MEMPHIS
SONGWRITERS
ASSOCIATION
2026 Memphis Songwriters Association
Showcase Finalists
From left: Mark Parsell, Hank Nightshade, RD Humphreys, Shara Matlock, Korrus with Andrew Parker and Johnny Fedorenko (and their drummer!), Dutch Vanderpool, Kenny Little, Jessie Jorden, Keenya Creates, Amber Rae Dunn, and Joe Matthews.
What an incredible evening for the MSA and our Memphis area songwriters. We had a fantastic time celebrating original music, and the energy in the room was truly special. A huge thank you to the respectful and supportive crowd—including so many of our MSA members—who came out to cheer on these artists.
An event like this only happens because of a dedicated team. We have so many people to thank for their time and talent:
The Songwriters: You are the heart of why we do this.
Our Judges: Lisa Marie Bayungan, Kevin Carpenter, and Jason Gillespie (welcome back for round two, Jason!).
The Entertainment: A huge thank you to Noah Smith (our 2025 winner) and Jack Elrod for a stellar performance.
Our Photographer: Reggie Pederson. Reggie is truly superb—keep an eye out for the event photos we’ll be posting very soon!
Our Volunteers: Ted Hopkins and Sattin Schreiner—thank you for your valuable work behind the scenes.
Lafayette’s Music Room: Special thanks to Snoop, Katie on sound, Dakota at the bar, and the entire wait and kitchen staff for taking such good care of us.
The MSA Board: Mark Parsell, Amber Rae Dunn, Deion Corley, Mike Mielenhausen, Joe Matthews, and Jil Sweeney. Normally we do not sound our own horn, but we were very proud of the showcase and competition and it is so humbling to have so many wonderful songwriters to work with.
Pulling off a songwriting contest is a challenge, but seeing the creativity and passion on that stage makes every bit of effort worth it. We are truly humbled to work with such a gifted group of songwriters, musicians, and vocalists.
With gratitude,
MSA Board of Directors
2025 Songwriter Showcase Winners
(Left to Right)
1st Noah Smyth - “Strawberry”
2nd Tyler Coker - “Woke Up and Grew Up”
3rd Shara Matlock - “Buckets”
(Accompanist - Sky King)
Hosting the Event
Amber Rae Dunn Vice President
Mark Parsell President
| Songwriters (Left to Right) | Song |
|---|---|
| Dutch Vanderpool | I Cound Stop Missing You |
| Kassie & Ben Wilson | My Favorite Parts of You |
| Austin Varner | Pale the Blue |
| Brian Ford | Ellen's Apron |
| Rice Drewry (Donna Hansom Acompanist) | Pack My Sword Away |
| Tyler Coker | Woke Up and Grew Up | Will Boyd | Can't See the Circus for the Clowns |
| Noah Smith | Strawberry |
| Shara Matlock & (Sky King Accompanist) | Buckets |
MSA Special Guest Speaker
Doug MacLeod
November Meeting at The Arcade Restaurant
MSA Songwriter Legend Series
October with Ms. Carla Thomas
September with Ms. Joyce Cobb
Ms. Carla Thomas (left) and Ms. Joyce Cobb (right)
October 14, 2024
Memphis Songwriters Association Meeting
October MSA Meeting
with honored guest
Ms. Carla Thomas
hosted by
Jil Sweeney
MSA Take Over
Delta Fair Main Stage
September 9th, 2024
From left to right: Ted Horrell, Sam Raines, Miz Stefani, Shara Matlock, Reggie Dwayne, Dutch Vanderpool, Deion Corely (MSA Board), Joe Matthews (MSA Board), Sky King, Mark Parsell (MSA President), and Amber Rae Dunn (MSA Vice President)
Photograph Credit: Reggie Pederson
Upcoming Events
MISSION
The mission of the Memphis Songwriters Association (MSA) is to create a vibrant COMMUNITY of songwriters and provide OPPORTUNITIES for them to grow - with the ultimate hope that we will transform the landscape of the music industry in Memphis, Tennessee.
History
Estelle Axton was the co-founder, with her brother Jim Stewart, of Stax Records. Born a Tennessee native, Axton was also the founder of the Memphis Songwriters Association in 1973.
The Memphis Songwriters Association was formed in order to foster the education and advancement of local area songwriters. MSA has consecutively maintained membership for over 50 years. Estelle's formation of the Memphis Songwriters Association led many local songwriters and singer/songwriters publishing their original material. Some of these songs and artists met with great success.