social platforms, where behind-the-scenes studio moments, writing progress, and fan-engaged content amplify his artistry and extend the lifespan of his releases. This online presence complements a prolific catalog of songs and a collaborative approach that has connected him with publishers, producers, and fellow artists. Born from a blend of country, Americana, and contemporary pop sensibilities, Goyette’s stylistic voice centers on narrative clarity, vivid imagery, and melodic immediacy. His songs often spotlight character-driven scenes and universal emotional arcs, allowing listeners to ride intimate stories while enjoying accessible hooks and modern production textures. This hybrid sound positions him to cross genres while maintaining a distinctive, recognizable voice across projects and collaborations. In performances, Goyette is celebrated for a magnetic stage presence that pairs energetic delivery with emotional honesty. Whether headlining intimate rooms or sharing bills with established acts, his live show emphasizes connection, storytelling, and a resonant vocal register that invites audiences to feel the journey of each song. Beyond his own releases, Goyette has contributed as a songwriter and co-writer on tracks for other artists, underscoring his versatility and reliability within the songwriting community. This combination of social momentum, stylistic distinctiveness, and collaborative reach signals a bright, enduring trajectory in contemporary country and Americana music.
CARVIN WALLS
Writer To Watch
Carvin Walls is a married country duo based out of Nashville, TN! Kelly (formerly Carvin) Walls and Troy Walls are a powerhouse duo that could only be created in the heart of Music City. Kelly, a sassy, fun Jersey girl who played professionally in the NJ tri-state area as a pop/rock, hippie singer-songwriter, and Troy Walls, a down-to-earth country boy from West Virginia who was performing throughout the Ohio River Valley while making regular trips to Nashville for songwriting, both officially made the move to Nashville, TN in 2012. Shortly after, they met at a songwriters round and started writing together. The magic between them happened instantly! They began to play songwriter rounds together and soon officially became the duo everyone was talking about.
What makes this country duo so special? They are vastly different from each other — and somehow, it works! Kelly, raised in New Jersey on rock ‘n’ roll and pop, and Troy, raised in West Virginia on traditional country — both with a shared love of Motown and R&B — combine their styles into an oddly perfect blend. When the two come together as writers, they mix pop-rock and country in a very organic way, with a splash of soul reminiscent of Motown.
Their debut album “Between Us” has been reaching fans across the country, with countless radio requests and a huge outpouring of love and support. It offers just the right mix of fresh, fun, and real that fans are organically latching onto. The album debuted at #59 on the iTunes Country Album Charts, and the duo was nominated for the 2019 NIMA Awards for “Duo of the Year” and “Performers of the Year.” Their single “Sometimes I Lie” reached the Top 100, and “Hippie” held a spot in the Top 80 for six weeks on the Music Row Charts.
Collins horton
Writer To Watch
Hailing from the heart of Mississippi, Collins Horton is a man of faith that weaves his roots into every lyric he writes. With a deep bass voice that quiets a room the moment he sings, his songs carry the weight of Mississippi melancholy—soulful, honest, and grounded in life’s deeper truths. He picked up his first guitar at the age of 12, and ever since, music has been his way of making sense of the world, delivering heartfelt lyrics that speak to love, struggle, and redemption. A lover of the outdoors, his writing often draws on the raw beauty of nature and the quiet moments it offers.
His journey as a songwriter has taken him far beyond the southern pines, sharing stages and penning songs with country greats like Pam Tillis, Rodney Atkins, D. Vincent Williams, Scott Sean White, and Michael Farren. He’s also worked alongside talents such as Craig Campbell, Terri Jo Box, CJ Field, Barrett Baber, and Russell Sutton, blending his authentic Southern soul with their diverse artistry. Whether opening up for legends or sitting in a quiet writers’ round, his voice and stories leave a lasting mark—proof that Country songs still come from the heart.
