We are thrilled to introduce the judges for American Songwriter’s 2025 Song Contest! This year’s panel features a diverse lineup of industry pros and acclaimed artists representing genres from country to jazz. Keep reading to get to know our judges—and hit the button below if you want them to hear your song!
Old Dominion (Artist/Songwriter)
Old Dominion’s skyscraping anthems and electrifying live shows have put the Multi-Platinum-selling band prominently at the forefront of country music. Fusing clever lyrics and an infectious sound, their lyrical wit and hook-heavy songwriting has certainly proved to be a winning formula for Nashville’s hottest band. It’s no wonder Rolling Stone cited Old Dominion as “one of mainstream country music’s most popular live groups.” Since breaking onto the music scene, the band has notched nine No. 1 singles at country radio, surpassed five billion on-demand streams, earned over a dozen RIAA Platinum and Gold single certifications, and headlined arenas and amphitheaters around the globe. The band recently debuted a greatest hits compilation Odies but Goodies on September 6th. The 31-track collection spans the band’s journey from lark to meaningful headliner in a way that pays tribute to what the fans ask for. Old Dominion are currently the reigning 7X ACM and 6X CMA “Group of the Year.”
https://www.weareolddominion.com/home/
Dylan Scott (Artist/Songwriter)
Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott is a triple threat — a powerful vocalist with a deep, unmistakable drawl, an old-soul songwriter with a young spirit and a family man with a tender heart. The multi-Platinum singer has notched five No. 1 singles at radio (“My Girl,” “Nobody,” “New Truck,” “Can’t Have Mine” and “Boys Back Home” with Dylan Marlowe), as well as Top 5 hit “Hooked.” Following his first career nomination for Best New Country Artist at the all-genre iHeartRadio Music Awards and a coveted spot among Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music, his Platinum-certified ode to his wife, “Nobody,” earned him a 2021 CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year. Scott earned a 2023 and 2024 ACM nomination in the category, New Male Artist of the Year. Alongside Jason Crabb, Scott won his first GMA Dove Award in 2023 for the song, “Good Morning Mercy.” With career streams surpassing 4 billion, the Louisiana native has provided tour support for Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan and Chris Young, among others, cementing him as an in-demand live act. He will embark on his headlining Country Till I Die Tour this spring, hitting his biggest venues yet. Livin’ My Best Life (Still), the deluxe edition of the latest album from Scott, features five new tracks including No.1 hit “Boys Back Home” with Dylan Marlowe, Top 5 single “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and viral TikTok ballad, RIAA-Certified Platinum No. 1 radio single, “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl).”
https://dylanscottcountry.com/pages/easy-does-it//
JP Saxe (Artist/Songwriter)
The Toronto-born, L.A.-based multi-platinum singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist JP Saxe has mastered the art of not holding back. He lets his words spill out in a way that feels raw and frank, while subtly shaping that highly detailed stream of consciousness into something that resonates universally. His music performs a similar trick, displaying the signs of prodigious talent but going down easy — a mix of hi-fi bedroom pop, piano balladry, breezy soul, and conversational R&B that shifts to meet every emotion. All of which explains how he quietly became a pop phenom, amassing over 3 billion streams and spending much of 2024 criss-crossing four continents via his sold-out headlining tour and (before that) opening for close collaborator John Mayer. Saxe’s slow-burn rise began with 2019’s unfortunately prescient “If the World Was Ending.” The intimate, Finneas-produced Julia Michaels duet became what Apple Music called “the pre-eminent love song of the pandemic,” earning 4X Platinum status, a Song of the Year GRAMMY® nod in 2021, and a Breakthrough Artist of the Year JUNO for Saxe. He quickly followed with his debut album, the playfully but accurately titled Dangerous Levels of Introspection, featuring acclaimed singles with Maren Morris and Mayer. The latter returned for 2023’s A Grey Area, a sophomore set that found Saxe honing his highly expressive sound and heart-on-sleeve meets tongue-in-cheek approach, not to mention continuing a striking run of TV performances. Last year, he released A Grey Area (Live Sessions) and Live on Stage — love letters to the fans who pack every room he plays. Now, in 2025, Saxe turns the page with Articulate Excuses (out April 18), Part 1 of a two-part album, and his most personal and lyrically daring project yet — a bold new chapter from one of pop’s most introspective voices.
