Podcasts about usa songwriting competition

An award-winning singer, songwriter, fingerstyle guitar player. In 2017 she earned International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship honors and since then has been on stages with the likes of Melissa Etheridge, Christopher Cross, and numerous other notable names in music. She has been featured in Guitar Player magazine, Acoustic Guitar magazine, and among Guitar World magazine's “Best Acoustic Guitarists in the World Right Now” in 2021. She is also a two-time finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition and was featured in the GRAMMY Museum's virtual program streaming from Los Angeles. Her official YouTube channel has an amazing 1.7 million combined video views. This interview was recorded on-location at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, where she was chosen to perform.

How does competition fit into the creative process? We're joined by Abby Posner, Rachel Garcia, and Thu Tran for a candid roundtable discussion all about songwriting competitions. Explore the highs and lows of participating in these events, how to pick which song to enter, and the impact contests can have on a guitarist's career. Additional resources:Listen to Part 2 on Patreon.Visit Abby Posner's website and watch the video for "Get Loud" - her 2023 USA Songwriting Competition grand prize winning song. Her latest album is Second Chances.Visit the Singer and the Songwriter's website and listen to "The Art of Missing You" - their West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest winner. Their latest album is In the Bleak Midwinter.Visit Jeffrey Pepper Rodger's website for an inside look at his song "Fly" - a grand prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.Learn more about the contests mentioned in this episode: John Lennon Songwriting Competition, Kerrville's Grassy Hill New Folk Competition, NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition, USA Songwriting Competition, West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest.The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Thu Tran.This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:Publisher: Lyzy LustermanEditorial Director: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show

A GRAMMY Winning, NYC based singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds is a National touring artist, early childhood educator and activist. For her original children's music, she has won a GRAMMY for Best Children's Album for her album, All the Ladies- a gender equality album for families, 1st place in the USA Songwriting Competition, International Songwriting Competition Winner, Independent Music Awards, Gold Parents' Choice Awards, NAPPA Gold Awards, Family Choice Awards and is a John Lennon Songwriting Award Finalist. Joanie has performed her dynamic and engaging folk-rock creations tailored for family audiences for 15 years at venues such as Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Clearwater Festival, The Kennedy Center, Skirball Center, Lincoln Center, Wolftrap Filene Stage, and Levitt Pavilion. Her music has been featured in The New York Times, People Magazine, Parents Magazine, Huffington Post, Billboard, NPR and The Washington Post. Joanie's 11th album, FREADOM, is a collection of songs inspired by banned children's picture books. 

Join us in celebrating Kim Gentry Meyer's birthday as we delve into her inspiring journey of faith, music, and freedom in Christ. Kim, a talented musician and advocate for mental health awareness, shares her story of finding liberation in surrendering her life to God and embracing the freedom that comes from knowing Him. In this special episode, Kim discusses her latest album, "Herald," and the beautiful artwork associated with it, featuring captivating sunsets. She opens up about her passion for rescuing animals and how her love for them intersects with her music and ministry. Kim reflects on the transformative power of experiencing God's perfect love, as portrayed in her song "Perfect Love," written for an Easter service. She shares her battle with depression and the importance of addressing mental health issues within the church without judgment. Through authentic discussions and prayers, Kim emphasizes the significance of anchoring our minds in Christ and finding peace in His presence. She shares her desire to equip others with the tools needed for mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. As we journey through Kim's story, anchored in the powerful verse Romans 8:6, we are reminded of the importance of using our talents and gifts to impact the world. Kim's courage to share her gifts and experiences serves as an inspiration for all of us to step out in faith and make a difference in the lives of others. Bio: Mrs. Massachusetts 2020, award-winning songwriter and poet Kim Gentry Meyer is also an International Acoustic Music Award winner and a finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition. She has showcased at esteemed venues including the Blue Bird Café in Nashville, Tennessee, and the SXSW Festival (South by Southwest) in Austin, Texas. Meyer was recently named a 2023 Woody Guthrie Poet and was invited to read her newly published poem, “You'll Find Me There” (which appears in song form on her new album) during the 2023 Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, which celebrates the life and work of the late legendary singer/songwriter best known for his song, “This Land is Your Land.” She is also an accomplished visual artist, and painted the album cover art for her debut project, Herald, which recently released from NWN Records and Integrated Music Rights, part of the Integrity Music family. Alongside her ministry and her work in the arts, Meyer, who holds a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in social work, is a professional fundraiser whose proposals have raised a whopping $25 million for various non-profit organizations. She and her husband Adam currently live on Cape Cod with a home full of personally rescued dogs and cats. Anchor Verse: Romans 8:6 Connect with Kim: Website: https://www.kimgentrymeyer.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/kimgentrymeyer Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kim-gentry-meyer/1184334676 ***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