CARSON BEYER
Writer To Watch
Blessed with a sleek, effortlessly-smooth vocal, and a deep sense of self, combining traditional values with a modern mindset, Carson Beyer is an accomplished singer-songwriter mixing classic country elements with an adventurous spirit. Building off the breakout success of his big-picture hit “Bones” – which has been streamed more than 4 million times on Spotify alone – he’s now making a lasting impression, adding a dose of mindful soul to the contemporary country format. Beyer has been featured on RFD-TV, CMT, All Country News, The Nashville Sign, and more. A Kentucky native from the Paducah area, Beyer's country roots run deep. He grew up working cattle and crops on his family’s independent farm, immersed in hard work and country music; especially ‘90s icons like Tim McGraw and George Strait, and the deeply emotional soul of ‘80s legends like Keith Whitley. Also a standout athlete, the collegiate football player later fell in love with modern R&B through team favorites like Usher and Justin Timberlake, and soon discovered a dynamic, all-natural vocal ability. Watching Timberlake and Chris Stapleton’s famous CMA Awards collab, his creative foundation of country, soul, and R&B was suddenly solidified. Now based in Nashville and recording his first full album in the legendary Muscle Shoals, AL, Beyer is achieving a crossroads of traditional reverence, modern excitement, and bold vulnerability. This has led to new singles set for 2025, with much more to come. With each lyric and melody steeped in emotion, the project invites listeners to connect with Beyer’s journey and feel his heart poured into every track.
Jesse felder
Writer To Watch
Jesse Felder is a talented songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee, known for his unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. A U.S. Army veteran of the Afghanistan war, Jesse has played at notable events like the Key West Songwriter Festival and is returning to the Muscle Shoals Songwriter Festival for the third consecutive year.
He is currently working on multiple music projects and is excited to bring his signature style to the stage.
XOE Miles
Writer To Watch
Xoë Miles is an alt. pop singer-songwriter and performing artist original from Montgomery, Texas, living in Nashville, Tennessee. She writes, produces, and records all of her own original music, and is a self taught multi-instrumentalist with over 13 years of experience under her belt. Xoë has performed at major venues all across America, including Los Angeles' The Roxy, House of Blues' Foundation Room in both Houston and Dallas, and major music festivals such as SXSW, Wrangler NFR, Key West Songwriters Festival, etc. She's worked alongside writers and producers who have major pop credits with Solange, Katy Perry, Bebe Rexha, Madison Beer, and many more. Her new single “I Said It” is available on all platforms now, and she has a full length album coming in late 2025.
You can find more information on Xoë Miles and all she has to offer at xoemiles.com, and on Instagram and TikTok as @xoemiles
TreY NICHOLS
Writer To Watch
Trey Nichols is a Muscle Shoals native singer, songwriter, and frontman of the alternative rock band Lightwatch, who just released their debut record, “Into the Evers”. Nichols began playing guitar in middle school, gaining a love for the grunge and alternative sounds from the 1990’s and early 2000’s.
After graduating high school, he met Dylan Johnson at a local gig and formed Lightwatch with him and Emmett Redding, a longtime school buddy. They later added Tony Martelli on bass and have been touring consistently for years now. Lightwatch has toured across the East Coast and much of the Midwest this year alone. While Lightwatch is off the road, Nichols enjoys playing at his favorite local spots and writing with fellow local artists.
Jeff Woods
Writer To Watch
Jeff Woods is a powerhouse indie funk-soul-blues-rock singer & songwriter in Nashville, TN. He is heavily influenced by the rich sounds of Muscle Shoals, Detroit-Motown, Memphis, New Orleans, and his home roots of Bristol, TN.