https://jpsaxe.com
Dayglow (Artist/Songwriter)
Multi-platinum singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Dayglow (a.k.a. Sloan Struble) has cemented himself as an indie pop innovator, generating billions of streams across his albums Fuzzybrain [2019 - Gold Certified], Harmony House [2021], People In Motion [2022] and DAYGLOW [2024], while serving up viral hits including Double Platinum “Can I Call You Tonight,” Platinum “Hot Rod,” and Gold “Close To You.”
https://www.dayglowband.com/
Alissia (Producer/Songwriter)
ALISSIA has accumulated a list of highly impressive credits and recognitions as a producer, writer and multi-instrumentalist for her unique sound. She was recently GRAMMY® nominated for Producer of the Year, and is the 9th woman to ever receive that nomination. She was previously GRAMMY® nominated for Album of the Year as a producer for Mary J. Blige.
A tastemaker in every sense of the word, she has been pulled in to work with artists including Anderson .Paak, Mary J. Blige, Nile Rodgers, Bruno Mars, Kaytranada, Calvin Harris, EarthGang, BJ The Chicago Kid, Chloe Bailey, Coco Jones, Cee-Lo Green, Musiq Soulchild, Mark Ronson, Baby Rose, Doug E Fresh and many others.
https://www.alissiamusic.com
Nate Smith (Artist/Songwriter)
Country vocal powerhouse Nate Smith has over 2.2 billion streams, scored three multi-week No. 1 platinum records, sold-out shows across the US and received numerous nominations for best new artist from the CMA Awards, CMT Awards, iHeart Radio Awards. Smith received the award for ACM New Male Artist, Billboard’s Rookie of the Year and Amazon’s Breakthrough Country Artist.
https://www.natesmithofficial.com
Bear Rinehart (NEEDTOBREATHE / Wilder Woods) (Artist/Songwriter)
Bear Rinehart is the critically acclaimed songwriter and frontman of the Grammy-nominated, multi platinum-selling rock band NEEDTOBREATHE. Over the last 20 years NEEDTOBREATHE has filled the seats of iconic venues like Red Rocks, The Greek Theater and Bridgestone Arena and has made numerous TV appearances including the TODAY Show and Good Morning America. They have amassed over 2.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify with seven gold singles and one platinum single. When he is not touring arenas with NEEDTOBREATHE or working with renowned producers and songwriters, he performs solo as the soulful, R&B-infused Wilder Woods. In all facets of his storied career, Bear gives back through the OneWorld Health and For Others initiatives addressing sustainable healthcare for developing countries as well as the child welfare crisis across the US. To date, NEEDTOBREATHE has impacted over 1 million people and helped raise over 12 million dollars for these organizations. Bear is a creative force, an innovator, a philanthropist, a true artist.
https://www.iamwilderwoods.com
Dasha (Artist/Songwriter)
Introspective and alluring are just a few of the prolific ways Dasha has been described.
“Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” was called “one of the signature country songs of the year” by The New York Times. Dasha’s headlining Dashville, U.S.A tour was entirely sold out and she is opening for Thomas Rhett and Kane Brown in 2025.
https://www.itsdashabitch.com
Alana Springsteen (Artist/Songwriter)
Since making her powerhouse debut with TWENTY SOMETHING – a landmark three-part album featuring GOLD “goodbye looks good on you (feat. Mitchell Tenpenny)” (among the RIAA’s Class of 2024) and accompanied by an extended DELUXE edition – Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville artist-songwriter Alana Springsteen has won acclaim from the likes of NPR Music who noted, “Few artists dissect and make sense of life in your 20s quite like Alana Springsteen.” Lauded by GRAMMY.com for “Speaking To An Entire Generation,” and praised by E! News as “one of Nashville's most buzzworthy emerging artists,” she’s been crowned “the future of country music” by PEOPLE. With her latest output including crossover collaborations like her first career #1 with Tiësto (“Hot Honey”) and William Black (“My Own Advice” feat. ILLENIUM), she’s surpassed 340 MILLION career streams globally. The 24-year-old is among the roster for the 2024 CMT LISTEN UP campaign; Class of 2023 for CMT Next Women of Country and MusicRow’s Next Big Thing; and a Celebrity Ambassador for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. Along with wrapping up her first U.S. headline run on THE TWENTY SOMETHING TOUR, she’s appeared at the Grand Ole Opry, and supported Luke Bryan, LANY, Mitchell Tenpenny, NEEDTOBREATHE, Switchfoot, and more. After firing up her boldest chapter yet with the double-song release of “cowboy / hold my beer,” she’s released Alana Springsteen: Live from the Ryman and Alana Springsteen: Live from NPR’s Tiny Desk. This spring, Springsteen will join Keith Urban on his HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR.