GRAMMY Winning, NYC based singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds is a National Touring recording artist, early childhood educator and activist. For her original children's music, she has won a GRAMMY, 1st place in the USA Songwriting Competition, an Independent Music Award, International Songwriting Competition, several Gold Parents' Choice Awards, NAPPA Gold Awards, Family Choice Awards and is a John Lennon Songwriting Award Finalist. Joanie has played at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Clearwater Festival, The Kennedy Center & Lincoln Center, Wolftrap, Levitt Pavilion. Her music has been featured in The New York Times, People Magazine, Parents Magazine, Huffington Post, Billboard and The Washington Post. Joanie's 9th children's album, All the Ladies is a female empowerment folk collection and earned a GRAMMY Award in 2021 for Best Children's Album. Her recently released children's album titled "FREADOM," is a vibrant celebration of diverse literature and the freedom to read starring the multi-talented "Book Band" (Regina Carter, Divinity Roxx, SaulPaul, Oran Etkin and Cheryl B. Engelhardt.) Each song is inspired by a different children's picture book that has been removed from the shelves of libraries and schools in over 30 states nationwide. Find more at www.joanieleeds.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Kickass Boomer of the Day is Susan Cattaneo, one of Boston's most respected singer/songwriters, blending rock and folk with a healthy dose of country. Susan won the CT Folk Festival and has been a finalist or winner at some of the country's most prestigious songwriting and music contests including: Kerrville New Folk, Emerging Artist Falcon Ridge, the International Acoustic Music Awards, the Independent Music Awards and the USA Songwriting Competition. Her latest album The Hammer and The Heart charted #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and yielded a folk radio #1 single and top 10 album.  As of this replay #132 Susan has a new album, "All is Quiet" Join me in this episode and learn why Susan is a Kickass Boomer!  [00:01 - 04:55] Opening Segment I introduce and welcome Susan Cattaneo Susan talks about her amazing journey as a songwriter [04:56 - 14:53] Work Hard, Love Harder Susan shares her insights about the effects of COVID to our daily lives She talks about her experiences in writing songs Susan tells us the story behind some of her songs [14:54 - 24:33] The Beauty of Learning Susan shares the story when she almost quit songwriting The beauty of learning according to Susan Susan talks about the achievements she's most proud of [24:34 - 33:34] Finding Purpose in Life What's next for Susan? She shares her plans in the coming months We have an inspiring conversation about finding your purpose Don't miss Susan's message for Boomers! [33:35 - 37:04] Closing Segment  Connect with Susan! Links below  Final announcements    Tweetable Quotes: “I found that my journey is not just one river. It had a lot of tributaries and occasional little side things. It's been a wonderful journey.” - Susan Cattaneo “I don't believe in being sedentary in my life.” - Susan Cattaneo   Resource mentioned: Berklee College of Music Kickass Boomers Ep. 21: His 1963 hit “Forget Him,” his 5th Gold Record makes it hard to forget Teen Idol and Entertainer Bobby Rydell   Email susan@jerseygirlmusic.com to connect with Susan or follow her on Facebook. Check out her personal website to learn more about her music.  ----- BEE BOLD, NOT OLD.  LEAVE A REVIEW and join me on my journey to become and stay a Kickass Boomer! Visit http://kickassboomers.com/ to listen to the previous episodes. Also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.   You can also connect with me by emailing terry@kickassboomers.com. 

Our Kickass Boomer of the Day is Susan Cattaneo, one of Boston's most respected singer/songwriters, blending rock and folk with a healthy dose of country. Susan won the CT Folk Festival and has been a finalist or winner at some of the country's most prestigious songwriting and music contests including: Kerrville New Folk, Emerging Artist Falcon Ridge, the International Acoustic Music Awards, the Independent Music Awards and the USA Songwriting Competition. Her latest album The Hammer and The Heart charted #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and yielded a folk radio #1 single and top 10 album.  As of this replay #132 Susan has a new album, "All is Quiet" Join me in this episode and learn why Susan is a Kickass Boomer!  [00:01 - 04:55] Opening Segment I introduce and welcome Susan Cattaneo Susan talks about her amazing journey as a songwriter [04:56 - 14:53] Work Hard, Love Harder Susan shares her insights about the effects of COVID to our daily lives She talks about her experiences in writing songs Susan tells us the story behind some of her songs [14:54 - 24:33] The Beauty of Learning Susan shares the story when she almost quit songwriting The beauty of learning according to Susan Susan talks about the achievements she's most proud of [24:34 - 33:34] Finding Purpose in Life What's next for Susan? She shares her plans in the coming months We have an inspiring conversation about finding your purpose Don't miss Susan's message for Boomers! [33:35 - 37:04] Closing Segment  Connect with Susan! Links below  Final announcements    Tweetable Quotes: “I found that my journey is not just one river. It had a lot of tributaries and occasional little side things. It's been a wonderful journey.” - Susan Cattaneo “I don't believe in being sedentary in my life.” - Susan Cattaneo   Resource mentioned: Berklee College of Music Kickass Boomers Ep. 21: His 1963 hit “Forget Him,” his 5th Gold Record makes it hard to forget Teen Idol and Entertainer Bobby Rydell   Email susan@jerseygirlmusic.com to connect with Susan or follow her on Facebook. Check out her personal website to learn more about her music.  ----- BEE BOLD, NOT OLD.  LEAVE A REVIEW and join me on my journey to become and stay a Kickass Boomer! Visit http://kickassboomers.com/ to listen to the previous episodes. Also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.   You can also connect with me by emailing terry@kickassboomers.com. 