Jeff has opened up for legends like Steve Cropper, Kansas, Joe Bonamassa, KC-i & Jojo, co-headlined a show with country singer John Berry, & several other artists over the years. In 2024, Jeff got to sing and perform at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. It was a goal and dream for Jeff to sing in “The Mother Church.” Jeff released his single "Best Summer" in the summer of 2021. It's been regarded as an official song of the summer and it’s been his highest grossing single to date. In 2018 Jeff released his 2nd album "The Count." A concept album to represent his love of retro 70's soul mixed with modern undertones of the blues. The Nashville Scene Magazine declared this album one of the best soul-blues albums released in Nashville for 2018. Jeff has headlined and played several festival stages over the years including: Covered Bridge Days Music Festival, Appalachia Strong Music Festival, CMA Fest, Americana Fest, GMA Fest, WC Handy Fest, Boro BBQ Festival, Muscle Shoals Songwriters Music Festival, Frank Brown Songwriters Music Festival, Limestone Rocks Festival, 2019 NFL Draft Nashville, and several blues & soul events in Nashville. Jeff Woods has been called a “storyteller of the soul.”
Ted Alder
Writer To Watch
Ted Alder is a singer-songwriter from Alaska who loves singing and sharing his energy with anyone who wants some of it. Drawn to soulful and bluesy music, he brings heartfelt emotion to every performance. Beyond his music, TED is proud to be a husband and father. His goals include continuing to write, sing, connect with people, and release music as time allows.
LINDY URBAN
Writer To Watch
Lindy Urban is a rising singer-songwriter whose soulful voice and captivating performances reflect a lifelong passion for music. She began her journey with the ukulele at age nine, soon picking up the guitar at twelve, and has been crafting her sound ever since. In 2023, Lindy won the Shoals Songwriter Search, a milestone that propelled her into the spotlight. She has since opened for Quantaphonics at Mars Music Hall and performed alongside acclaimed artists including hit songwriter Mark Narmore, Grammy Award winner Gary Nichols, and Trey Nichols at the Frank Brown Songs & Stories at OWA Theater.
Her debut single, Ain’t Bound Now, was released in November 2024. The release party, held at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, drew an over-capacity crowd of more than 100 people as Lindy took the stage with a full band to celebrate her first major release.
Guided by the legendary Spooner Oldham—who played on two of her released tracks—Lindy has honed her artistry with mentorship rooted in musical history. Her influences span the soulful power of Aretha Franklin, the fiery guitar of Stevie Ray Vaughan, the lyricism of Stephen Stills, and the raw energy of Led Zeppelin.
With a style that blends soul, blues, and rock, Lindy Urban is carving out her own place in today’s music scene while honoring the timeless sounds that inspire her.
Jessie brackin
Writer To Watch
Jessie Brackin is a singer-songwriter from Athens, Alabama. Her passion for country music came from a childhood filled with songs her close-knit family loved. Songwriting has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, and playing the guitar came naturally as she watched her father play.
She made her way to Nashville for the first time in 2023 at the age of 16 and since then has become a regular, coming to Music City weekly for writer’s rounds and co-writes. Jessie has collaborated with a variety of songwriters including Mark Narmore, Stephanie Brown, Brice Long, Jeff Middleton, Kessy Timmer, Jason Michael Carroll and Scott Lindsay.
After graduating high school in May of 2025, Nashville Association of Songwriter’s International (NSAI) featured her in their Songwriter’s Spotlight where she has caught the attention of industry professionals. While songwriting is her passion, her listeners love her unique voice and the way she connects with them through her songs. When Jessie isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dogs.
Colleen ORENDER
Writer To Watch
Nashville Recording Artist Colleen Orender's new music is a Southern Blues Dream with pop sensibilities and a touch of James Bond.”- NPR A touring soul and Americana artist, originally from Tampa, Orender turns your hometown venues into smoldering 1930's Mississippi juke joints. "Diamond Hill” is her next anticipated single release this year written about her childhood in wild Central Florida.
Jacob Feltman
Writer To Watch
Jacob Feltman, from Bear Creek, Alabama—a small town with a single stoplight—draws musical inspiration from his country roots. The authenticity of his hometown shines through his music, offering listeners a genuine slice of country life.