https://www.alanaspringsteen.com
Beach Bunny (Artist/Songwriter)
On 2025's Tunnel Vision, Beach Bunny is getting back to basics: urgent, guitar-based indie rock with pop melodies. Woven through the album, “Just Around the Corner” echoes dynamic '90s indie rock courtesy of fuzzed-out guitars and crashing drums, while slashing riffs and precise rhythms propel the melodic “Big Pink Bubble.” “Violence,” meanwhile, veers between a chorus propelled by buzzing guitars and Trifilio’s pleading vocals and a buoyant chorus hook; “Chasm” is driving punk-pop; and the vivacious title track is a pogo-worthy rock anthem.
So far, this approach has worked like a charm. The band—the name refers interchangeably to both Trifilio and the full band that also features bassist/lead guitarist Anthony Vaccaro and drummer Jon Alvarado—has landed viral hits such as the RIAA-certified Platinum "Prom Queen" and "Cloud 9” and the RIAA-certified Gold "Sports," and earned over a billion streams on Spotify alone plus countless appearances on critics' best of the year lists. 2022’s Emotional Creature, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart, while “Vertigo,"" the first single released from Tunnel Vision, became their highest charting song at AAA radio to date upon its 2024 release.
https://www.beachbunnymusic.com
Ryan Ellis (Artist/Songwriter)
Ellis is a GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning, Sony recording artist whose music blends worship, Pop, & R&B. Known for his Billboard #1 charting hit "I Thank God", Billboard #2 “Heart of the Father," & TikTok viral hit, “Better Days”, Ellis’s latest album Real Love explores themes of empathy & faith, with a focus on reaching overlooked communities. He’s worked with artists such as Chris Tomlin, Kirk Franklin, & Maverick City Music.
https://www.ryanellismusic.com
Lanie Gardner (Artist/Songwriter)
Lanie Gardner’s extraordinary journey is a testament to her unmatched talent and unwavering determination, from her roots in the Appalachian Mountains to international stages. A gifted storyteller and songwriter from an early age, Lanie crafted a distinctive blend of classic rock and country influences that quickly set her apart. Her career skyrocketed after her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” went viral, racking up over 54 million views. Now, Gardner holds her own with her debut album A Songwriter’s Diary, which was released in October 2024 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The highly anticipated 10-track collection, written entirely by Gardner, invites listeners on a deeply personal journey through her Appalachian roots and creative beginnings. She recently unveiled her fiery new track “Buzzkill,” and will follow with a new album later this year, marking a bold new chapter in her sound. The proof that she can stand out among Nashville’s most prominent is evident as her song “Chasing the Wind” was recently featured on the soundtrack for the film Twisters, alongside Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert and more. Further solidifying her presence in the industry, she recently signed a publishing deal with Big Machine Music and has been named a CMT Next Up Artist. Lanie’s rise has been marked by significant milestones, including her performance at CMA Fest earlier this summer and touring with major acts such as Jelly Roll and ZZ Ward. The momentum continues into 2025 as she prepares to hit the road supporting Corey Kent on his Black Bandana tour and make her debut at Stagecoach, performing alongside headliners Jelly Roll, Zach Bryan, and Luke Combs. Her soulful sound and captivating stage presence have earned her widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base. As she continues her ascendancy, Lanie remains a genre-defying artist, seeking to positively impact the world through her music. Stay connected with her journey on her Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
https://www.laniegardnermusic.com
Kenyon Dixon (Artist/Songwriter)
In a world where the existence of "Quality R&B" is constantly questioned, 3X GRAMMY Award-nominated artist Kenyon Dixon reminds us that it is most definitely alive and thriving. As one of this generation's emerging songwriters, working with a range of artists from R&B legends Mary J Blige, Tyrese & Ginuwine to Pop Superstar Justin Timberlake, Dixon has still managed to reserve some ink for his own catalog of timeless music.
Having toured as a supporting vocalist for Nick Jonas, Jill Scott, Kelly Rowland, Kirkland and more, the proud Los Angeles native has smoothly transitioned to center stage and proven that he is destined to become a household name. Following the release of his 2021 LP Expectations, which garnered a tremendous amount of support from the industry elite such as Brandy, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland as well as GRAMMY Award-winner Ledisi (who Dixon joined as support on her WILDCARD tour), he later collaborated with R&B artists PJ Morton & BJ The Chicago Kid to pay homage to the King of Soul, Sam Cooke, with a remake of the soulful classic "Bring It On Home To Me." The collaborative effort landed the trio, accompanied by Guitarist Charlie Bereal, a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 2022 GRAMMY Awards.
