The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, which is sponsored by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), will take place between March 29 and April 2 in Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s festival will feature performances by over 300 songwriters on nine different stages over five days. Many of the venues will host two shows per night. Fast Passes can be purchased from NSAI for $145 for NSAI members and $175 for non-members. Limited tickets will be sold as capacity permits after attendees with passes are seated.
When are you performing during Tin Pan South this year? March 29th 9pm @ The Bluebird Cafe.
When did you first know you wanted to be a songwriter? Probably my first Tin Pan South week, I was a sophomore in high school not old enough to get into half the venues but the ones I did get into the songwriters blew me away. I was so moved, I went home and knew this is what I had to do with my life. I moved to town to be an artist but seeing the songwriters in their element made me want to write my own music.
Who are your influences as a songwriter? Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, Tom Douglas, Nicolle Galyon, Sarah Buxton and Loretta Lynn to name a few!
What instruments do you play? Guitar & piano.
How old were you when you wrote your first song? I was 12yrs old – it was a co-write with my older brother Larry Jr. in our parents garage where we would practice music together as our dad washed cars. He taught me the basic form of a verse, chorus, and bridge and told me I should always keep a running list of titles in my journal!
Do you prefer to write by yourself or with other songwriters? I love the collaborative process of co-writing. While I tend to find inspiration for concepts of titles on my own, I always look forward to sharing my ideas in a co-write to bounce thoughts and experiences off of each other so we can best serve the song!
What is your favorite original song that you have written? Loud House – it’s a song I wrote with Aaron Eshuis and Emily Falvey that is coming out this year. It’s one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written and touches on the bittersweetness of growing up in a big family and moving away from home.
What do you generally write your songs about? I love honesty and emotion in music. I’ll write about nostalgic topics like my hometown or my big crazy family, or universal love, loss, and heartbreak with a bit of steel guitar… and everything in-between as long as it’s honest. My motto is minor chords, major feelings.
What is your favorite venue to play in Nashville? The Grand Ole Opry, I made my debut there in 2019 and it was one of the best days of my life. Ever since I was a little kid, the Opry circle has been the pinnacle of Country Music for me. Almost all of my favorite artists have played there, it’s a space for country music fans to gather and celebrate where this started and where it’s going.
What is your favorite restaurant in Nashville? Butcher & Bee.
How has playing writer’s rounds helped you grow as a writer? Every time I play a writers round it raises the bar for me as a creator. I love being jealous of a great song because it makes me want to write a better one tomorrow.
Why did you want to participate in Tin Pan South? I feel like I discovered my songwriters heroes at Tin Pan South as a high schooler, it seemed like a rite of passage for some of the best writers in music so getting the opportunity to share the same stage feels like a nod of encouragement that I’m on the right path.
What are your future professional goals? Win a Grammy for Country Song of the year and bring country music to fans across the globe! I grew up in Ontario Canada obsessed with Country Music, so I’d love to tour in non-traditional Country markets like Canada and Europe in addition to the US to keep growing this genre!
What advice would you give to an aspiring songwriter? Write your truth and trust the process.
Are you on social media? Yes! @madison_kozak on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Where can people find more information and listen to your music? Social media and all streaming platforms!