You're Invited to The Nash News' 29th On The Verge Writer's Round

The Nash News will host its 29th writer's round with independent and up-and-coming artists this Thursday, June 29th from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Nashville at Assembly Food Hall in the Fifth and Broad complex.

Artists performing include Toni Clare, Brandon Closson, Emilee Kate, Byrdie Wilson, Hannah Geiser, Sammi Rae, Janie Waddell, Max Boyle, and Southpaw. Get to know the artists and their music below.

Toni Clare

Toni Clare (21), recording artist, songwriter, and performer- originally from Central Virginia- recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to further her career. Performing since the age of ten, she has developed a style where bluegrass meets country/soul. Touring with an all-girls string band along the East Coast has shaped her style as she incorporates her favorite instruments such as the mandolin, fiddle, and banjo in her music. Influenced by Taylor Swift, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, and Chris Stapleton, her sound is radio ready and appeals to a wide audience of country and pop music fans.

Toni Clare is dropping new music in 2023. Join her mailing list under toniclaremusic.com for updates!

Brandon Closson

My name is Brandon Closson, 1/2 of the group called "The Closson Brothers." I moved to Nashville from Memphis to pursue a songwriting/performing career. I graduated from the University of Memphis with a Music Business degree, and have gotten opportunities to open up for Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Blues Traveler, and ZZ Top. I also have 10+ years of studio experience and have been writing music since I was 9 years old.

Emilee Kate

Originally from a small town in North Carolina, Emilee Kate brings an eclectic mix of sounds to her vocals and songwriting. She always had a passion for music, and after graduating college in 2014, she left the comfort of her hometown to pursue her dream to work as a singer/songwriter in Music City, Nashville, Tennessee. With influences ranging all over the musical spectrum from country, bluegrass, and Americana, to rock and roll, as well as funk, soul, and blues, you are sure to find a variety of music and a unique sound when you watch her perform.

Byrdie Wilson

Byrdie Wilson is a dynamic country performer who possesses an unwavering determination. Renowned for her fiery presence on stage, she refuses to accept rejection. At the age of 15, she collaborated with "The Peter Frampton Band," showcasing her talent. Later, she crossed paths with Erik Halbig, prompting her to relocate from Greenville, SC to Nashville, TN at the age of 19. Within a year of settling in Nashville, she had the opportunity to open for "Ty Herndon" in California, demonstrating her relentless drive. One of her recent achievements was the release of her single "Broadway," co-written with Erik Halbig, which gained substantial popularity on TikTok. Byrdie has graced numerous renowned venues with her performances, including Up Rooftop, Alley Taps, The Virgin Hotels, The Skydeck, City Winery, The Fairlane, and The Commodore Grille. Moreover, her talents extend beyond traditional concert settings, as she has entertained audiences at weddings and proposals. Recently, she even auditioned for and secured a weekly performance slot at The Denim in The Joseph Hotel, further solidifying her position in the music industry.

Hannah Geiser

Midwestern grown with Tennessee dreams. Hannah Geiser, “Hannah from Indiana," uses the words she wishes she used to be strong enough to say and turns them into songs. As a child, she'd sing Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood songs using her dad’s pickup truck as her stage. She is en route to accomplishing her childhood music dreams and career and speaking her truth through songwriting.

Sammi Rae

Born and raised in Texas, Sammi Rae spent much of her life in the small town of Normangee, which is best known for selling tractors. A self-described "inside person," Sammi preferred playing music in her childhood bedroom and immersing herself in the world of the recording arts to being outside, sweating in the hot Texas sun. By age 17, she taught herself to play piano, guitar, ukulele, saxophone, and French horn. Her love for sound engineering was discovered her senior year of high school, and she attended college for recording arts for 2 years. As a result, she is very hands-on in the recording process of all her songs and enjoys both recording and writing in different genres.

Sammi's first single, "Supernova," is an EDM/POP track released in March 2021 that was originally recorded for a school project, but after sending the session to her good friend Drew Williams, the track was turned into what Williams and Rae describe as the "sad, boppy" anthem that it is today. Her debut single was followed up by her first-ever country song, "Three Rivers," in December 2021. Sammi released "Good Time Calls" as the lead single off her EP Southern Belle Wannabe back in April of 2022. Southern Belle Wannabe was released in its entirety in October 2022.

Janie Waddell

Hailing from Marietta, GA, Janie Waddell was raised listening to musical storytellers. Ranging from Hank Williams Jr. to Brandi Carlile, to Bryan Adams, she was introduced to the art of crafting stories through writing and lyrics at an early age

After spending summers in Nashville (and almost not returning to The University of Georgia for her senior year of college), Waddell only waited two weeks after graduating to relocate to the city. In the five years since her move, the country-pop singer-songwriter has played respected stages from The Listening Room to The Bluebird Cafe, been recognized as One to Watch from the NSAI, secured cuts with several budding artists, and garnered thousands of streams on her own singles. Her sound is unique, comprised of modern country instrumentation, infectious pop melodies, and a lyrical authenticity that makes listeners feel as if they’ve known her for years. It’s dynamic, and that is exactly what sets this Georgia native apart from the crowd.”

Website: https://janiewaddell.com/

Max Boyle

With versatility and range unparalleled by most, Nashville-based musician Max Boyle brings a rare and special voice to the world of contemporary pop music. Influenced by staples like John Mayer, Allen Stone, Jason Mraz, and Ed Sheeran, the Toledo, Ohio native combines his own unique sense of style and soul with his undeniable raw vocal talent and dedicated skill as an instrumentalist and songwriter. Wielding a voice both rich and bright, emotional and inspiring, Max anchors his songs in meaning and experience—something many pop artists tend to miss. Max’s easy, crystal-clear falsetto and full lower-range pair to create an exciting dynamic that never falls into the realm of predictability. Perfectly hitting the mark for stripped-down, thoughtful folk songs as well as upbeat, sun-drenched pop drivers, Max shows clear mastery of his craft and will certainly continue making a name for himself as an exciting new voice in Nashville and in the world of contemporary music at large. Max Boyle’s latest EP, Change Is Your Friend? is now available for streaming on all platforms.

Southpaw

Southpaw was founded as a band but became a solo act when its primary songwriter moved from Florida to Nashville. Rock, acoustic, rap, and pop are some of the colors on the musical palette. When he isn't writing music or performing, you can find him traveling or hiking. Any other free time outside of that is consumed by eating cereal.

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