“Closer” debuted at #4 on the US iTunes R&B Charts, while comfortably sitting in both Top 50 and Top 100 positions on iTunes R&B Charts in over 15 other countries. The effort gained praise from artists such as Joe Budden, Ty Dolla $ign, and Anita Baker, who took to twitter to share her stamp of approval stating: "R&B is alive & well. @kennygotsoul with the melodies, lyrics, and vocals." But there's more to unpack here. Elsewhere, Dixon has continued to shine as a trusted collaborator.
He penned records for Justin Timberlake ("Keep Going Up"); earned an arrangement and vocal production credit for Coco Jones' "ICU (remix)," and took on a leadership role as the music director for Revolt TV's "The Link Up II." In addition, his 2023 single "Lucky" earned Kenyon his first GRAMMY nomination as a solo artist, for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Not to mention, most recently, he received his second solo nomination in the Best Traditional R&B category for the lead single "Can I Have This Groove," from his project The R&B You Love: Soul of the '70s. With his smooth and sultry vocals, vulnerable lyrics and undeniable records - that are bound to leave you with all of the feels - Dixon delivers the R&B we love every single time.
Tigirlily Gold (Artist/Songwriter)
Sister duo Tigirlily Gold has been playing music together since they could walk, and officially formed their band in high school. Growing up, they crisscrossed the mid-west, growing a fierce fan base and playing amphitheaters across their home-state of North Dakota. After moving to Nashville, they landed a weekly residence at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row on Nashville’s famed lower Broadway. Playing four-hour sets, three to four nights a week, the sisters developed a performance style that’s not only captivating and fun but shows just how entertaining is in their blood.
The powerhouse duo released their debut album, Blonde, in July 2024. Blonde is a deeply personal project that includes tales of love and loss alongside powerful anthems and songs of female empowerment. Their debut single at country radio, “Shoot Tequila,” reached the Top 40 and found viral success with millions of views across social media, and millions of streams across platforms. Their follow-up single, “I Tried A Ring On,” surpassed the first, becoming their first Top 30 single at country radio. The success of the Blonde helped Tigirlily Gold get nominated for two CMT awards, two People’s Choice Country awards, and win their first ACM award for New Duo/Group of the Year.
With brand new music set for release in 2025, the sister duo is ready to bring girl group energy back to country music. Tigirlily Gold is poised for a breakthrough year.
https://www.tigirlily.com
Nightly (Artist/Songwriter)
Nightly is the electrifying alt-pop indie trio that's taking the industry by storm. Comprised of Jonny Capeci, Joey Beretta & Nick Sainato, the band has been described as, “Positioned to be named amongst the best that modern alternative music has to offer,” by Square One Magazine. Nightly has been featured on Alt Nation and Hits1 Hitbound on Sirius XM, and HITS Daily Double Artists to Watch.
Their sophomore album, 'wear your heart out,' ignited a blaze of excitement among fans and critics alike. Debuting at #6 on the iTunes Alternative Charts, the album followed their consistent success with their earlier EPs, their debut album, and singles, as well as varied collaborations with artists including: Lindsay Ell, Knox, Ayokay, NOTD, Mokita, Georgia Webster and K-Pop artist Jeong Sewoon.
Nightly's live performances have taken them across the country on several headline and support tours for artists like NF, The Midnight, Andy Grammer, Kane Brown and Imagine Dragons, as well as performing festivals like Hang Out, Lollapalooza, Firefly, Summerfest and Lovin Life Festivals. Their last two headline tours saw their fanbase grow significantly, with their sold out 2023 'wear your heart out' hitting major markets across the U.S., finishing with a massive sold out show at The Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, TN.
Nightly is headlining their largest headline tour hitting 30 cities across the U.S. and Canada in 2025. Starting in April and culminating at Nashville's iconic Ryman Auditorium in May, the tour has generated immense excitement, with fans eagerly selling out shows across North America.
