Asheville Prepares for an Exciting Evening of Music and Community
Asheville, a city known for its rich musical heritage, is buzzing with excitement as it gets ready to host the final performance of the 2023 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition. Scheduled for Saturday, January 11, at 7 p.m., the event will take place at Citizen Vinyl, a local hotspot that celebrates the intersection of music and culture.
A Celebration of Community Over Competition
One of the most delightful aspects of this competition is that, despite having the word “competition” in its name, it fosters a spirit of camaraderie rather than rivalry. Alli Marshall, a representative of NewSong Music, emphasizes this point beautifully: “Although the word ‘competition’ is in the title, this is not a cut-throat event. Every year I’m amazed by how quickly the finalists become friends. They jam together before the event. They root for each other.”
The process of selecting finalists is no small feat. Ragland, the head of the selection committee, combs through hundreds of submissions to handpick artists who will represent the best of the best. “The artists selected to compete are world-class songwriters,” Marshall notes. She adds that there aren’t many events that spotlight emerging songwriters while also supporting them in their development and growth.
Spotlight on Early Bird Finalist R.O. Shapiro
Among the finalists this year is Americana musician R.O. Shapiro, who has gained recognition as the Early Bird Finalist for the competition. Shapiro expressed his excitement by stating, “Over the years I’ve seen many artists whom I greatly admire be selected for NewSong, and it’s very exciting to be counted among their number.” He reflects on how critical these opportunities are for independent musicians like himself, emphasizing that they help validate their work in a broader community. “The best thing that can come from these events is the community and camaraderie with the other finalists. I can’t wait to hang with them, hear their songs, and become part of each others’ networks,” Shapiro added.
Admiral Radio’s Journey
Another exciting finalist, Admiral Radio, is a duo made up of Becca Smith and Coty Hoover. They earned their spot in the finals through a selection process at the annual LEAF/NewSong Competition. “We just aim to write songs that connect with us and that we hope will connect with the listener,” Smith shared. Their philosophy embraces a broad emotional spectrum, aiming to craft performances that resonate deeply and even evoke both laughter and tears.
Smith highlighted the importance of the NewSong event in bringing together diverse musical voices from across the nation. “NewSong is great because it inspires songwriters of different levels from all around the country to submit their original material to be heard, which is a big deal,” she expressed enthusiastically.
Join the Celebration
As the big event approaches, excitement grows not only among the finalists but also in the Asheville community. It’s a unique opportunity to see talented musicians showcase their original works and connect with fellow artists and fans alike.
Citizens and visitors planning to attend can find Citizen Vinyl at 14 O’Henry Avenue, Asheville. Tickets for the event are available through NewSong Music’s website, and everyone is encouraged to experience the magic of live music and support local talent.
This event promises not just a night of great music, but also a beautiful testimony to community spirit and friendship in the world of songwriting.
