National Songwriters

Troy Castellano originally from Minnesota, now living and working in Nashville TN is a dynamic songwriter and music artist known for his rich blend of rock, country, and Americana. His music resonates with heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and a soulful, gritty vocal style that captivates listeners. Castellano’s songs often reflect personal experiences and universal themes of love, resilience, and the human spirit, making his music both relatable and deeply moving. In his rock-influenced tracks, Troy showcases energetic guitar riffs and powerful rhythms that drive his songs forward, creating an electrifying atmosphere. His country roots shine through in the storytelling aspect of his music, where each song unfolds like a narrative, drawing listeners into vivid scenes and emotions. The Americana influence adds a layer of authenticity and timelessness, blending traditional sounds with contemporary elements. Troy Castellano’s versatility as an artist is evident in his ability to seamlessly transition between genres, delivering performances that are both passionate and polished. Whether performing solo or with a band, his live shows are known for their high energy and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

2024 PBSF NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNER: FIRST PLACE, YOUTH

Molly Baker is a 16 year old singer songwriter from Washington DC. Picking up the piano, guitar, and singing from an early age, has led her to the love of songwriting. Molly releases original music on all streaming platforms and performs her original songs at live shows on a regular basis. She is influenced by other female artists that write their own songs such as Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish, and Stevie Nicks. Her original songs relate to personal teenage experiences, as well as being inspired from books, tv shows, and movies. “I am beyond excited to be a part of the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival 2024.”

2024 PBSF NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNER: (TIE) FIRST PLACE, COUNTRY

Growing up in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains, the Belton, SC native was heavily influenced by Traditional Country Music, Piedmont Blues, Southern Rock, and Roots Music. He was inspired by a multitude of artists and songwriters ranging from blues musician Jimmy Reed to country-rocker Dwight Yoakam, along with songwriters Billy Joe Shaver, Dean Dillon, and Kris Kristofferson.

In 2016 Marty had 4 original songs featured in the movie “Elbow Grease” starring Burt Reynolds. Take Me As I Am, I’ll Be Fine, When Love Came Rollin In, and If You Ever Change Your Mind were prominent throughout in the film.

2024 PBSF NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNER: JIM PASQUALE HORIZON AWARD

Kiersi Joli has been playing harmonica since the age of 6. At age 9 she became the youngest Hohner Harmonica endorser & still holds that title today! At 11 years old she also became the only endorser for Dyna-mic harmonica microphones. Now at 16, Kiersi impresses every time she takes the stage with her undeniable tone & skillful harmonica paired with her dynamic vocals that clearly surpass her age. She is already a seasoned performer & has been invited to play alongside Jamey Johnson & The Loving Mary Band. Kiersi has also performed on “Show-Me-St.Louis” TV show & on Heidi Newfield’s “Barfly Sessions”. Kiersi performs a variety of musical genres but primarily stays in the Blues, Blues rock & Americana area. Drawing inspiration from a variety of musical influences while demonstrating an obvious connection to some genuine soulful blues, Kiersi is beginning to bring her own sound to the stage that is drawing in a fan base of all ages! Kiersi continues to evolve as a musician as she is also doing session harmonica work for other artists & as a singer/songwriter/performer.

Kiersi was the artist chosen to represent the Nashville Blues & Roots Alliance to perform at The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis and at the Women In Blues Showcase in January 2024.

Kiersi has been invited to work with Banner Music Publishing and has been involved in co-writes with their staff songwriters & their takeover songwriter rounds. She also is a regular with Music Row Freakshow at The Local & numerous other songwriters rounds & showcases throughout the Nashville area.  Additionally, in May ‘24 Kiersi was invited to perform at the Opelika, AL songwriter Fest and the North Central Women In Blues fest in Gainesville FL. She was also a featured artist on Friday, Saturday & Sunday at the Black Mountain Blues Festival in North Carolina 7/12-14.

Kiersi has just released “Hey There Blues” & will be releasing award winning song “Took A Man” this August ‘24 & more to follow!

You definitely want to be sure to keep an eye on Kiersi, as she is on the verge of being the next up & coming artist!

2024 PBSF NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNER, FIRST PLACE: FOLK

Christopher “Burris” Hochkeppel is a singer-songwriter from Lafayette, Louisiana. He studied music education at Louisiana State University and now resides in New Orleans, LA where he teaches and plays regularly. As a multi-instrumentalist, Chris writes, records, and performs in many different acts, but his main project is the New Orleans based roots-rock group, Burris. Described as “a gumbo of music!” The band mixes soulful vocals with jazz harmonies and funk grooves. With modern influences like Wilco, Jason Mraz, and Ray LaMontagne as well as older influences like the Funky Meters and Blood Sweat and Tears, Burris combines generations of music from all types of genres to create a unique southern sound.