The indie-pop band released their highly anticipated album ‘songs to drive to’ on March 7th, 2025. The 11-track album marks an exciting new chapter in nightly’s ever-evolving sound, showcasing expansive production, infectious melodies, and personal storytelling. The project has quickly garnered widespread acclaim, earning enthusiastic praise from both fans and critics. Highlight Magazine described it as ""a comfort album for many,"" emphasizing its ability to resonate deeply with listeners. The album’s warm reception highlights nightly’s growth as a band and strengthens their connection with a dedicated and ever-expanding fanbase."
Leland (Artist/Songwriter)
Leland is a Golden Globe-nominated artist, songwriter, DJ, and executive producer. He’s written hits for Troye Sivan (“Rush”), Cher (“DJ Play A Christmas Song”), Ava Max (“Kings and Queens”), Selena Gomez, BTS, Ariana Grande, and more. Leland also currently serves as an in-house composer and on-camera mentor for RuPaul’s Drag Race, contributing to over 15 seasons of the Emmy-winning series.
https://www.lelandmusic.co
Noah Rinker (Artist/Songwriter)
It’s place and perspective that drive 22-year-old musician Noah Rinker’s sound. It propels his lyricism and informs his entire point of view. Growing up in the mountains of California, he found song wherever he could. He picked up the guitar at 14, learning to play it like a lap steel because he assumed the fretboard might work the same way a keyboard did. At 16, he wrote his first song. But it was “leaving for sessions with other collaborators that made me realize that home was the thing that made me who I was all along.”
You see that connection between song and soul in his videos: Noah, a guitar, and the place he grew up. Sometimes you’ll see the mountains sprawled out behind him as he plays; other times, he’s cloaked in darkness, only lit by a crackling campfire. There are covers mixed in with originals; snippets of works-in-progress tossed in, paired with months-in-the-making singles he’s on the cusp of releasing. The music is real, it’s raw, and it’s Noah Rinker distilled and at his truest essence. Songs like “Save My Soul” and “The Place I’m From” and “I Hope It Hurts” introduce the world to a storyteller doing what he does best—digging deep, baring his soul, and laying it out on the page for just a few minutes of honest connection.
https://www.noahrinker.com
Amble (Artist/Songwriter)
Channeling the power of tried-and-true friendship and tapping into the serenity of the surrounding countryside, Irish trio Amble harness a rare magic threaded into the fabric of their novelistic folk. The group—Robbie Cunningham (lead vocals/guitar), Ross McNerney (mandolin/bouzouki), and Oisin McCaffrey (guitar/vocals)—have unassumingly gone from quitting their day jobs in rural Western Ireland to the doorstep of an international breakthrough buoyed by over 100 million streams and sold-out shows around the world. After just one gig together, they unlocked uncanny creative interplay with each member penning songs and pouring life experience into the lyrics. Amble fueled buzz with breakouts “Mariner Boy” and “Lonely Island,” but life changed when the band received a call from Warner Records with an offer. Signing to the label in 2024, the band had an unimaginable past year that spawned theirlatest EP The Commons and a captivating live presence, as they canvased North America and Europe with packed houses on both sides of the Atlantic. Their relatability, intimate storytelling, and authenticity marry seamlessly with no-frills acoustic instrumentation, serene soundscapes, and heavenly natural harmonies. Now, this spirit courses through their 2025 full-length debut LP, Reverie [Warner Records], and much more to come.
https://www.ambleofficial.com
MŌRIAH (Artist/Songwriter)
MŌRIAH - whose Mexican heritage is evident in her work as an actress, producer (music and film), recording artist and songwriter - has released, “Hasta Mañana”, the first track from her forthcoming Latin Country LP, due out later this year. The single, released in English and brings the dusty sound of a Juarez, Mexico Mariachi band and the classic country tones of Nashville’s finest session players into one magical place.
“This song is a taste of the two worlds that live inside of me and so many second and third generation Mexican-Americans,” says MŌRIAH. "It’s only by the sacrifice of my grandparents and parents that I’ve been able to actively work as an artist.”
Produced by Paul Mabury (Lauren Daigle, Sheryl Crow, TobyMac), and co-written with Mabury and Paul Duncan, the track represents the effervescent spirit MŌRIAH embodies.
The Los Angeles native has a passion for celebrating individuality, diversity, and culture, and works to tell uplifting stories that highlight and represent women of color.