This weeks guests are Sav Buist and Katie Larson from The Accidentals. It's hard to know where to start when talking about the 3-piece Nashville based (by way of Traverse City, MI) punk-folk outfit. They've made an album and toured with a full orchestra, scored a film, received acclaim from NPR and Billboard, and collaborated with the likes of Tom Paxton, Mary Gauthier, Kim Richey, and Dar Williams. On top of that, Sav just won the overall grand prize in the USA Songwriting Competition. I think you'll enjoy our conversation! IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! www.patreon.com/andysydow Guest Links: Website: www.theaccidentalsmusic.com/about YouTube: www.patreon.com/theaccidentals Episode Music: Original music by Andy Sydow Sponsors: A huge thanks to our sponsor, Narrator Music. For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at middleclassrockstar@gmail.com narratormusic.com

Venice, Italy-based award-winning artist and composer and candidate for GRAMMY nomination 2022 as a producer, non-classical. He has an extensive music catalogue, ranging from classical to new age to electronic, rock, and R&B. He is a winner of the UK Songwriting Contest and was Top 10 in two editions of the USA Songwriting Competition. His total of approximately 50 prizes made him the most awarded young composer in Italy. His music has been broadcast worldwide, including radio, TV, commercials, shows, and movies, and even on airlines and in medical centers.

Welcoming a wonderful Singer/Songwriter and a pillar in the music community, Treva Blomquist to LIVE! From The Space at 100 Taylor. A Nashville gem who made one of 2020's best albums 'Snakes and Saints', Treva is a unique and spiritual Musician who inspires her listeners not only with her songs but with her everyday lessons and actions which she shares through social media and beyond. An accomplished songwriter, Treva Blomquist was a finalist in the first songwriting competition she ever entered—the 2005 Kerrville New Folk Competition—joining the ranks of such distinguished past winners as Lyle Lovett and Shawn Colvin. The following year, she received recognition in the USA Songwriting Competition's folk category. In this special episode, Treva shares how pioneering the live streams during the pandemic helped her become a better performer, the experience of performing at the legendary Bluebird Cafe, book recommendations, starting a new album and more. And stay tuned for an exclusive performance of 'Secret' from Snakes and Saints. For more on Treva Blomquist, visit: www.trevamusic.com

Our Kickass Boomer of the Day is Susan Cattaneo, one of Boston's most respected singer/songwriters, blending rock and folk with a healthy dose of country. Susan won the CT Folk Festival and has been a finalist or winner at some of the country's most prestigious songwriting and music contests including: Kerrville New Folk, Emerging Artist Falcon Ridge, the International Acoustic Music Awards, the Independent Music Awards and the USA Songwriting Competition. Her latest album The Hammer and The Heart charted #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and yielded a folk radio #1 single and top 10 album. Join me in this episode and learn why Susan is a Kickass Boomer! [00:01 - 04:55] Opening Segment [04:56 - 14:53] Work Hard, Love Harder [14:54 - 24:33] The Beauty of Learning [24:34 - 33:34] Finding Purpose in Life [33:35 - 37:04] Closing Segment Tweetable Quotes: “I found that my journey is not just one river. It had a lot of tributaries and occasional little side things. It's been a wonderful journey.” - Susan Cattaneo “I don't believe in being sedentary in my life.” - Susan Cattaneo Resource mentioned: Email susan@jerseygirlmusic.com to connect with Susan or follow her on Facebook. Check out her personal website to learn more about her music. ----- BEE BOLD, NOT OLD. LEAVE A REVIEW and join me on my journey to become and stay a Kickass Boomer! Visit http://kickassboomers.com/ to listen to the previous episodes. Also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also connect with me by emailing terry@kickassboomers.com.