His musical journey began with GarageBand experiments, but friends encouraged him to take it seriously. Influences like Justin Bieber, Jason Aldean, and Conway Twitty shaped his sound, blending pop and traditional country elements to create uplifting and heartfelt music. Inspired by Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, and Breland, Jacob values fearless creativity and remains authentic in every note and lyric.
Jacob quickly mastered the guitar, began writing in 2017, and debuted in 2018 at an open mic at The Garden in Huntsville, Alabama. A career highlight was performing for songwriter Anthony Smith at the National Museum of African American Music during CMA Fest week—his first live guitar performance before a larger audience. Jacob shares life experiences through his music, believing listeners can relate and connect deeply. By addressing universal struggles, he builds trust and relatability with his audience. His ultimate goal is to produce music that represents him, support his community, and remain passionate about his craft. He also aims to earn a Grammy nomination.
Jacob Feltman's journey from small-town hobbyist to promising pop-country artist is marked by dedication, authenticity, and a deep connection to his roots.
Daniel Phipps
Writer To Watch
Daniel Thomas Phipps is a singer/songwriter based in Austin, TX. His songs have been called “dark, melodic, haunting, raw, and sly.” Drawing from a lifelong love of music and artists like Bruce Springsteen, Joe Walsh, Pink Floyd, and Bob Marley, he attempts to find a golden mean between artists and writers of the past and today’s contemporaries such as Elliott Smith, Jason Molina, or Gillian Welch. He has toured and performed at festivals all over the country and Europe.
Jessie Lynn
Writer To Watch
“America’s Singing Cowgirl,” Jessie Lynn®, is a multiple award-winning independent country music singer/songwriter, Nashville recording artist, and proud member of the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM’s), Country Music Association (CMA’s), and The Recording Academy. She exhibits her infectious classy cowgirl and sassy personality on and off the stage!
She has opened for and performed with The Oak Ridge Boys, Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Cody Jinks, Ronnie McDowell, Jesse Keith Whitley, Dennis Quaid, Randy Houser, Taylor Hicks, Jerrod Niemann, Deborah Allen, Michelle Wright, Lorrie Morgan, Jimmy Hall, Jessica Meuse, Shane Owens, Kirk Jay, Corey Smith, Andy Whatley & Co., Ed Whatley, and more! Jessie Lynn® currently serves as a mentor with The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY U Program and Auburn University’s College of Agriculture Alumni-Peer Mentor Program. She earned her Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education from Auburn University in February 2025 and continues to champion education, music, and mentorship throughout her career. Jessie Lynn®’s career is highlighted by several notable accomplishments. In 2024, she was the Opening Ceremonies Performer for both the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) Breakaway Roping Championships and the Miss Rodeo America Horsemanship Competition. From 2023 to 2024, her company, Dirt to Diva Productions, LLC, was recognized by Alabama Best Practices in Work-Based Learning Business. That same year, she was also nominated for Female Artist of the Year by the Mississippi Music Foundation. Earlier achievements include being crowned Miss Rodeo USA in 2022, where she won both the Horsemanship and Personality categories, as well as receiving the 2021 Josie Music Award for Female Modern Country Song of the Year with Set It on Fire.
Shelby Anderson
Writer To Watch
Born in Central Mississippi, a skilled guitarist, percussionist, bassist, harmonica player and keyboardist, and also an engineer/producer, Shelby Martin Anderson blends insightful songwriting with masterful musicianship, earning recognition as a finalist for Mississippi Songwriter of the Year and Jimmie Rodger’s Songwriter of the Year awards in 2024.
Having opened for legendary acts such as B.B. King, Bobby Whitlock, Jack Ingram, Charlie Mars, and Afroman, Shelby's dynamic performances showcase an innate ability to connect with audiences on stages of all sizes.
