HOOKED! 2024 Top 10 will be announced Sep 6!
HOOKED! 2023 Top 10
2023 TOP 10:
RILEY BRAKER
Song: In the Dark
Riley has been playing and singing in front of people for as long as she can remember, writing her first original song before the age of ten. She realized songwriting was her passion in 2020 when she wrote the first song she released, “Love’s Gone Cold”, which was awarded an Honorable Mention from Mizzou’s Creating Original Music Project. She has since taken her first trip to the Music City, following the release of her song “Never Been To Nashville”. Riley has recently released her first of a two-part project while working with her producer out of Nashville. You can stream “X’s: Pt. 1” on all streaming platforms now as you stay tuned for part two!
2023 TOP 10:
JALEESA SMITH
Song: You Need Me
Jaleesa Smith is a 21 year old singer/songwriter from Harrison, Tennessee. She has been singing since she was a child, in both school and church choirs. Jaleesa got into songwriting in high school while working with a friend on a song and instantly fell in love with the craft. She loves many different genres of music; however, her music is heavily influenced by R&B artists of both today and earlier decades. Some of her favorite artists include Jhené Aiko, SZA, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and many more. Jaleesa is currently studying Music Composition with an Emphasis in Songwriting and is also getting a minor in Sound Recording and Engineering at Webster University.
Jaleesa hopes to pursue a career in music as both a performer and a songwriter who writes not only for herself but for others as well. She hopes to write music that people not only enjoy but can also relate to and sympathize with.
2023 TOP 10:
CALEB WILLIAMS
Song: The Waiting
Hi, I'm Caleb Williams. I'm an Arkansas boy that lives right here in the great Ozarks! I've been singing since early elementary school. Started with singing hymns in church. This soon led to a desire to learn guitar and I picked that up around 9th grade. My songwriting started with metal music around that time, but within the past 6 years shifted to indie/singer/songwriter material. I've been writing, singing, playing shows, and perfecting my craft for around 14 years. I'm now married to a lovely woman named Brittany with one child named Iris, and serve at a small House of Prayer called WellSpring Community in Harrison, AR where I help lead worship and assist in prayer room ministry. Though I'm much busier than I used to be, I still try to write music when I can. I released my first ever written, produced, mixed, and mastered (by me) album called 41 in February this year. Now as an adult, after over 14 years of doing this, I pray that the song you hear today speaks to the depths of your soul, and that you can relate to both the words and instrumentation. Thanks for supporting local music!
2023 TOP 10:
STEPHEN MCKAY
Song: Happy Ever After
Stephen McKay is a Singer-Songwriter hailing from the vibrant city of Cincinnati, Ohio. With a passion for music that stems back to his earliest years, Stephen's journey as a songwriter has spanned over two decades.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Stephen discovered his love for writing lyrics when he was just a student in elementary school. Inspired by his own life experiences, he began crafting heartfelt and relatable songs that captured the essence of his emotions. As he matured, so did his lyrical prowess, allowing him to masterfully convey the complexities of love, personal growth, and the power of maintaining an optimistic and hopeful outlook on life.
Drawing inspiration from renowned musical acts such as Maroon 5, Ed Patrick, Imagine Dragons, and others, Stephen McKay's unique sound blends elements of contemporary pop with heartfelt lyricism. His music effortlessly combines catchy melodies with introspective and empowering themes, creating a captivating sonic experience for his listeners.
One of Stephen's defining characteristics as an artist is his ability to shed light on various perspectives and encourage his audience to view the world through a different lens. Through his music, he aims to inspire positive change and personal transformation. Whether he is exploring themes of love, self-discovery, or social commentary, Stephen's lyrics are always imbued with a sense of authenticity and emotion.
With more than two decades of songwriting experience under his belt, Stephen McKay Clark continues to write music that resonates with his audience on a profound level. His commitment to crafting soul-stirring melodies and lyrics has earned him a dedicated following who appreciate his ability to touch hearts and minds through his art.
