Rising singer-songwriters take the stage at NashHouse

First Songwriter Showcase at NashHouse bar and restaurant

Visitors from all over the USA (and beyond) flock to Nashville during CMA Fest to see their favorite country artists perform on stages large and small.

But those “in the know” are aware that, in addition to the official stages, there is always amazing music to be heard, often just a few steps off Broadway.

That was the case on Thursday, June 6, as the crowds were streaming into Music City, and many found their way to NashHouse Southern Spoon and Saloon at 114 8^th Ave South. Shrewd or just plain lucky, those visitors joined regular locals to enjoy a Songwriter Showcase featuring eleven rising singer-songwriters on the cusp of stardom. Appearing on stage in ‘rounds,’ the card included alumnae from TV shows such as The Voice and American Idol, artists with jaw-dropping following on TikTok, songwriters newly signed to publishing deals and more.

It was a hot night – not just generated by the music – and audience members were gratefully waving the free fans as well as using their phones to capture the performers’ QR codes printed on the fans.

Appearing on stage at the NashHouse Songwriter Showcase (listed alphabetically):

Chasity Bailey

Recently, Chasity Bailey celebrated an unforgettable moment in any songwriter’s life: her first cut! The song, “No Way Jose” was recorded by Swedish country group Northlake Shivers on their album Beer Pressure and co-written with Gabe Walsh and Zach Blair. Chasity played at the NashHouse gig with husband and fellow musician Reed Clayton with whom she will celebrate their first wedding anniversary in September.

Jessie Brackin

One of the most prolific young songwriters I have ever met, Jessie Brackin had written literally hundreds of songs – all of them solo-writes – at home in Athens, Alabama. Arriving in Nashville, Jessie quickly made an impression on Music City, including her first visit to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). She is now regularly writing with fellow young songwriters, including some sharing the stage at NashHouse.

Justin Dukes

Taking his love of country music to the logical next step, Vidalia, Georgia’s Justin Dukes began performing in bars and at festivals across the state by the time he was fifteen. Graduating from college in 2015, Justin moved to Nashville to develop his songwriting chops. He has opened for artists such as Big & Rich, John Michael Montgomery and Luke Combs among others and has played the legendary Bluebird Café. He has released several singles including “She Don’t Know It Yet” and “Get Around to That” plus an EP.  

Scott Lindsey

In addition to his career as a recording artist, Scott Lindsey is a prolific songwriter with numerous songs synch-licensed for inclusion onscreen in such productions as Yellowstone (Paramount) and Monarch (Fox TV) as well as songs recorded by The Bellamy Brothers, Kevin Costner, and more. After a stint with other respected artists and songwriters in a group named Nashvillians, Scott’s debut single, "You Only Call Me When You're Drunk" spent 10 weeks in the Top 40. He recently released his new single, “Me & Her Memory.”

Mak Marie 

Emerging country artist Mak Marie came to Nashville by way of Hickory, North Carolina, where her singer-musician grandfather took her under his wing, impressed by her voice when she was just a child.  Already proficient in piano, Mak taught herself to play guitar with a view to expanding her songwriting.    Her new song, titled “Sugar Daddy,” is coming soon to Spotify, Apple Music and all platforms.

Caleb Mills

Alabama-born Caleb Mills has music running in his blood from his grandfather who played bass with the likes of Diamond Rio and Charlie Rich to the swamp-soul of legendary Muscle Shoals. These influences can be heard in his voice and his songwriting, whether it’s a heart-rending ballad or a Southern rock anthem. With 300K+ followers on TikTok (@thecalebmills), a debut album, S-U-R-V-I-V-E,  and a new live acoustic EP, Nash Sessions, Caleb is reaching new fans every day online and on stage.

Macartney Reinhardt

Atlanta, Georgia, native Macartney Reinhardt grew up surrounded by music, enthralled by watching her guitar-playing father and singing along with him while still a toddler, later listening to stories about her relative, the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. She is now a performer in her own right, becoming one of just five musicians nominated for Teen Artist of the Year at the 2020 Georgia Country Awards, and impressing both fans and industry professionals. She released her new single, “Cowboy With a Conscience,” in March.

Gyth Rigdon

Raised in a small Louisiana town, Gyth Rigdon absorbed all the musical influences that great state had to offer. Moving to Nashville, Gyth had already released two critically acclaimed albums when, in 2019, he won a spot on the hit TV show The Voice where he was praised for his electrifying vocal ability and stage presence. He made it all the way to the Final where he placed second.  Now an in-demand performer he is building a successful career evidenced by his quarter-million+ followers across his social media profiles.

Dawson Slade

Competing not once but twice on American Idol (seasons 22 and 23), Dawson Slade was only seventeen years old the first time he sang for Lionel, Luke and Katy. Dawson – along with his beautiful baby son Stetson – quickly became a fan favorite. Dawson is constantly writing and each song seems better than the one before, building on personal experiences and his Southern roots.  His unique talent was recognized by Warner Chappell Music and 1 Track Music who recently signed Dawson to a global song publishing deal.

Brooke Spencer

With a string of appearances at arenas and theaters, opening for acts that include Hank Williams Jr., Gretchen Wilson, Linda Davis and more, plus countless gigs and writers’ rounds, Brooke Spencer was a seasoned performer by the age of ten, it is hard to believe this seasoned performer is still in her teens. Building on her early inspiration from storytellers such as Miranda Lambert and Keith Whitley. Brooke is equally at home on stage and in the writers’ room.

An exciting night for the performers as well as the audience – nice surprise to catch up with Pam Tillis who was in the audience – and I am looking forward to bringing more Songwriter Showcases to NashHouse in the near future. 

Full disclosure: The singer-songwriters appearing in the Showcase are current or former members of my career mentoring program.