Shelby's career spans residencies at iconic venues in Austin (former official musician with Visit Austin) and across the Southeast, regional radio and network TV appearances, and a dedication to teaching the next generation of musicians. (Current official musician/instructor for the Mississippi Art’s Commission.)
Ty moore
Writer To Watch
Ty Moore, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, developed a love for music at a young age, influenced by country and southern rock artists like Whiskey Myers, Muscadine Bloodline, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
He began playing guitar at 12 and pursued his music career professionally in 2022 after moving to Muscle Shoals. He and his band have played at a variety of venues and events, including the Furniture Factory, the Vivian Theater, Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Alabama, and opened for Taylor Hunnicutt, Adam Hood, and Colby Acuff. They’ve also performed at the Mane Month Music Festival and Pennies on the Pointe, showcasing their versatility across different types of venues and events. As a passionate frontman, Ty brings high energy to his performances with a talented band behind him.
Leslie BowE
Writer To Watch
Leslie Bowe is a soulful singer-songwriter rooted in Pittsburgh grit and Nashville tradition. After moving to Music City in 2017 to pursue a professional country songwriting career, he quickly rediscovered the pull of performing his own music. A seasoned artist and storyteller, Leslie has released four independent albums. His sound blends the organic warmth of Country, Americana, Acoustic Soul, and retro Singer-Songwriter traditions.
As a songwriter, Leslie is a two-time honoree of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) member awards, winning their prestigious Evaluator Song of the Year award in 2020 and earning a nomination again in 2022. He’s also been recognized many times in NSAI’s Top 40 Song Showcase in Honor of Bob Kingsley, EARS Ones to Watch, and live song publisher pitch pick-up selections.
Over the span of Leslie's band performing journey, he has opened for artists like Patty Griffin, Ben Harper, UB40, and The Wailers. As a songwriter, Leslie has had his songs recorded and released by the Darrin Morris Band with the song I Can Drink in This Bar, which peaked at #8 on the Texas Internet Radio Chart (TIRC), #11 on the American Country Music Chart (ACM), and #17 on the Texas Country Music Chart (TCM). Other artists who have recorded his songs include Kevin Herchen (Betcha) and Matthew Wayne (Can't Put into Words), with more coming.
Leslie is also an active part of the Nashville creative music scene, playing at writer rounds in popular venues around town such as the iconic Bluebird Cafe, the Commodore Grille, BNA Arrivals to Music City stage, Bobby’s Idle Hour, the Musicians Corner in Nashville’s Centennial Park concert series, and many more venues and signature writer rounds.
In 2024, Leslie co-authored The Songwriter’s Guide to Protecting Your Songs and Collecting Your Money—a resource for independent writers navigating the modern music industry in the collection of songwriting royalties.
Leslie’s work is honest, heartfelt, and deeply human—music made to feel, not just hear. Whether performing live, writing for others, or building his catalog, he continues to chase the kind of timeless songwriting that leaves a mark. He hopes to earn a professional songwriting publishing contract, where he can continue to grow in his songwriting journey to heights rooted in his dreams.
Cody JOHN Bennett
Writer To Watch
Cody John Bennett was born in South Georgia and raised in the Florida Panhandle. He started writing songs at the age of fifteen. After years as a working musician playing covers in his local bar scene to make ends meet, he has been releasing his original work to share with the world.
His songwriting style comes from a place of sincerity and vulnerability, laced with self-awareness, humor, and grief. Following Bennett’s latest EP, Last Good Habit, he aims to record and release his debut record and become a full-time troubadour sharing his music on the road.
Byrdie Wilson
Writer To Watch
Byrdie Wilson is a rising country singer/songwriter and performer whose journey is fueled by overcoming several personal adversities to command stages across the U.S. Her story is as inspiring as her music. Born in New York and raised in South Carolina, Byrdie’s early passion for performance led her to Nashville at 19, where she quickly made waves with viral singles like “Broadway”, “Keep On Truckin’”, “Where My Roots Run”, and most recently, “Over Me.” Her heartfelt songwriting—often shaped by personal loss and resilience—has earned her over 800K Spotify streams and a growing fanbase in such a short time. Now a fierce advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, Byrdie blends sass, soul, and strength into every lyric, proving she’s not just chasing dreams—she’s living them!