Our Kickass Boomer of the Day is Susan Cattaneo, one of Boston's most respected singer/songwriters, blending rock and folk with a healthy dose of country. Susan won the CT Folk Festival and has been a finalist or winner at some of the country's most prestigious songwriting and music contests including: Kerrville New Folk, Emerging Artist Falcon Ridge, the International Acoustic Music Awards, the Independent Music Awards and the USA Songwriting Competition. Her latest album The Hammer and The Heart charted #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and yielded a folk radio #1 single and top 10 album.  Join me in this episode and learn why Susan is a Kickass Boomer!  [00:01 - 04:55] Opening Segment I introduce and welcome Susan Cattaneo Susan talks about her amazing journey as a songwriter [04:56 - 14:53] Work Hard, Love Harder Susan shares her insights about the effects of COVID to our daily lives She talks about her experiences in writing songs Susan tells us the story behind some of her songs [14:54 - 24:33] The Beauty of Learning Susan shares the story when she almost quit songwriting The beauty of learning according to Susan Susan talks about the achievements she's most proud of [24:34 - 33:34] Finding Purpose in Life What's next for Susan? She shares her plans in the coming months We have an inspiring conversation about finding your purpose Don't miss Susan's message for Boomers! [33:35 - 37:04] Closing Segment  Connect with Susan! Links below  Final announcements    Tweetable Quotes: “I found that my journey is not just one river. It had a lot of tributaries and occasional little side things. It's been a wonderful journey.” - Susan Cattaneo “I don't believe in being sedentary in my life.” - Susan Cattaneo   Resource mentioned: Berklee College of Music Kickass Boomers Ep. 21: His 1963 hit “Forget Him,” his 5th Gold Record makes it hard to forget Teen Idol and Entertainer Bobby Rydell   Email susan@jerseygirlmusic.com to connect with Susan or follow her on Facebook. Check out her personal website to learn more about her music.  ----- BEE BOLD, NOT OLD.  LEAVE A REVIEW and join me on my journey to become and stay a Kickass Boomer! Visit http://kickassboomers.com/ to listen to the previous episodes. Also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.   You can also connect with me by emailing terry@kickassboomers.com. 

Josie Aiello is an award-winning singer, BMI songwriter, two-time winner of USA Songwriting Competition, and worship leader with 3 self-titled album releases. Josie was signed to Quest Records by Quincy Jones. Most recently Josie recorded background vocals for Jennifer Hudson in the new Aretha Franklin Bio Film RESPECT. Josie shares her music journey and demonstrates how she wrote her song "Heavy Heart", and gives her best songwriting advice! More about Josie Aiello: www.josieaiello.com

BISCAY was born in 2016 with the vital recruitment of a new, French lead singer, Eléa May. By March 2017 the band released their debut 6-track EP, ‘Burnt Mementos', songs from which won the UK Songwriting Competition that year and were finalists in the USA Songwriting Competition. Biscay followed this with the EP ‘Stare At The Sun' in March 2020, and during lockdown have released a further 5 singles, the last of these being ‘So Many Lies' will is released on April 30th. http://biscay.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5Sr_iRy6papxxk4v-dNhw?view_as=subscriber www.facebook.com/biscaymusic www.instagram.com/biscaymusic www.twitter.com/biscaymusic

We could listen to Matt Rogers talk and sing all day, his voice is like honey! Award-winning songwriter Matt Rogers has one of the most unique sounds in country music. With an extensive tour schedule playing venues across the country and sharing the stage with some of country music's hottest names including Clint Black, Clay Walker, Jake Owen, Cole Swindell, Chris Stapleton, LOCASH, Jimmie Allen, Walker Hayes, Brothers Osborne, Chris Janson, and Michael Ray, Matt has built a devout fan base with his electrifying stage presence. When Rogers isn't on the road, he is writing music with some of Nashville's best songwriters. His song, "Coal," has won several songwriting awards from NSAI/CMT, Music City Songstar, American Songwriter, Songwriting University, Great American Song Contest, Dallas Songwriters Association, and Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. He achieved the top award from Music City SongStar for his song, "She Was Everything" as well as a finalist slot in the USA Songwriting Competition. Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and CMT selected his song “I Was Raised” for a songwriting achievement award. It went on to be selected by NSAI as a Top 40 song. The Georgia native has caught the attention of thousands of fans as well as country music legends like TG Sheppard, “[Matt's] the real deal…the total package. [He's] a great singer, a great picker and a great songwriter.” Rogers also received a commendation from industry tastemaker, Robert K. Oermann. Oermann selected the title track of Matt's EP, Richest Place On Earth, for Music Row's DisCovery Award. Oermann praised the track saying, “Extremely well written and sung with fire and conviction. Play this.” Throughout his career, Rogers has created a connection with his listeners through his emotionally gripping lyrics and unmistakable melodies. In 2019, his song, “Burn the Boat,” was selected as a “Top Ten Country Jam” by Buzz Feed. The release followed Matt's third appearance at CMA Fest where he performed on several stages, including Hard Rock and Wildhorse Saloon. He also met fans from across the world inside Fan Fair X where he signed autographs at the Durango Boots booth. Matt was one of the first Brand Ambassadors for Durango Boots. “Matt has a rich, unique and bold style to his music that authentically connects to his fans which is the type of artist that represents our brand perfectly,” says Erin DeLong, Durango Marketing Manager. Breedlove guitars and 64 Audio also sponsor Rogers. Matt's touring schedule is continuing to grow, spanning across the country. “I'm really excited to reconnect with my fans that have been supporting me for so long and to get the chance to connect with some new fans along the way,” says Matt. “I can't wait to get on stage and share my new music I've worked so hard on with them.” “If you don't know the name Matt Rogers then you need to write it down. He's going places,”- Hit Songwriter/ Author/ WSM 650 AM host, Devon O'Day. To listen to more of Matt Roger's music, see upcoming shows, and much more, head to, mattrogerscountry.com. Follow Matt on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Be sure to like, subscribe and give the More Than Music Podcast a review wherever you listen to the podcast and share us with a friend! We release shows every Wednesday and look out for a bonus episode every now and then. Find me, Kara Conrad on Facebook and the podcast on Instagram at More Than Music Pod. If you want to talk to me or suggest a guest just send me a message on Instagram or email me at karaaconrad@gmail.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/morethanmusicpod/support

