Advertise on podcast: NSAI Coffee Break

Back Burner - Korie Burton Rott by NSAIOfficial

Better Homes & Gardens - Carly Zimmerman by NSAIOfficial

Bitter Half - Jenna Kay by NSAIOfficial

Down to Earth - Korie Burton Rott by NSAIOfficial

Goodyears - Gabe Walsh by NSAIOfficial

Hoodie - Jake Arthur by NSAIOfficial

Kansas - Sue McMillan by NSAIOfficial

Red Dirt Tape - Erica Ellis by NSAIOfficial

Under the Influence - Heather Hickox by NSAIOfficial

Your Story's Not Over Yet - Layla Capri by NSAIOfficial

Coffee Break - Member Services Edition by NSAIOfficial

Brad McKinney is a Kentucky-born singer/songwriter now residing in Nashville. The husband and father of 3 has been writing diligently since 2013, and has built many publisher, artist, and pro writer relationships. He has accumulated many cuts, self releases, and accolades throughout the years, most recently being recognized as the winner of the American Songwriter 2025 Session One Lyric Contest. On any given day, you can find Brad writing with Music Row's finest! -- For 25 years, the Nashville Songwriters Association has offered their annual Song Contest as an opportunity for unsigned songwriters around the world to submit their work for professional feedback and a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes and industry access! Now in partnership with SoundCloud, the Top 10 finalists are featured here by SoundCloud Selects where a fan favorite will be chosen by voters.

Alex Lomartire, a native of Dover, New Hampshire, is a country songwriter and artist who blends the soul of classic country with the dynamic and vibrant interpretations of the genre’s modern flare. Growing up an hour from a divided highway, Lomartire connected with the stories that country music shared and is influenced by artists such as Eric Church, George Strait, and James Taylor. A graduate of Belmont University, he worked on his songwriting and artistic crafts alongside industry leaders throughout his time as a student. Since graduation, he has been writing full-time and continues to hone his songwriting craft. Recent collaborators include, Jaan Harrison Kohm, Julia Morey, Lauryn Marie Hedges, Sara Ashton Copelan, Sara Kelly, Carter Windham, Kaitlyn Croker, and Bri Aspen. -- For 25 years, the Nashville Songwriters Association has offered their annual Song Contest as an opportunity for unsigned songwriters around the world to submit their work for professional feedback and a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes and industry access! Now in partnership with SoundCloud, the Top 10 finalists are featured here by SoundCloud Selects where a fan favorite will be chosen by voters.

Emma Place is a genre-defying songwriter who skillfully blends country, pop, and modern influences into songs that connect deeply with listeners and industry professionals alike. Based in Nashville, Emma has built an impressive career defined by creativity, resilience, and connection. She is a two-time participant of the prestigious ASCAP Foundation Country Workshop in honor of Garth Brooks—first during her college years under the guidance of Tony Arata, and again in 2024 with songwriter and producer Corey Crowder. During her time at Belmont University, Emma opened for celebrated acts like Steve Moakler and COIN, won ASCAP Writers Night, and performed in the renowned "Best of the Best" showcase. Emma was also selected for the highly exclusive ASCAP GPS (Guided by Publishers) program, a sought-after opportunity that provides unparalleled access to Nashville’s top publishers and industry leaders, further solidifying her place in the competitive songwriting community. After facing and overcoming a cancer diagnosis upon graduating college, Emma emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and creativity that now drives her work. Her songs are defined by heartfelt storytelling and innovative soundscapes, resonating across genres and leaving a lasting impression. By building authentic, lasting relationships with industry professionals across Nashville and Los Angeles over the last several years, Emma is laying the foundation for an enduring career while continually honing her craft. With cuts already scheduled and ongoing collaborations in the works, Emma continues to expand her artistry. Her ability to craft songs that balance earnest storytelling with modern sounds and memorable phrasing has made her a songwriter to watch. As an emerging force in the industry, Emma is poised to leave a lasting mark. -- For 25 years, the Nashville Songwriters Association has offered their annual Song Contest as an opportunity for unsigned songwriters around the world to submit their work for professional feedback and a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes and industry access! Now in partnership with SoundCloud, the Top 10 finalists are featured here by SoundCloud Selects where a fan favorite will be chosen by voters.

Claire Flynt is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, TN. She studied music business and piano at Berklee College of Music, which laid the foundation for her diverse career. Claire's songwriting spans across Pop, Rock, Folk, R&B, Singer/Songwriter, and Country genres. Some of her achievements include co-writing and recording flute on "Spin Cycle," the title track to Theo Kandel's EP, having the music video for her song “Steal,” performed by Elle Rose, premiere on CMT, and winning the NSAI 23rd Annual Song Contest alongside co-writers Drew Schueler and Nell Maynard with their song “Hurtable.” Claire plays piano, guitar, ukulele, and flute. Her strengths lie in storytelling and lyric writing, while adding memorable melody and harmony ideas to her work. Additionally, Claire contributes to the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Words & Music program and teaches songwriting in the summers at Berklee College of Music’s Aspire program and Songwriting Workshops. -- For 25 years, the Nashville Songwriters Association has offered their annual Song Contest as an opportunity for unsigned songwriters around the world to submit their work for professional feedback and a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes and industry access! Now in partnership with SoundCloud, the Top 10 finalists are featured here by SoundCloud Selects where a fan favorite will be chosen by voters.