My Nominations for the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards

I’m officially a nominee for the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards!

This year, there were over 101,000 submissions, so being nominated in three categories is such an honor. I’m excited to celebrate by sharing my nominations and what they mean to me.

My Three Nominations for the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards

First, I’m nominated for Artist of the Year (Multi-Genre). Since kicking off my songwriting journey in 2019, I’ve released two albums, two EPs, and tons of singles. My music typically falls into pop or country, but I sometimes include other genre flavors. I love this freedom as an independent artist because I allow my creativity and inspiration to flow naturally. When I’m songwriting, I often focus on the lyrics and melody first. The genre becomes clear once I start exploring the instrumentation and production. I never know what kind of song I’ll write next, and that keeps songwriting fresh and fun for me. So, I’m grateful to be recognized as a multi-genre artist at the JMAs this year.

Second, I’m up for Musician of the Year (Piano). I’ve played classical music since I was ten years old, and after going on a short hiatus after college, I’m actively performing in recitals again. Recently, I’ve taken the stage with pieces by Brahms, Debussy, and Mozart, and I’m currently working on a nocturne by Chopin. Piano has found its way into my original music as well, since I love to write ballads. In March, I released my most recent one, “If Your Heart Eclipses Mine,” which received a nomination for Songwriter Achievement at last year’s JMAs. So, being nominated as a pianist is very special to me. I wouldn’t be the musician I am today without my love for piano and classical music.

And third, “Ember in the Dark” is nominated for Songwriter Achievement. There were over 20,000 songs submitted for this category, and around only one percent made the list. I can’t even wrap my head around that. The Songwriter Achievement category is for unreleased songs, and a couple years ago, “Passive Aggressive” won this award. “Ember in the Dark” is a pop song I wrote when I was at a low point on my publishing journey. It’s about continuing to burn bright through all the shadows, even if life feels uncertain and difficult. Seeing “Ember in the Dark” on the Songwriter Achievement list is surreal, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for my second win in this category. I also can’t wait to release “Ember in the Dark” hopefully sooner rather than later.

Thank you so much to the Josie Music Awards for my three nominations. No matter what happens, I’m grateful to be recognized as an artist, pianist, and songwriter this year.