Lowell, MA native singer-songwriter Emily Desmond has been active in the New England music scene since the age of 13. She has grown from performing with just a small acoustic guitar to working as a professional vocalist and singer-songwriter. She began her education at Berklee College of Music in 2012, graduating in 2016 with a B.M in Songwriting with a focus in vocal technique. Here, she honed her craft and studied with multiple internationally acclaimed artists, writers, and professors. After the release of her 5-track EP Commencement, Emily received much praise and response from the Boston singer-songwriter scene for her lyrics, which range from witty & honest, to gut-wrenching & sincere. As well as recognition from the Lowell Sun and Boston Magazine. Emily has been awarded an honorable mention for Best Folk Song from the USA Songwriting Competition and nominated for Best Female Artist by the International Acoustic Music Awards. Today, Emily continues to perform and writes songs for her own repertoire and is hired to write a variety of songs for advertisements, entertainment media, and special occasions. She currently teaches private voice and guitar lessons at DW Music Lessons, and is a Music Specialist at a private school for Special Education in Waltham, MA. YOU CAN VIEW EMILY'S SITE HERE WANT LESSONS FROM EMILY? CLICK HERE! You can find Emily's social media here! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/emilydesmond Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilydesmondmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilydesmondmusic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/emilydesmondmusic --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

NYC based singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds has won 1st place in the USA Songwriting Competition, an Independent Music Award, a Gold Parents’ Choice Award, NAPPA Gold Award, Family Choice Award and is a John Lennon Songwriting Award Finalist and an International Songwriting Competition Finalist. Joanie has played at Lollapalooza, Clearwater Festival, The Kennedy Center & Lincoln Center, Wolftrap and Levitt Pavilion. Her music has been featured in The New York Times People Magazine, Parents Magazine, Billboard and The Washington Post. Joanie’s 9th Children’s album, All the Ladies is a female empowerment folk collection produced by Lucy Kalantari and just released in April 2020.

Welcome to Episode 306 of The Artist Connection Podcast! My guest today is actor & musician Ben Rauch! His latest track “The Emoji Song” has recently won Best Comedy Song in the USA Songwriting Competition. It also won four Silver Medal awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Global Music Awards. This praise and recognition is well deserved. It is such a fun song! Be sure to check out the video, as well. Both “The Emoji Song” and Ben’s holiday hit “Jersey Christmas” are featured with this episode. Once you hear them, I know that you will want a copy for yourself. His full length album “Tales from the Turnpike” is due later this year. His acting credits span the stage, television screen, and the big screen. He is such a talented and versatile performer. I had a good time with Ben, and we shared a lot of laughs during our conversation. I hope to have him back very soon. If you reach out to him, please mention that you heard his interview and music on my show. Enjoy! Special Thanks: To my good friend Tim Binder from New Ocean Media. I appreciate his support, and making episodes like this possible. Looking forward to many more in the future! Hiyori from Hamburg, Germany. She is another good friend of mine, and a fantastic drummer. Her track “Funky Monkey” is the ACP theme song! Songs Heard on this Episode: The Emoji Song (Video Link https://youtu.be/j5re7BRzZyI) Jersey Christmas (Video Link https://youtu.be/ay8tclXaOEc) Ben Rauch Links: http://www.benrauchsite.com https://www.facebook.com/BenRauchUpdates/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1895389 Song Links from Amazon: The Emoji Song - https://amzn.to/2uYCDgN Jersey Christmas - https://amzn.to/2K5EOn9 Artist Connection Podcast Links: Main Site: http://artistconnectionpodcast.libsyn.com/ Website: http://www.artistconnectionpodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistConnectionPodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/@artistconnect1 Please visit my daughter’s blog at melissakacar.blogspot.com. We do not own any copyrights to the songs played on this episode. We have special permission by the artists themselves to play their music on the show for promotional purposes for the artists.