Tabitha Meeks
Writer To Watch
The Queen of Retro Pop has arrived. Best described as “Norah Jones meets Nancy Sinatra,” Tabitha Meeks’ feel-good throwback music will make you bop your head, tap your toes, and feel empowered all at once.
Her piano solos and live shows are unmatched in fun vintage energy, and her catchy light-hearted songs will be stuck in your head for days. You may have seen or heard her recently as her music has been featured on Netflix, Hallmark, CBS, Peacock, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Hutton Hotel, and more. Her single “Girl of the Hour” was featured on Spotify’s Editorial Playlist “Retro Pop” from February 2025 to the present and she was a top 4 finalist in the 2025 Music City Mayhem Competition.
She’s recently played Bonnaroo Festival, Musicians Corner Festival, and has also performed on iconic stages such as the Ryman Auditorium. Recently, her single “Ready For Christmas” has amassed over 1 billion views throughout social media platforms. She is set to release her debut album on February 22, 2026.
Angela easley
Writer To Watch
Angela Easley, the 2024 Vocalist of the Year at the Jazz/Blues Josie Music Awards and 2022 ISSA Entertainer of the Year, has the voice of the bayou—sultry, spicy, and full of soul. Her latest release on her own record label Class A Records, titled RISE, debuted as the #1 blues album on Billboard Charts, Soundscan, and SiriusXM Bluesville for two consecutive weeks. The project also produced three #1’s on Roots Music Report and two #1’s on Radio Indie Alliance.
Angela recently debuted on CMT with her music video “I Can Let Go” featuring The McCrary Sisters. She is a Grammy-considered, multi–award-winning artist who also hosts her own radio show, Angela Easley’s Rock & Blues Roots Review, on Radio Free Nashville. This Mississippi soul blues singer continues to rattle the rafters with her powerhouse vocals and rocking, soulful band.
Taylor Grace
Writer To Watch
A singer-songwriter from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, blending the raw emotion of contemporary americana, with the haunting melodies of alternative rock. Inspired by the storytelling of Sugarland and the ethereal sound of The Cranberries, she crafts music that speaks to resilience, hope, and the beauty of starting over.
With a voice that carries both strength and vulnerability, Taylor Grace turns personal struggles into songs meant to inspire others. Every lyric is a piece of a journey—one of loss, healing, and the determination to build a life worth living. Rooted in the musical history of Muscle Shoals, she honors the legacy of the legends who came before while carving out a sound that is uniquely their own.
Whether on stage or in the studio, Taylor Grace’s music is an open invitation: to feel, to grow, and to believe in new beginnings.
troy castellano
Writer To Watch
Troy Castellano is a versatile country artist, songwriter, and dedicated advocate for music education. With a career spanning multiple genres, he seamlessly blends the energy of rock with the heartfelt storytelling of country music. His journey from the rock stages of the ‘80s and ‘90s to the songwriting heart of Nashville showcases his passion, adaptability, and deep love for music.
Hailing from Minnesota, Troy’s early musical roots were grounded in rock, inspired by the classic sounds of the era. As a skilled guitarist and songwriter, he made a name for himself in the rock scene, opening for legendary acts like Cheap Trick, Styx, Black Oak Arkansas, Warrant, Slaughter, and Firehouse. His talents also led to a collaboration with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee on the 2010 Methods of Mayhem album, further proving his versatility as a musician.
After years in the rock world, Troy’s musical path led him to Tennessee, where he found a home in country music. Bringing his rock-influenced edge to the genre, he quickly gained recognition for his memorable melodies and relatable lyrics. His ability to bridge the gap between rock and country has made him a standout artist, appealing to fans of both worlds.
