You're Invited To: The Nash News' 20th On The Verge Writer's Round

The Nash News will host its 20th writer's round with independent and up-and-coming country artists this coming Thursday, March 23rd from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Nashville at Assembly Food Hall in the Fifth and Broad complex.

Artists performing include The Hobbs Sisters, Rob Mayes, Eliza Harrison Smith, Jesse Cofty, Laine Lonero, Troy Donohue, Regan Stewart, Tanner Cherry, and Sam Ferrara. Get to know the artists and their music below.

The Hobbs Sisters

Rising country artists, Hobbs Sisters, are a twin sister duo known for their powerful harmonies, described by American Songwriter as “so strong it can blow your hair back, yet, so precise that the voices still sound like one.” This distinct sound can be heard throughout their music, which was influenced by a love of 90s country and artists such as Shania Twain and Martina McBride. Raised in Pittsburgh but now based in Nashville, they balance a full touring schedule that includes opening for artists such as Lady A and Russell Dickerson while consistently writing with talented up-and-coming songwriters in Nashville to develop their 90s country meets modern country style.

Rob Mayes

Mayes boasts over 8 million career streams with Empire Nashville. Mayes (best known for playing John in Sundance cult classic film JOHN DIES AT THE END with Paul Giamatti) stars in the upcoming country music movie THE NEON HIGHWAY opposite Beau Bridges and Lee Brice; and western THE DESPERATE RIDERS with Trace Adkins - out now on Lionsgate. Mayes took home Best Actor at the 2020 Wild Bunch Film Festival for A SOLDIERS REVENGE opposite Jake Busey and Val Kilmer. He can be seen starring in biopic 5000 BLANKETS opposite Anna Camp for Sony Affirm Pictures, which just premiered in 1200 theatres nationwide and is now available on PUREFLIX. He most recently wrapped production on UPTV’s country music movie JAKE JAKE, and will next be seen starring opposite Haylie Duff in SWEET ON YOU for UPTV on February 26th. His fourth album AIN’T NOTHIN’ TO SEE HERE is available now.

Eliza Harrison Smith

Eliza Harrison Smith is an indie-pop singer and songwriter based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Eliza wrote her first song at 15 and hasn’t stopped writing ever since. She moved to Nashville in 2019 and immediately started co-writing in the pop and country worlds. She was also given an honorable mention in NSAI’s 2020 Song Contest. She has most recently launched her artist project with the release of two singles, “August” and “Got Away With It," with plans to release more music in 2023.

Jesse Cofty

Born and raised in the Deep South, country music singer/songwriter Jesse Cofty, a native of Wetumpka, Alabama, moved to Nashville, TN after his master's degree to pursue music.

Laine Lonero

Born and raised in The Pelican state of Louisiana, singer-songwriter Laine Lonero earned accolades for her performances in musical theater and opera from an early age. She penned her first song at 13 and went on to win a song-writing contest in Nashville. In 2016, Laine was featured on 4 Kidzbop CDs and has continued to write, and perform throughout her home state and in Nashville, Tennessee. Her debut single, No Sweat, gained support from Radio Disney Country. Laine currently resides in Nashville and is attending Belmont University in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business.

Troy Donohue

Writer and performer Troy Donohue found his way to Nashville after working his way through the punk clubs of his native NJ. A prolific songwriter, he is releasing a series of singles this year including “Fanfare” (Jan) and “Can’t Stop the Heart” (Feb). As noted music critic Jim Testa wrote, “Spend a few hours at any guitar store and you'll see ten mooks walk in off the street and shred like Yngwie. Ask them to write a song as solid as [Troy’s] and you got another thing coming.” Follow Troy on Spotify, Instagram and on his website at troydonohue.com.

Regan Stewart

Regan Stewart likes to say she was born and raised in Auburn, Alabama, and on Country Music. With a recently released Debut EP, titled “r.,” produced by Brandon Hood, Regan brings a classic, feminine twist to a modern country sound today. She has been featured on Rolling Stone, NPR, Taste of Country, Cowboys & Indians, and Cowgirl Magazine to name a few. Regan says, “This EP is just the beginning and a piece of a larger puzzle of who I am. I can’t wait for you to hear what’s next!”

Tanner Cherry

Born in Adrian, MI but moving to TN in 2000, Tanner has been living in or near Nashville most of his life. Growing up he was extremely shy and never sang for anyone until 16 y/o, but since then has gradually found himself in music and the songs he plays & writes. With a style ranging from Dermot Kennedy & Jack Johnson to Jason Mraz & John Mayer, Tanner enjoys trying to create a sound that best exemplifies the idea or emotion he is portraying in the songwriting itself with hopes of connecting to the listener.

Sam Ferrara

Sam Ferrara is a musician and songwriter based out of Nashville, Tennessee, is determined to share her story through the power of country music. Born and raised on Long Island, Sam was influenced by country, folk, pop, and jazz music to share her powerful and compelling stories for everyone to hear. After being named one of She Wolf Radio’s “Artist to Watch” for 2023, Ferrara recently released her powerful song “Love’s Got A Way of Letting You Down”. Breaking genre barriers and combining her love of fierce country with her jazz-inspired roots, Ferrara takes the leap to expose the ugly truth behind her bitter broken heart and a spoiled outlook on love. She looks forward to reaching listeners who have survived the rise and fall of heartbreak and have come out stronger on the other side. Love’s Got A Way will be followed by a smooth “In the club” Version to be released on 3/17 and a full-length album just before summer hits. Sam's songs have already captured the hearts of many as they have been featured at historic venues such as the Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room in Nashville, TN.

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