As Stephen McKay Clark continues to evolve as an artist, his music remains a beacon of hope, reminding us all to embrace the beauty of life and encouraging us to see the world from a different point of view. Through his poetic lyrics and captivating melodies, he invites us to embark on a transformative musical journey that leaves an indelible mark on our souls.
2023 TOP 10:
TUCKER TILLIS
Song: Goldilocks
There is no lyrical mind quite like the one belonging to Tucker Tillis, a member of the well-known, musically talented, Tillis family and a prime example of the quality stock of local songwriters that make their homes in the Ozarks. Shaped by entertaining concepts and unique perspectives, the words that come from his pen never fail to make his audience react in spectacular ways. These songs are paired marvelously with a beautifully versatile voice, combining into memorable tunes and leaving an indelible mark on all his listeners. Tucker returns to the competition this year to share a new crowd favorite that is sure to stir the heart and stimulate thought.
2023 TOP 10:
LUKE SWOFFORD
Song: Oh No!
With a voice as smooth as silver and melodies that are endlessly sing-a-longable, 20-year-old songster Luke Garrett Swofford — most just call him Swofford — is the future of music in vintage clothes. Slick as a night drive, Swofford’s music melds the nostalgia of 1980s synth pop and the *insanely* catchy hooks of early-2010s electro pop, drawing upon super-producers like Max Martin. Once you listen, there’s no getting these songs out of your head!
2023 TOP 10:
ERICH EASTMAN
Song: It’ll Be Alright
Erich Eastman is a freelance musician and composer, specializing in choral music, guitar, vocals, saxophone, songwriting, recording, and music production. As a multifaceted musician, he aspires to never stop honing his craft and uniting people through music, while also empowering other musicians and students to realize their potential. Erich holds the Bachelor of Science in Music with a minor in General Business from Missouri State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Music Composition at Missouri State, where he is an instructor of music theory.
2023 TOP 10:
TRAVIS HOWARD
Song: Anybody
Travis Howard, a midwest native, has always been drawn to music. From a young age, alongside friends and family, Travis became a self taught musician with a love for country to pop, and everything in between.Over the years, Travis has taken his singer songwriter mentality and honed in on a sound that fits and feels right for him now. He has reimagined himself as a country artist, with a fervent love for the songwriting process.
2023 TOP 10:
ADAM CARPENTER (& DOUG JACKSON)
Song: Pardon the Mess
I'm a 34 year old realtor from Springfield, MO. I'm married with 4 kids and have been writing music for close to 12 years. I played college basketball and suffered a knee injury my Junior year. That's when I got my first guitar, learned to play a few chords and started writing. Ever since then I've been HOOKED.
2023 TOP 10:
ANNIE WILLIAMS
Song: May
Hi, my name is Annie Williams.
I’m 23 years old. And I live just outside a small town called Stockton, MO.
My hobbies include sewing, gardening, knitting, cooking, and of course, music. Basically, I’m a grandma.
I have a lot of siblings, cousins, and friends who fill my days with endless adventures. From kayaking to quad riding, there’s a lot of fun to be had here.
I work as an office manager at a cabin rental business by Stockton Lake. It’s beautiful there and I love my job!
Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by music. My Grandma Kay taught her 8 beautiful daughters to sing. And I remember countless days of sitting in my Grandmas yard, next to her old summer kitchen, listening to my aunties sing.
My cousins and I wanted to be just like them. So as we grew up, they taught us their amazing gift. My little sister, two of my cousins, and myself eventually formed a singing group. We sang for church services, talent shows, and every family party. They called us the Williams Sisters. But we should have just been called Kay’s Granddaughters because she was the inspiration.
After years of singing, we all went our different ways and we rarely sing together anymore, but the love we have for each other and for music is still there.
I love singing and I love writing songs. I don’t remember when I started because it’s just always been a part of me. But my real dream is actually to be a teacher and one day, a mother.
So I do these competitions and performances because I want to teach my students to be brave and to step into their own spotlights. And I want stories to tell my children.