“From as early as I can remember, every family party, quinceañera and anniversary celebration featured a beautiful blend of country songs, Tejano, regional Mexican and classic Mariachi music. I can’t wait to share this history and heritage with you. "
https://www.moriahofficial.com
Lauren Watkins (Artist/Songwriter)
Nashville-born and bred songbird Lauren Watkins writes, breathes and lives country music. Signed to Songs & Daughters / Big Loud Records, she introduced her 17-track, full-length debut The Heartbroken Record in 2024 and opened stadiums for Morgan Wallen internationally. This year, Watkins will release new music and share it on the road with Riley Green, Zach Top, Lainey Wilson and more.
https://laurenwatkinsmusic.com
Patrick Droney (Artist/Songwriter)
Artist, songwriter, producer, and guitar sensation Patrick Droney made his major label debut in 2018. Since then, he has amassed hundreds of millions of streams and collaborated with artists ranging from Kygo to Billy Gibbons. He has toured extensively, performed with icons like Sheryl Crow and the Eagles, and appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers. He is currently working on his third full-length album on Warner Records.
https://www.patrickdroneymusic.com
GALE (Artist/Songwriter)
Bilingual singer, songwriter, Latin GRAMMY winner and Puerto Rican songstress GALE (@GALE) most recently delivered a bubbly and introspective new single, “YSILANDIA”; a track that unpacks the chaos of overthinking, love, and self-doubt—full of “what ifs,” insecurities, and anxious possibilities—a taste of her anticipated sophomore album project. Reigned Rolling Stone’s “It Girl” in tandem with the release of her acclaimed debut album, “Lo Que No Te Dije,” GALE’s 12-song debut project made Rolling Stone’s “Best Albums” and Billboard’s “Best Latin Albums” mid-year and year-end lists. It tracked the multi-color shades of GALE’s journey; from fuck-you feminist punk anthems, vulnerable heartbreak ballads and even dream-pop odes to self-pleasure. A delicious mix of pop, eurodance, punk, grunge and urban-flow. Songs to repeat: “Nuestra Canción”, which ranked #7 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, “Problemas”, which also rocketed to the Top 15, “Inmadura” and “D-Pic.” Blending raw emotion with infectious melodies shines through in GALE’s latest, “YSILANDIA” as she continues to push the boundaries of Latin pop. With her signature mix of vulnerability and strength, GALE transforms personal anxieties into a universal banger, further cementing her status as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Latin music.
Twinnie (Artist/Songwriter)
Blending country and pop, Twinnie is a diverse artist with an eclectic sound and engaging personality.
Having made her Opry debut in 2023, following her move to Nashville a year before Twinnie has cemented herself within Music City and was named one of CMT's Next Women Of Country in 2024.
https://twinnieofficial.com
Fantastic Negrito (Artist/Songwriter)
His Latest Album, Son Of A Broken Man, sees Fantastic Negrito encapsulating his inimitable style, from hard-hitting guitar riffs to expressive ballads, with the unexpected twists that have become his trademark. It stands as one of his most personal works to date, exploring family, deception, and the human desire to hide the true self as he dives deep into the struggle between father and son.
Born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, Fantastic Negrito's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of music. By now much has been made of Negrito’s unique story – growing up in an orthodox Muslim household, a doomed major label deal, the near-fatal car crash that put him in a coma for three weeks and permanently damaged his guitar playing hand—as well as the remarkable redemption arc that began in 2015, when he won the first-ever NPR Tiny Desk Contest. He has since earned three GRAMMY® Awards for “Best Contemporary Blues Album," and shared stages with Sturgill Simpson, Chris Cornell, Bruce Springsteen, and Primus. He's collaborated in the studio with the likes of Sting, E-40, and Tank and The Bangas, performed on countless headline world tours and at festivals such as Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Newport Folk, and WOMAD, and founded Revolution Plantation, an urban farm aimed at youth education and empowerment.
