WHERE GREAT SONGS RISE TO THE TOP
Nashville Rising Song is returning this fall for a brand-new series. We're actively searching for the perfect Nashville location — sign up to be the first to know when dates and venue are announced.
Early stages for GAYLE · Kelsea Ballerini · Colton Dixon · Dani Elliott
A Nashville Legacy
Nashville Rising Song started in 2005 in Franklin, Tennessee. Over the years, we've hosted hundreds of rounds with thousands of songwriters coming through. For many, performing at our event was the very first time they ever performed in Nashville. That makes us very happy!
The event was created and is directed by Keith Mohr.
What to Expect This Fall
- •Open-mic songwriter rounds in a listening-room setting
- •Cash prizes and career-building exposure
- •Judged by industry pros and the live audience
- •A welcoming stage for first-time Nashville performers
How The Series Works
Seven Open-Mic Rounds
Up to 21 songwriters a night, one original song each.
Two Winners Per Round
One chosen by a panel of music-industry judges on songwriting alone, one chosen by the audience in the room and on the livestream.
Week 8, The Semifinal
Fourteen songwriters perform, four advance.
Week 9, The Final
Four finalists play four original songs each for cash and prizes.
Songwriters Who Started Here
Some of our early songwriters and competitors went on to incredible success. Here are just a few:
Jason Wyatt
Series 1 winner and former lead singer for The Lost Trailers
Kelsea Ballerini
Performed early in her career and later became a Grand Ole Opry member
Colton Dixon
Christian music artist
Dani Elliott
Discovered at NRS, later toured with Miley Cyrus
GAYLE
Writer of "abcdefu," signed by Kara DioGuardi of American Idol fame
Landon Wall
Contest winner seeing great success and on track to be signed as a mainstream country artist
Venues That Hosted Us
We are deeply thankful for the venues that have hosted our events across various locations over the years.
Puckett's Grocery (Franklin)
Kings Bowl's Whiskey Room Live (Cool Springs)
Nashville Underground (Gavin DeGraw)
Live Oak on Demonbruen
Tin Roof on Demonbruen
The Dogwood in Midtown
Own A Nashville Venue?
Host a weeknight listening-room series that fills seats and sells drinks while spotlighting Nashville's next great songwriters.
Sponsored By
