Description
Nashville Emerging Artist Night (NEAN) is a premier showcase spotlighting Music City’s most promising up-and-coming artists and songwriters. A carefully curated lineup performing original music, giving audiences an exclusive first look at Nashville’s next generation of talent. NEAN celebrates creativity, storytelling, and the vibrant future of the city’s musical landscape.
This intimate, acoustic showcase presents six of Nashville’s most exciting emerging artists in a setting designed for listeners who appreciate songwriting and nuance. Each performer shares original music, fostering connection and highlighting artistry. The evening offers a thoughtfully curated experience of diverse voices and styles that represents the unique musical landscape that is Music City.
Landon Wall Trinity, North Carolina native Landon Wall was born with music in his veins. By age 11, he was performing alongside Hunter Hayes at the Carolina Country Music Festival. Wall made waves with his viral hit “Lost Boy,” a heartfelt response to Kelsea Ballerini’s “Peter Pan,” which has racked up over 14 million streams. At just 15, he won the Nashville Rising Star competition, leading to his first publishing deal with Demolition Music. A frequent performer at the legendary Bluebird Café, Wall also appeared in the feature film inspired by the iconic venue. With each new release, his music continues to evolve, showcasing his growth as a songwriter and performer, and solidifying his place as a promising CMA recording artist. Landon released “Call It” as his first single of 2026 and is excited for an exciting year of releasing music that reflects this new chapter anchored in sonic depth and maturity.
Allison Park is a genre-spanning singer-songwriter and the voice behind the mindful music podcast In Tune with Allison Park. Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Park began her career opening for DooWop groups before transitioning to the country circuit, sharing stages with the likes of Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert. At 19, she released her debut EP Listen (2011), featuring the radio-ready single “Holding Me,” which landed on Billboard’s Hot AC Tracks chart. Her early career highlights include joining the Plain White T’s on their Wonders of the Younger tour. With two decades in the industry, Park continues to craft music that’s rooted in authenticity, emotional depth, and personal growth.
Virginia native Maddie Lenhart has been singing since before she could talk and writing songs almost as soon as she learned to spell. After earning her degree from James Madison University, she moved to Nashville and initially took a job behind the scenes in the music industry. But when the pandemic hit, Lenhart made the courageous leap to pursue songwriting full time. Her music is marked by vulnerable lyrics, vivid storytelling, and a voice that listeners have described as “cooked by God in butter.” She pours her soul into her craft daily, performing her original songs at songwriter rounds across Nashville and building a community through authenticity and connection. Maddie will be making her CMA Fest debut in 2025, a star-studded, multi-day festival that attracts hundreds of thousands of country music fans from across the country.
Brooks Huntley is a rising voice in country music, blending heartfelt storytelling, exceptional musicianship, and the guitar-driven soul of John Mayer with a country core. With roots as authentic as his lyrics, Brooks is the grandson of a lifelong blues musician and a true product of Austin, Texas—the Live Music Capital of the World. He began performing in the city’s legendary downtown bars at just 12 years old, cutting his teeth in venues most kids his age weren’t even allowed to enter. That early experience shaped both his sound and his work ethic, leading him to craft a style influenced by genre giants like Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Mayer himself. His smooth, soulful tenor has carried him from the raucous stages of Austin’s Dirty 6th Street to the intimate, revered setting of Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe—where Hall of Fame songwriter Liz Rose personally invited him to perform his original song “Roots Now.” It’s this balance of grit and grace, rawness and refinement, that makes Brooks stand out. Each performance feels like a conversation, and each lyric tells a story drawn from a life steeped in music and honesty. Whether he’s behind a guitar or a microphone, Brooks brings a level of emotional connection and technical precision that’s rare in rising artists. With new music on the horizon and a growing fanbase that spans state lines, Brooks Huntley is carving out his own lane in country music—one that honors tradition while embracing the now.
Carlyle Griffin Hailing from the charming town of Walterboro, South Carolina, Carlyle Griffin is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter who seamlessly weaves together various genres to form her distinctive sound. Immersed in the rich melodies of Motown, the profound lyrics of 70’s folk rock, and the captivating drama of Broadway soundtracks, Griffin’s eclectic upbringing has become the driving force behind her deeply personal musical creations. What sets Griffin apart from the musical pack is her powerful and soulful voice, adorned with an enchanting inflection and a full-bodied character. It is a testament to her diverse range of musical influences, which converge in an extraordinary way within her captivating performances. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and those of others, Griffin crafts songs that delve deep into storytelling. Her lyrics are masterpieces designed to evoke emotion and connect with listeners on a profound level. The authenticity and sincerity she pours into her work create an irresistible allure, attracting fans from all walks of life. Carlyle Griffin’s music possesses a magical quality that transcends boundaries, inviting fans from all corners of the globe to bask in its irresistible charm. With a sound that holds a little piece of something for everyone, she nods to her diverse influences while carving out a unique path that is undeniably her own.
Andrew Martinez Andrew Martinez is a Nashville-based folk/Americana artist whose journey into music is as unorthodox as it is inspiring. Originally from Jupiter, Florida, Andrew didn’t grow up strumming a guitar or writing songs. In fact, he spent his early years on the baseball field, playing at the collegiate level before ever considering a career in music. It wasn’t until after graduation that he felt a pull toward something different. With no prior experience, he moved to Nashville, bought his first guitar, and began teaching himself to play and write.
That late start has become the heartbeat of Andrew’s artistry. His songs are grounded in simplicity and soul, centered on honest storytelling rather than flashy production. Influenced by acts like The Lumineers, Bon Iver, Caamp, Zach Bryan, and Jason Isbell, Andrew blends elements of folk, country, and singer-songwriter traditions into a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly raw.