This week we welcome Jewish Songwriter Joanie Leeds to the podcast and we chat about her song "Shayne Punim."  As one of the top nationally touring kindie rock singers, New York-based Joanie Leeds has played for thousands of families all across the country. As a singer/songwriter, Joanie has won first place in the USA Songwriting Competition, an Independent Music Award, Gold Parents' Choice Award, NAPPA Gold Award and she has been a John Lennon Songwriting Award Finalist and an International Songwriting Competition Finalist. Her original music with her band Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights has been featured in People Magazine, USA Today, Parents Magazine, New York Times and Washington Post. She is currently touring the USA promoting her 8th children's CD, 'Brooklyn Baby'. Her songs are played on many radio stations nationwide climbing up the chart to #1 on Sirius-XM's Kids Place Live and WXPN's Kids Corner. Joanie's YouTube PageJoanie's SpotifyJoanie's FacebookJoanie's Website

Known throughout the world as the Queen of Sass, Aubrey Logan has appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, American Idol, The Goldberg's and with Pharrell Williams at the Grammy Awards. She has toured extensively as a guest artist with Postmodern Jukebox, she's featured in over 150 shows throughout Europe and the U.S, including their recently taped PBS special. With millions of YouTube views, she's just finished her first full album of songs entitled “Impossible,” which reflects her inimitable, fun and quirky style. Released independently, “Impossible” immediately charted at #2 on the iTunes Jazz list, and it also got a spot on Billboard. Complete with the first-place award-winning song “Pity Party,” which won in the USA Songwriting Competition, Aubrey is touring with songs from “Impossible” all around the US and Europe as we speak.www.facebook.com/aubreyloganmusicwww.youtube.com/aubreyloganmusicwww.instagram.com/aubrey_loganwww.aubreylogan.com

Korby Lenker, Megan Slankard, and Alex WongThese three amazing singer/songwriters stopped by CAU on their way to perform at "Space" in Evanston. That was over a year ago and the files were lost, but now found. Check out the Bio on these artists and you can see just how amazing they areKORBY LENKER: Korby Lenker is a sneaky-good songwriter. And singer. And multi-instrumentalist. An abbreviated list of Lenker's achievements so far includes: a significant amount of airplay on the legendary Seattle indie rock station KEXP; a BBC 2 interview with Bob Harris, which is only about the highest honor a rootsy singer-songwriter touring the U.K. can get; opening slots for acts ranging from Willie Nelson to Ray LaMontagne, Nickel Creek, Keith Urban, Susan Tedeschi and Tristan Prettyman; a successful run with one of the hottest young West Coast bluegrass bands of the aughts; and wins in the Merlefest folk songwriting contest as well as the Kerrville Folk Festival's elite New Folk songwriting competition. Lenker's composition "My Little Life" brought him the Kerrville honors this year. It doesn't seem possible that one song could work so well in such disparate worlds, but it also proved its powers as a galvanizing piece of indie-pop, drawing a small army of likeminded, rising Nashville artists and personalities--Jeremy Lister and Katie Herzig to name two--to make lip-syncing, ukulele-strumming cameos in Lenker's music video. MEGAN SLANKARD: "Nearly everyone who encounters this attractive and sophisticated singer-songwriter agrees that she has 'star' written all over her," says Acoustic Guitar Magazine about Megan Slankard. "She forges a distinctive sound with her smooth and courageous vocal dynamics, intelligent and diverse song styles, and sheer infectious enthusiasm." Slankard, who has sold just over 20,000 copies of her three CDs, self-produced her first CD at age eighteen and her third with help from Counting Crow's guitarist Dan Vickrey, and is currently working on a new project. Last year Slankard formed a new alt-rock band, and is already getting industry attention having been selected as a semi-finalist in Discmaker's 2007 Independent Music World Series and a finalist in the 2008 Musician's Atlas/Borders Books Independent Music Awards - even before the official release of her new band's first album, scheduled for mid-2008. Slankard and her music have appeared on TLC's "What Not To Wear", generating purchases by TV viewers after her first appearance that placed her second CD "Freaky Little Story" on the 5 spot on Amazon.com CD sales charts and on the Top-10 Rock Bestseller list on CDBaby.com. Because of the episode's popularity, the show's producers featured her in a follow-up episode, bringing her back onto the Top-10 with "Freaky Little Story". Upon its release months later, "A Little Extra Sun" also reached the Top-10 sales chart. Her songs have also earned over 175,000 plays on MySpace.com, and "Freaky Little Story" remains a Top-20 all time Rock Bestseller on CDBaby.com to this day. Slankard's music has also been featured on San Francisco AAA station KFOG's compilation CD and has been spun over 500 times on Modesto, CA. She has been featured in Rockgrl Magazine, Owl Magazine, The Synthesis, and online sources Fresh Tracks and Women In Rock, in addition to Acoustic Guitar magazine, whose editors named "Freaky Little Story" one of their top albums of 2005. She was a final selection artist for RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned Artists Volume 3 compilation CD; an A&R Online featured artist; a Song and Film Spotlight artist; and, an Acoustic Cafe featured artist on the "One to Watch" syndicated radio program (sponsored by the USA Songwriting Competition). Slankard also co-wrote and performed on the title track of Dire Straits founding member David Knopfler's new record, "Ship of Dreams". Megan has performed in over 200 cities in five different countries, including at showcases in Boston (NEMO) and Toronto (NXNE), on three tours as support for David Knopfler (Germany and England), and at the international festival InGuitar in Zurich (Switzerland). She will resume touring after the completion of the new CD. ALEX WONG: Alex Wong is a Brooklyn-based producer, writer and performer whose signature sonic style resonates in all he creates-from cinematic pop soundscapes to electronic tinged theater scores to his honest, direct songwriting. He has produced recordings with leading artists such as Delta Rae, Ari Hest, Elizabeth and the Catapult, Melissa Ferrick, Vienna Teng and Grammy nominee Ximena Sarinana. Alex has garnered critical acclaim for his songwriting collaborations with recording artists Amber Rubarth (The Paper Raincoat), Vienna Teng, Paul Freeman, Elizabeth and the Catapult and Alex Berger (Independent Music Award winner). His songwriting has been heard in film and television projects such as "The Last Song" (Disney/Touchstone), "One Tree Hill," and "The Lincoln Lawyer" (Lion's Gate). His solo project, A City On A Lake, is releasing it's debut self-titled album (featuring vocal performances from Ari Hest and Ximena Sarinana) was released in 2012.Click to view all four videos from this Podcast