The most recent full length album by Burris, “Over You” was recorded at the legendary Studio In The Country with producer/engineer, Chris Finney and has had tracks featured on The Syfy Channel, Lifetime Network, WGNO News with a Twist, Inside New Orleans, and 504 TV, and has charted top 150 on NACC Radio Charts. Currently Burris is working on a string of EP and single releases starting with “The Palace Sessions” released in spring 2024. The nationally touring artist has performed at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest, French Quarter Fest, Festival International, Bethlehem’s Musikfest and more. Burris has also performed on stages such as The Legendary Howlin’ Wolf NOLA, Rockwood Music Hall NYC, ISIS Music Hall Asheville, and The Listening Room Café Nashville. Chris is a member of the Recording Academy and is an activist in supporting arts and music education in Louisiana.

2024 PBSF NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNER – FIRST PLACE: GOSPEL

Naomie, originally from Connecticut and now based in Pennsylvania with her family, is a devoted wife and mother of four. From a young age in a Haitian household, she honed her musical talents, mastering piano, violin, and guitar.

Influenced by artists like Kim Walker-Smith and Yolanda Adams, Naomie’s music blends contemporary styles with soulful classics, reflecting her journey as a single mother balancing IT work and a call to worship leadership. Her debut EP, “Diamond in the Rough,” released in 2021, shares her faith journey and was followed by impactful singles like “Someday” and “Show Up.”

Nominated for WVIU Music Awards and with songs reaching a global audience, Naomie’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies continue to resonate. Her latest release, “Holy (My heart is singing),” showcases her growth as an artist. With humility and gratitude, Naomie looks forward to sharing more uplifting music and making a lasting impact in the industry.

As she welcomes a new addition to her family, Naomie remains dedicated to her craft, aiming to inspire others through her music.

2024 NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNER – FIRST PLACE/BLUES

Independent Musical performing artist, SYNC LICENSING STRATEGIST, Singer-
Songwriter, music producer, Wabash Hammer Acoustic Rhythm Guitar Stylist, veteran
Blues & Roots creator, Mezzo Soprano with lyric soprano embellishments, whose
polished mellow tones, stirringly soulful plaintive strains, energizing and authentic stage presence, and relatable, story shaping lyrics bring spontaneity and vibrancy to the traditional art of acoustic instrumental and vocal blues and roots. Honored and on fire to be a part of Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival 2024.

Nashville-based recording artist Kaitlyn Croker makes her Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival debut, adding to her list of high profile stages.  Complementing her ongoing writing sessions in Music City, playing writers nights and other events there, and releasing original music, the singer, songwriter, guitar player has been performing at notable venues and events.  Of note on the growing list are the famed Bluebird Café in Nashville, the fabled FloraBama (on the Alabama/Florida border), an event on the legendary Johnny Cash’s farm, performing as part of an event in Nashville that also included Ashley McBryde, plus, having opened for Shenandoah (in Alabama), GRAMMY winner Rhonda Vincent (in Alabama), and “The Voice” winner Todd Tilghman (in Knoxville).  Learn more about her at www.KaitlynCroker.com and use the links there to connect with her across her social media channels.

Southeastern Ohio grown and Nashville based country singer/songwriter/producer Ryan Robinette, has now accumulated over 75 million streams as an artist and over 350 million as a writer. Ryan has consistently been playlisted on major playlists across Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, Tidal & YouTube/VEVO. Ryan’s debut music video spent 3 weeks in VEVO’s Top 10 in Country alongside Kane Brown, Brett Young and Dustin Lynch. Ryan has had four Top 10 iTunes Albums & three Top 25 iTunes Albums. You can also find Ryan’s entire catalog of over 60 releases on AMI Jukeboxes across the nation, one of the few independent artists to accomplish that feat, due to high demand. He’s written songs for several other artists including Billboard Top 10 “I Kinda Don’t” by Alexandra Kay (Independent But One of the most followed female country artists on TikTok now), “Georgia” by Sean Stemaly (Big Loud Records) and “I Can Teach Ya” by Tyler Rich (Big Machine Records), Ryan has made a name for himself both nationally and internationally. He continues to steadily grow his social media following (now over 350,000 followers) while touring nationally/internationally. Most recently, he was able to successfully create his own music festival and brand “Just A Kid From Ohio”. He continues to produce and writer for other artists as well, while continuing to tour and self manage, self book and self promote.