HOOKED! 2022 Top 10
2022 WINNER:
TREVOR VENERABLE
Song: I’m Not You
Trevor is a native of Des Moines Iowa, who has resided in Branson for the past 16 years. He is a graduate of School of the Ozarks’ class of 2018 and will graduate from Liberty University in the Spring of 2022, with a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies (emphasis in Business and Biblical studies). In his spare time he enjoys experimenting with audio software, computer graphics, and web design. He is currently working to build a website for musicians to network and exchange resources. He is also in the process of writing and producing his first album. Ultimately, he hopes that these projects will glorify God and affect culture in meaningful, positive ways.
2022 Second Place:
ERICH EASTMAN
Song: Fever Dreams
Erich Eastman is a soon-to-be graduate of Missouri State University, where he will complete a Bachelor's of Science in Music with a minor in General Business. He will also be pursuing a Master's Degree in Music Composition at Missouri State, and currently works as an Audio/Video Technician, vocalist, and freelance musician. Erich strives to pursue every musical opportunity possible, as he has lived and breathed music since the age of 8. He is now proficient at a multitude of instruments - including guitar, bass, percussion, saxophone, keyboard, vocals, and even beatboxing - and has performed at least once with all of them. Erich aspires to become a professional composer/songwriter, and he is honored to have been selected as a Top 10 candidate for the 2022 HOOKED! Songwriting Contest.
2022 Third Place (Tie):
LILYBELLE
Song: Enough Again
Lilybelle is an American singer/songwriter from Springfield, MO. Her songs incorporate pop, folk, punk and rock influences. A Top 10 finalist in the 2020 HOOKED! Songwriting Contest, the essence of Lilybelle’s musical approach is to tell simple, important and under-communicated truths in anthemic and moving ways. Lilybelle’s goal in writing is that even the heaviest songs she writes possess an underlying hope, constantly communicating with a sincerity that reminds the listener of their value.
2022 Third Place (Tie):
TUCKER TILLIS
Song: Geometric Blues
Music runs in the Tillis family and Tucker is no exception. Born in the Florida Everglades but raised in the Ozarks, Tucker has found his true home in these melodic hills. He began playing guitar as a hobby at 23 and quickly adapted a love of poetry into songwriting. Playing at open mic nights and around the campfire, Tucker shares his unique sound and a multitude of genres. Don't be surprised if you hear Folk, followed by Reggae, followed by New Orleans style Jazz. Along with diverse sounds come diverse subject matters. Tucker likes to play off of musical tropes in unique ways by subverting expectations and using unsung moods. When you listen to one of his songs, he hopes you'll walk away not just entertained, but left pondering.
2022 Top 10:
BETH CARPENTER
A native Texan, Beth’s passion for music began before she started taking piano lessons in third grade, and there was always an innate desire to master the keys. At age fifteen, she taught herself how to play guitar and started writing and performing original songs. In 2013, she became a published songwriter for the first time when two of her original songs were produced on her church's Christmas Album ("Who Is This King?"). In 2011, she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Texas Woman’s University, and during her post-grad work as an Executive Assistant, began pursuing her dream of teaching music lessons part-time. She opened her own full-time private lessons studio in Colleyville, Texas in 2017 and has taught piano, guitar, voice, and songwriting lessons to over 200 students across the United States since then. In early 2020, Beth took the leap to move from her Texas hometown to the beautiful Ozarks, where she soon met her husband, Andrew. In her spare time, she enjoys using her creativity in the kitchen, volunteering at church, and going on walks with their shih tzu Eliza Doolittle.
2022 Top 10:
COOPER KILLIAN & AIDEN FRAZEE
Kansas City's based songwriters Cooper Killian and Aiden Frazee are the architects behind their vibrant spunky sound. They are powered by their unbreakable friendship that allows them to make seamless songs that combine stories of the joys and heartbreaks in their lives.
Cooper and Aiden met a few years back at a dance workshop and their friendship was instantaneous. Cooper has always been able to express his feelings through dance but has also been able to express himself by writing his feelings on paper through lyrics. Aiden loves to dance as well but singing and making music is his true passion.