Fiona Joy poured her heart and soul into Signature – Synchronicity, a New Age album submitted to the 59th Grammy Awards for consideration. You can listen on: http://www.thebcompany.com/fionajoy-fyc.html. Or a Soundcloud link https://soundcloud.com/user-260052746 From Fiona I'm very proud of this album about fairy-tales told from an adult perspective - it has taken me a long time to be able to find a little 'naïve' in some of these heart-felt issues. I’m a full-time composer, recording and touring musician and just returned from my third tour of China. Signature - Synchronicity is my 11th album with Little Hartley Music and I’m also an audiophile who records in hi-res formats with Blue Coast Records (content partners with Sony). I have been an ARIA Finalist (Australia), 8 x New Age Music Award Winner, a 5x IMA Finalist, and I’ve been Runner Up or Finalist in the International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMAs) over the last three years. On this album, I believe I’ve worked with some of the finest session musicians in the world including Tony Levin, Jeff Haynes, Eugene Friesen and legendary Producer and guitarist Will Ackerman (Founder, Windham Hill Records), who says: “One of the brightest lights in contemporary instrumental music, Fiona Joy is poised to move into stardom.” - Will Ackerman, Founder of Windham Hill Records Australian Pianist, Producer & Singer Fiona Joy is enjoying the success of her recent release Signature Synchronicity after returning from her third major tour of China, recording a new album in the US, and featuring in several Australian concerts with her Blue Dream Ensemble at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and the Sydney Women's International Jazz Festival. In China Fiona Joy is nick-named The Piano Angel, not just for her romantic, melodic songs and lush arrangements, but also for her gracious and mesmerizingly ballet-like performance style in concert. A prolific composer, she has always been interested in creating music that evokes images, emotions and stories. The album so far has won two catetories in the Independent Music Awards, a Finalist in the International Acoustic Music Awards, Hollywood Music in Media Awards and the USA Songwriting Competition. Her recording schedule for 2017 includes Blue Coast Records solo piano release (SACD/CD/DSD) Into the Mist and FLOW - the debut album by Fiona Joy, Lawrence Blatt, Jeff Oster & Will Ackerman. FLOW will be a groundbreaking release by a New Age group fof successful artists inspired by the iconic music of Windham Hill. It follows that her upbringing was filled with music. She recalls that her father embraced Andrew Lloyd Webber's music, playing Jesus in the Tamworth Musical Society production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Her classical piano training is evident in her thematic and melodic compositions. Ravel's “Bolero” emerged as an early influence, she says, adding, "I loved it, I played it over and over and deconstructed every part. George Winston, Prokofiev and Mendelssohn also intrigued me.” In 2015 Fiona contributed to a GRAMMY-winning album and traversed three continents, performing solo on a grand tour of China, entertaining in the U.S. at the ZMR Awards and at the audiophile Mecca, T.H.E. Show, closing out the year in Australia at the Sydney Women's International Jazz Festival with her renowned Blue Dream Ensemble. Once home, she attracted the national TV show ‘Lateline’, which ran a feature lifestyle piece on her life and music. (https://youtu.be/6RCTtmkwdSI) In 2014, a version of Fiona’s song “Grace” was chosen for a GRAMMY®-winning album that also reached #1 on the Billboard charts, and in 2013, her evocative piano and ethereal vocals earned her the global broadcaster’s choice and honor as the Best Instrumental Piano Album for600 Years in a Moment at the ZMR Awards, whose airplay charts she also graced at #1 for several months with Signature Solo. Fiona Joy also placed as Runner Up for Best Instrumental Song in the International Acoustic Music Awards, nominated alongside Pete Seeger for Best LIVE Performance Album in the Independent Music Awards, and she was an ARIA Finalist in Australia in 2008. As a forward-looking artist, Fiona is interested in pioneering new musical concepts and recording techniques to better serve her highly-interactive fan base. She frequently appears at audiophile conferences, and is signed to Blue Coast Records for high-fidelity recordings; owner/producer Cookie Marenco is considered and leader in the field, partnering with Sony Music to deliver hi-resolution music to discerning audiophile consumers. Marenco says, "Fiona's melodic solo piano and masterful performances are the perfect music to debut the kind of clarity double DSD audio brings to the home listener.  