You're Invited To: Valerie Ponzio & Friends

The Nash News will be hosting a Valerie Ponzio & Friends Writer's Round on Thursday, October 20th from 7-10 p.m. at Assembly Food Hall in downtown Nashville. Artists playing include Tezza, Hailey Verhaalen, Tylar Bryant, Royale Lynn, Adam Mac, Stephen Carey, Elia Esparza, Rob Mayes, Tristan Bushman, Andrea Vasquez, and Valerie Ponzio.

Get to know the artists and their music below:

Valerie Ponzio

Since being catapulted into the spotlight by her showstopping turn on The Voice, Valerie Ponzio has made it her mission to shatter every precedent set for Latin artists in the world of country music. Hailing from El Paso, Texas, Valerie has become a pioneer for a new wave of inclusivity in Nashville. As part of the inaugural class of CMT and mtheory's Equal Access program, she set her sights high and has both the voice and songwriting chops to stay her course. Dedicated to blending Latin sounds with country music's traditions, backed up by indomitable vocals, Ponzio is the rarest of things: something brand new in Music City. Her latest EP Frontera is out now.

Tezza

A unique, new take on female pop-country with a Northeaster twist, Tezza's distinctive style is an intoxicating blend of powerfully provoking electric guitars, smooth feminine vocals, and heartfelt lyrics that paint its listeners into a world of their own. Her music and lyrics serve as a reflection of her fearless honesty and Northeastern roots.

Hailey Verhaalen

Born and raised in Oregon City, OR, Hailey spent the early days of her career capturing the hearts of fans throughout the Pacific Northwest. As gritty and hardworking as she is talented, she further developed her craft by performing every chance she got – from rodeos, to festivals and fairs, to singing the national anthem at NBA games. In 2016, Hailey made the tough choice to uproot her life and move across the country to pursue her calling as a country singer in Nashville, Tn. She’s shared the stage with major artists such as Deana Carter, Love and Theft, James Otto, Colt Ford, Craig Wayne Boyd, and The Moonshine Bandits. Her 2018 EP The Real Stuff peaked at #9 on the iTunes Country Music Chart and received praise for its honesty with which it approached topics across the board from love and heartbreak to “ballin’ on a budget’ and loving every minute of it.

Stephen Carey

Already making waves in Nashville with 10 million streams and counting on only 3 singles, country artist Stephen Carey is one of Rolling Stone’s “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know”. Stephen’s songs have been featured on Spotify’s most highly coveted playlists, including New Music Friday and the US Viral 50. Having opened for Thomas Rhett, Jon Pardi, Parmalee, Kip Moore, Morgan Evans, Frankie Ballard, The Cadillac Three, Thompson Square, Lily Rose, and Walker McGuire among many others, Carey is poised to take the next leap in his career.

Adam Mac

Adam Mac infuses his rural Kentucky roots with grit, soul, and blues to create a sound that is uniquely his own. Tackling topics like equality and justice reform on his single "Black and White" may not seem like something you would expect from a typical male country artist, but that's because he is anything but your typical male country artist. Born Adam Mcphaill in small-town Russellville, KY, he was raised on '90s country and gospel music, often being bribed by his mother to sing during Sunday service. His sound has also been heavily influenced by pop legends such as Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse, who changed the trajectory of his style and desire to perform. Since living in Nashville, Mac has competed on American Idol, released an album and an EP, and written songs with the hitmakers of tomorrow.

Elia Esparza

Elia Esparza is a Latina pop-soul singer with a western twist. An El Paso, TX native currently based in Nashville, TN, Elia melds soaring vocals with heartfelt songs. She combines an adventurous spirit with romantic lyricism. Elia's energy is electric and shines through each live performance and recording. She provides an emotional lift whether you're alone or on the dance floor.

Rob Mayes

Rob Mayes is an American actor and country artist/songwriter best known for his role in the ABC hit series “Mistresses” and the Sundance cult classic “John Dies at the End.” Mayes has released several singles over the course of 2019 and early 2020 including “Road With No Lines” (IAMA Finalist, USA Songwriting Competition Finalist, and International Songwriting Competition Semi-Finalist; Entertainment Focus Country’s 10 BEST COUNTRY SONGS OF 2019) which has garnered over 150K streams on Spotify, a bluesy track “My Heart is Bleeding” (ISC Semi-Finalist, Best Performance) along with his debut single, “Closer.” Mayes has been featured on the Spotify editorial playlists, "Breakout Country," "Fresh Finds: Country," & “New Music Nashville.” “Closer” has received airplay from Country radio stations across the US and the music video was included as part of CMT’s “Next Up Now” series.

Tylar Bryant

Tylar Bryant is a country music singer/songwriter from Texas. The Texas native prides himself in his authenticity and ability to infuse a mix of styles and sounds. Influenced by some of country music’s greatest voices and performers (such as Jim Reeves, Randy Travis, and Chris Young), Bryant marries modern and traditional country sounds with rock and R&B grooves for an added twist.

Andrea Vasquez

Powerhouse vocals and unstoppable attitude combine in the petite package that is Andrea Vasquez. She blends her love of modern country and her Latin-American roots to create a refreshing sound within the country genre. After receiving successful feature placements with her music and with several emerging Latin country artists getting their chance in the spotlight, Andrea is well on her way to becoming a success story that future generations of aspiring country artists who share her heritage will strive to emulate.

Royale Lynn

Singing before she could talk, Royale Lynn traded in her pony for a guitar and moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2015. Between writing songs for herself, other Nashville artists and touring with her own artistry, Royale Lynn is a force to be reckoned with. Spending most of her days writing, Lynn has been a part of a few notable songs in the last new years including Spencer Crandall's song "K[no]w Better" and "Far Boy" with Leah Marie Mason that is now sitting at 14 million views on TikTok. Lynn has been releasing her own projects along the way as well, including her viral song "Bitchin'" and "If We All Drove Trucks," both of which have been featured on playlists such as New in Nashville, Fresh Finds Country, Young Nashville, and Apple Music Country.

Tristan Bushman

Tristan Bushman has the rare ability to level any room with his stunning lyrics, he delivers his prose with pure honesty, soaring melodies, and the richest tone. He has been gaining a loyal fanbase while catching the attention of the entire industry. Ashton, IL is where Tristan was born and raised surrounded by a musical family. His father, Dave, and his band “The Louie’s” would have Tristan join them onstage when he was only 5 years old. This led Tristan on his journey. In 2018 he packed up & relocated to Nashville, TN. Now at 23 years old, he is a highly respected songwriter, true artist, seasoned musician, and captivating performer.

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