https://www.fantasticnegrito.com/
Mackenzie Carpenter (Artist/Songwriter)
Hailing from the small town of Hull, GA, Mackenzie Carpenter is the spunky blonde girl-next-door who fell in love with music as a kid, writing alongside her brothers and singing in church. Years later, the charming singer-songwriter has used her pure, classic Country voice to write and sing her truth, armed with an undeniable knack for penning songs that deeply resonate with listeners time and time again. With an upbringing consisting of a rowdy support system, backporch hootenannies and juicy drama, the warm and authentic Carpenter also embraces the crazy and sometimes humorous aspects that make life more interesting. She kickstarted her career as a songwriter with standout cuts like Megan Moroney’s “I’m Not Pretty,” “Indifferent,” “28th of June” and Lily Rose’s No. 1 hit “Villain,” all while honing her craft as an artist. Since signing her record deal with The Valory Music Co. in 2022, Mackenzie has been named to MusicRow Magazine’s ‘Next Big Thing’ Artists Class Of 2025, Spotify’s Hot Country 2024 Artists To Watch, CMT’s Next Women of Country class of 2023 and Nashville Briefing’s Artists To Watch 2023. She has opened for talents like Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen, Parker McCollum, Craig Campbell and Ryan Hurd. Mackenzie’s debut album, HEY COUNTRY QUEEN, was released on March 7 and offers fans a deeper view of her multi-dimensional talents. The release follows the breakout success of previously released tracks, including the "sardonic and really, really fun”(MusicRow) "Dozen Red Flags" and "the year’s most irresistible duet" (Entertainment Focus) " I Wish You Would ft. Midland” which kicked off Mackenzie’s 2025 and set the stage for an electrifying new chapter. Co-writing all 13 tracks, this bold and personal project highlights Mackenzie’s inherent ability to blend fun-loving humor with deep, full-hearted sincerity. This April, Mackenzie will join Megan Moroney as direct support for select dates of her Am I Okay? Tour. For more information and tour dates, please visit mackenziecarpentermusic.com/tour/.
https://www.mackenziecarpentermusic.com
Christian Lee Hutson (Artist/Songwriter)
Singer-songwriter Christian Lee Hutson describes the world how it is, not how we want it to be. Following his debut LP Beginners (2020) and its follow up LP Quitters (2022), new album Paradise Pop. 10, like the ones before it, was produced by Phoebe Bridgers with whom he writes for her records. Whether writing or producing (Maya Hawke, Samia), Hutson showcases his signature themes of memory and pain or songs created by some future spirit, written to comfort the person we are now.
https://christianleehutson.com
Lucky Diaz (Artist/Songwriter)
Lucky Diaz is a multi–Latin Grammy Award-winning, multi–GRAMMY-nominated, and six-time Emmy-nominated songwriter redefining family music. As an esteemed alumnus of Berklee College of Music, his bilingual lyrics and vibrant melodies have earned acclaim from NPR, Billboard, and The New York Times. As the first North American children’s artist to win a Latin Grammy, Lucky’s music celebrates culture, joy, and connection.
https://www.luckydiazmusic.com
Narada Michael Walden (Artist/Songwriter)
Producing hits for artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin (including the platinum “Freeway of Love.”), Steve Winwood, Ray Charles, Wynonna Judd, Whitney Houston, George Michael, Mariah Carey, Barbara Streisand, Lionel Ritchie, Lisa Fischer, Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones, Jeff Beck and The Temptations, the EMMY and multi-GRAMMY winner (Producer, Album and Song of The Year) has been at the helm of hit music that spans decades.
https://www.naradamichaelwalden.com
The Baylor Project (Artist/Songwriter)
The Baylor Project, featuring the husband-and-wife duo Marcus and Jean Baylor, is an astonishing partnership built on love, family, faith, culture and community. 8x Grammy nominated and 1x NAACP Image Award winners, The Baylor Project found their musical roots in the church where the road was paved for the influence of jazz, gospel, blues and soul to make its mark.
https://www.thebaylorproject.com
N’Dambi (Artist/Songwriter)
N'Dambi is an GRAMMY® nominated international singer, songwriter, musician, and
daydreamer who has been creating music shaped with influences from country,
gospel, funk, jazz, soul, and electronic music for more than 25 years. Using music
as her canvas, she paints observations of people performing the daily rituals of
living. Her captivating voice and exceptional storytelling are the tools she uses to
inspire others to be, do, and feel better.
https://www.ndambionline.com/about
Samantha Cox (Vice President, Creative, BMI New York)
As Vice President, Creative, New York, Samantha Cox is responsible for overseeing the Pop, Rock and Indie team based in BMI’s New York office. She is also responsible for scouting and signing new songwriters and publishers, and maintaining relationships with existing BMI affiliates worldwide, as well as coordinating various songwriter nights, showcases and seminars.