Her music is a cross of George Winston's simple melodies and Ludovico Einaudi's musical sophistication." Fiona's hard work and conceptual vision for the Signature Series is now coming to fruition in Signature Synchronicity, produced in collaboration with Will Ackerman's team in full orchestral form. Ackerman, founder of both Windham Hill Records and Imaginary Road Studios, embraced and encouraged Fiona’s music years ago, stating, “Fiona’s Blue Dream album was the most ambitious project of my entire career and resulted in one of the most remarkable collaborations this genre has ever known. Blue Dream is unique and I’m as proud of it as anything I’ve ever worked on in my 35-year career of GRAMMY® Awards and Gold/Platinum records.”  As a collaborator, Fiona has worked with Will Ackerman, Lawrence Blatt, T-Bone Wolk (Hall & Oates), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, Dire Straits), Jeff Haynes (Pat Metheny), Eugene Friesen (Paul Winter Consort), Heather Rankin, Charlie Bisharat (Shadowfax), Rebecca Daniel (ACO), Jeff Oster and many others. In 2014, she and Ackerman co-produced the successful debut album of Jennifer DeFrayne, who won Best New Artist in the 2015 ZMR Awards for her album By A Wire. Music writer Michael Diamond, recently reviewed one of Fiona’s live concerts in the U.S., writing “What I appreciated most was being able to listen and watch Fiona at the piano. The passion and elegance in her performance was breathtaking, as her flawless technique combined with pure emotional expression.”  When not recording or touring, Fiona is busy directing the entrepreneurial side of her music business, an effort which is crucial to the success of every independent artist. She manages her growing record label, Little Hartley Music, and promotes Fiona Joy Jewellery, her new line offering the upscale Swarovsky crystal-adorned bracelets and foot jewellery that she wears while performing barefooted in concert. When not on the road, Fiona escapes to her peaceful home in a small rural village in Australia. Fiona Joy http://www.fionajoy.com http://www.youtube.com/fionajoy https://www.facebook.com/fionajoymusic https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiona_Joy_Hawkins +61 0428637498 Little Hartley Music

KC Porter is a Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning producer, composer and vocalist  based in Los Angeles  who has written or produced music for global stars like Ricky Martin, Celine Dion, Chaka Khan, Selena, Ozomatli, and Santana, among others.  Named  Latin Grammy  Producer of the Year in 2001 he has also penned songs and produced Grammy-nominated and awarded albums & singles for many top performers. His list of awards and credits is far too long for this short bio.  He has recently returned from playing and singing on a European tour  Eljuri. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, raised in New York City and recording with the independent label Manovill Records, Cecilia Villar Eljuri is a genre-fusing songwriter/singer/electric guitar player who blends the sounds and rhythms she heard from her mother’s piano, her father’s vinyl records, her siblings’ CD’s and from the clubs she frequented on Manhattan’s lower east side. She draws from both her S Latino and her Lebanese roots to produce songs and albums that have garnered awards from Billboard, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the USA Songwriting Competition and the 2015 Voiceless International Film Festival. Her original music has been heard in movie scores (Solitary Man, Snitch, Away from Here) and on internationally syndicated TV shows (NCIS LA, Dexter, ESPN, From Spain with Love, Privileged, One Night Stand with Annie Sibonney).