It is rare to find a music artist so unique that you have to come up with a new phrase to classify their sound. Such is the case for Erisa Rei, a professional vocalist and songwriter firmly established in the Americana genre but possessing a sound that can be described only as “homegrown soul”. Whether she is performing at the legendary Blue Bird Café in Nashville or entertaining fans while touring Europe, Erisa’s down-to-earth personality and lyrical storytelling have helped audiences discover a genuine and authentic connection with her. She was even a finalist in the 2016 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

Lilly Kopp, art-pop singer-songwriter from central IL, has been moved by music from a tender, young age. Self-taught, her piano stylings are a clever amalgam of Elton John, and the classical music that she heard daily as a ballet student. With her unique view of life, she stands out among peers, as having poignant lyrics, that some say are reminiscent of Joni Mitchell. An old soul, her mission is to create art in the form of music in order to inspire and ignite creativity. “My world of music is like a canvas that my emotions find their way to,” she says, “It expresses my feelings in hues more vibrant than paint could convey”.