Beyond his personal success, Troy is passionate about giving back through music education. In 2018, he founded Instruments For Education, a nonprofit dedicated to providing musical instruments to Middle Tennessee schools. Believing in the transformative power of music, Troy and his organization have donated nearly 1,000 instruments, ensuring that young musicians have the opportunity to explore their creativity, regardless of financial limitations.
As he continues to release new music—including an upcoming full-length album—Troy remains committed to making a lasting impact, both through his art and his advocacy. Whether on stage, in the studio, or supporting the next generation of musicians, Troy Castellano is a true force in the music world.
Michelle Raybourn
Writer To Watch
Michelle Raybourn is an Americana singer-songwriter originally from Dallas, TX, who has made her home in Nashville, Tennessee since graduating from Belmont University in 2023.
During her time at college, she was a member of the Bluegrass Ensemble for three years and traveled around the country performing standards and her own originals with this talented group of performers, which proudly boasts alumni in bands such as the Arcadian Wild, Downriver Collective, and Zach & Maggie.
In her recent release on February 28, Natural Disaster, Michelle works to bring her worlds together of family, faith, and folk music, exploring the landscape of womanhood, making sense of the harm that has been handed down, and finding healing for the wounds of being a human in the world. She hopes that these songs can be a gift to those who listen to her words, as they have been to her in getting to sit with and write.
In 2025, Michelle was a finalist in the Wildflower Festival Songwriting Competition in Richardson, Texas, and a silver scholar for the John Cirillo Songwriting Scholarship.
Natural Disaster was produced by Jeremy Casella, mixed by Buckley Miller, and mastered by Voyager Mastering. The recording features fiddle, mandola, and mandolin by Andy Leftwich; guitar and banjo by Cody Kilby; upright bass by Byron House; pedal steel by Kenny Hutson; keys by Matt Stanfield; and background vocals by Sydney Lee and Elizabeth Dewey.
Patrick mccormic
Writer To Watch
Patrick McCormic is a songwriter based in Franklin, TN. Born in Louisiana and raised in both California and Alabama, Patrick developed his passion for music through a love of Americana, fun country, and the long-lost genre of adult contemporary. He describes his unique style as “Southern Alternative,” aiming to bring together the sounds that shaped him.His influences are wide-ranging and deeply rooted in the tapes and CDs that filled his home while growing up. These early inspirations not only defined his creative style but also had a profound impact on who he is as a person, both musically and personally.
Kara Cole
Writer To Watch
Kara’s vocals are free and flowing and personal and emotional. You can’t hear her thinking, which is hard to find these days. There’s an authentic pleading in her voice and her lyrics that work masterfully to glue her songs together with great production and players, and a familiar quality to Kara’s voice that is reminiscent of Emmylou Harris’s Red Dirt Girl record, yet is uniquely her own.” — Jennie DeVoe
Kara Cole is a singer-songwriter from Indianapolis known for her raw, emotional delivery and heartfelt storytelling. With a voice that blends grit and grace, she pulls listeners in with every note. Kara has shared the stage with artists like Ben Harper, Mason Jennings, the Oak Ridge Boys, and TopHouse, building a reputation for captivating live performances. Currently recording a new album in Nashville, Kara continues to evolve her Americana, country-rooted sound—earthy, honest, and resonant. Her songs speak to the quiet truths of everyday life, and her connection with the audience is undeniable. Whether on stage or in the studio, Kara Cole creates music that lingers long after the last chord fades.