As a 20-year veteran of BMI, Cox has been a critical force in the songwriter community, and has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous BMI songwriters, including Lady Gaga, Halsey, Ammar Malik, Bebe Rexha, 3 Doors Down, Shinedown, My Chemical Romance, Howie Day, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Flyleaf and many others.
https://www.bmi.com/about/entry/samantha_cox
Rohan Kohli (A&R, Warner Music Group)
Kohli joined the Warner Music Nashville A&R team in 2017, working extensively with GRAMMY® Award-winning duo Dan + Shay and 3x GRAMMY®-nominee Ingrid Andress. He began his career at Ozone Entertainment in New York as a manager for bands, including Boys Like Girls as well as songwriter/producers Sam Hollander and Dave Katz. He moved to Los Angeles and transitioned into full-time writer/producer management before settling in Nashville in 2013, where he worked with talents such as Paul DiGiovanni, Andy Albert, and more. Kohli graduated from Emory University in Atlanta with a degree in Economics.
Joe Ferrari (Founder of the Ferrari Music Group)
Joe Ferrari is a seasoned music industry professional with over two decades of experience and the founder of the Ferrari Music Group (FMG). FMG is dedicated to the management, development, and strategic growth of both emerging and established talent and labels globally. Drawing from his extensive background in the music industry and his education from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, Ferrari brings a unique leadership approach to FMG, focusing on nurturing talent, fostering industry relationships and conceptualizing and executing a strategic vision. Prior to founding FMG, Ferrari was the Head of A&R for Sony Music Canada where he delivered over two dozen Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum records, numerous Juno Awards and signed and developed artists such as Pressa, Tyler Shaw and Aqyila. Through his tenure at Sony Music Canada, Ferrari led key outreach initiatives including his work with remote Northern communities, which aimed to empower Indigenous youth through the arts. Ferrari’s vision reflects a deep commitment to artistic development, investment growth and authentic community engagement.
Leslie Fram (Founder & CEO of FEMco)
Leslie Fram is a veteran music executive, artist advocate, and the Founder & CEO of FEMco (Fram Entertainment & Music), a creative consulting collective specializing in artist development, talent booking, and B2B entertainment strategy. With over 30 years of experience across radio, television, and artist mentorship, Fram is known for her visionary leadership and dedication to elevating underrepresented voices in music. A former SVP of Music & Talent at CMT, she created the acclaimed Next Women of Country franchise and co-founded the advocacy group Change the Conversation. A trailblazer in both modern rock and country music, Fram’s work continues through FEMco’s purpose-driven initiatives like FEMcountry, FEMpop, and FEMrock.
David Ryan Harris (Songwriter/Producer)
Over the last several decades, David Ryan Harris has established himself as an in-demand singer, songwriter, producer and musician who always brings a sense of passion and versatility to his collaborations and solo work.
Harris first rose to fame as front man for the seminal Atlanta rock band Follow For Now in the late 1980s; after the band’s dissolution in 1994, Harris struck out on his own as a solo artist while also working with singer and former Arrested Development member Dionne Farris. He’s released five solo albums and an EP under his own name, as well as one album as a member of the rock trio Brand New Immortals, and he’s written and produced for a wide range of artists including Zayn, Wanda Jackson, India.Arie, and Hootie & the Blowfish.
Harris recently won an APRA AMCOS for Billions Milestone for his work on Nelly’s 2010 single “Just a Dream,” which recently surpassed one billon streams; he also co-wrote the Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco collaboration “Battle Scars” in 2012, which is certified platinum by the RIAA and went nine-times platinum in Australia.
With further in-studio and onstage collaborations with artists like Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Santana, and more, Harris is constantly collaborating with music’s brightest lights to add his own special touch to their work.
Sam Hollander (Songwriter/Producer)
As one of the most renowned songwriters and producers in the game, Sam Hollander has had multi-platinum success writing and producing for the likes of Panic! At The Disco, One Direction, Def Leppard, blink-182, Weezer, Katy Perry, Train, Jewel, The O’Jays, Fitz and the Tantrums, Carole King and Ringo Starr, amongst many others. To date, he has achieved 23 US Top 40 Hits, as well as 11 Number 1's, 11 top fives, and 92 Top 10 chart positions globally. In 2019, he
held the #1 position on the Billboard Rock Songwriters chart for nine weeks, a year-end record. Beyond his work in music, his best-selling memoir, 21 Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way To The Top Of The Charts (BenBella Books), was released on December 6, 2002.
Jeff Cohen (Songwriter/Producer)
Jeff Cohen is a songwriter, producer, and publisher whose career spans from singing into tape recorders as a child to having songs featured in The Simpsons, Dawson’s Creek, and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. A former BMI executive and founder of the band Pancho’s Lament, Cohen has written for artists like The Band Perry, Big & Rich, and Laura Bell Bundy.
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