Brooke McBride
Writer To Watch
Originally from Asheboro, NC, singer/songwriter Brooke McBride made the move to Nashville, TN, in 2013 where she received her Music Business degree from Belmont University. Since then, Brooke has been featured on WSM Radio (Home of the Grand Ole Opry), the nationally syndicated Ty Bentli Show, Today in Nashville, and has opened for Trace Adkins, Uncle Kracker, Tracy Lawrence, Parmalee, Lonestar, Sammy Kershaw, Walker Hayes, Aaron Tippin, and more. Described as “raw,” “sultry,” and “smokey/southern,” Brooke’s unique voice and storytelling ability are sure to keep audiences entertained all night long.
Reed waddle
Writer To Watch
With a voice like weathered velvet and lyrics that echo like prayers in an empty chapel, Reed Waddle crafts songs that drift between dream and memory, where every note carries the weight of a soul well-traveled. Born where the ocean meets the edge of the sky, Reed carries the hush of the Gulf and the howl of the highway in his bones. His music is a storm, steeped in salt air and southern twilight—slow to build, impossible to ignore, and unforgettable once it breaks. His melodies don’t just play; they haunt, like stories whispered through cracked windows on sleepless nights. A troubadour in the truest sense, he has wandered from Boston to New York City to Nashville and now Atlanta, gathering fragments of love, loss, and longing. Each song is a map of where he’s been—and a compass for where he’s going. On stage, with a guitar and a ghost, Reed Waddle doesn’t just perform—he confesses, he conjures, he heals. His music is not just heard; it’s felt, like the hush before a storm or the ache of a memory you never meant to keep, daring you to feel something you’ve buried too deep. His songs have been featured on TV, played on XM Radio, and recorded by many artists across the globe. Reed Waddle is not here to entertain. He’s here to remind you that beauty can ache, that truth can tremble, and that sometimes, the most powerful sound is the one that leaves you breathless.
ELliott Booe
Writer To Watch
Elliott Booe is an artist and songwriter from Clay City, IN. Elliott's cuts include 'Grab Your Boots' (Chris Garner) and 'Pink Cadillac' (Anna Wescoat). Honest lyrics with an inspiration from the past; Elliott puts powerful vocals over an obvious passion. 3 years into his Nashville journey, he continues to put effort into people and songs onto paper. His first album 'First Off' released this Spring, with two songs nominated for the 2025 JMA 'Song of the Year' Award.
Elliott's catalog continues to evolve as it grows, like the buzz on 'Honkytonk Queen' - the newest Single in a line of projects on deck. He and a group of talented artists, The Impromptus, have had a busy summer, opening for acts like Brantley Gilbert, Alabama, and Dustin Lynch.
MSSF EXPERIENCE PASS - $99
★3-Day Festival Admission (11/7-11/9)
-
Enjoy full access to all performances and events from Friday, November 7th-Sunday, November 9th, featuring over 30+ incredible shows across six different venues.
★ Shoals Theatre Showcase & Exclusive Auction (Saturday, November 8th)
-
Admission to the the iconic Shoals Theatre Showcase on Saturday, November 8, plus the chance to bid on exclusive MSSF items at our LIVE Auction.
★ All MSSF Official After-Parties (November 7th-8th)
-
Keep the celebration going with entry to all after-parties, presented by Tito’s Vodka and Sound Royalties, including late-late night events.
*Excludes access to the FAME Recording Studio Show on 11/7
SATURDAY + SUNDAY PASS - $75
★2-Day Festival Admission (11/8-11/9)
-
Enjoy full access to all performances and events from Saturday, November 8th-Sunday, November 9th, featuring over 30+ incredible shows across six different venues.
★ Shoals Theatre Showcase & Exclusive Auction (Saturday, November 8th)
-
Admission to the the iconic Shoals Theatre Showcase on Saturday, November 8, plus the chance to bid on exclusive MSSF items at our LIVE Auction.
★ All MSSF Official After-Parties (November 7th-8th)
-
Keep the celebration going with entry to all after-parties, presented by Tito’s Vodka and Sound Royalties, including late-late night events.
*Excludes access to the FAME Recording Studio Show on 11/7
2025 official festival partners
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