Cooper and Aiden have now written over twenty songs together and continue to work on more in hopes of releasing an album soon.
HOOKED! will be the duo's first songwriting competition but they are excited and humbled to be a part of this wonderful opportunity.
2022 Top 10:
JERRY FOSHEE
I was born and raised in central Arkansas, and currently reside in Conway. A friend encouraged me to submit a song to ‘Hooked’ and after considering it for a while I decided to go ahead and do so. Since then I have become increasing excited about the opportunity. I do not consider myself an entertainer or performer, and there is some angst about the performance portion of the process. Nonetheless, I always want to present my song creations in the best light possible and ‘Hooked’ seems to be a good venue to do just that. I love to write songs and although I am not a prolific wordsmith, I feel that God has gifted me with a certain amount of talent in this area. My goal is simple: For songs to be picked up and recorded/performed by likeminded artists. A well written song speaks a language of emotion, conveying feelings like nothing else can do. It touches the hearts of people across generations without animus or prejudice. That’s why I love to write and compose songs. Besides, who doesn’t want to live beyond their days? Songwriters don’t really die…they simply live on in the life of their music.
I classify my songs as love-songs, breakup-songs, inspirational-songs, and/or specialty-songs.The song “Fly To Where You’re Goin” falls into the last two categories listed.It is born out of the pain that so many have experienced in the loss of loved ones and friends in our nation and beyond because of the Covid pandemic.Yet in the lyric there is encouragement and hope for those who have gone on as well as for what lies ahead in our own futures.
2022 Top 10:
JESSICA ZITTING
Jessica Zitting is a 20 year old girl from Stockton, MO. Her passion for music began when she started taking piano lessons at the age of 8. At 14 she picked up the ukulele, which she immediately fell in love with. Jessica wrote her first song at 16 years old and enjoyed it so much she wrote more. As Jessica grows as a person her music evolves with her, which is one reason she loves songwriting.
2022 Top 10:
LAYNE VICTORIA
Layne Victoria is Christian singer/songwriter based out of southwest MO. Her musical style has been compared to Lauren Daigle and Kari Jobe, and she lists a few of her influences as Shane & Shane and Rascal Flatts. Layne is passionate about sharing sound truth and Christ-centered hope through her lyrics in the midst of a confusing and broken world. Her desire is that her songwriting may assist in championing the cause for biblically rich lyrics in high-quality, mainstream Christian music and worship. Her prayer is to fully step into the calling God has placed in her, in order to point to Jesus and be an encouragement to others. Layne has sung for many crowds on various stages, but HOOKED! is her first time sharing original music publicly. She is grateful for that opportunity!
2022 Top 10:
WILLIAM J THE POET
William Kitchin (aka. Poet), was born in Erie, PA. And raised in Cleveland, OH. Poet started writing lyrics and poetry in 7th grade. He's very influenced by many genres of music, writing, and arts in general. In 2003 His mother and him moved to Clearwater, FL. Where his writing capabilities would be matched with the Tampa Hip-Hop scene. With the help of his peers and sound engineers his poetry was quickly turned into emotion filled hip-hop music that mostly anyone can relate to. With his thoughtful niche to turn pain, or sadness, or elation into words that most people want to but can't. He hopes to touch people through his music that otherwise thought they were alone in their struggles. His musical influences are the likes of Johnny Cash, Tupac Shakur, Van Morrison, Lauryn Hill, and Corey Taylor (of slipknot).
HOOKED! 2020 Top 10
2020’s diverse and talented Top 10 were selected by our Submissions Judges from a very competitive field of applicants.
2020 Winner:
DARBY DOUGHERTY
Song: Wasted Time
Bio: Born and raised in Branson, MO Darby Dougherty is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter who focuses on writing songs that honestly express the human experience. She believes the world needs more honesty, openness, and empathy, and attempts to bring that through both her music and personal interactions. “I’m just a human being trying to love other human beings.”
Darby won HOOKED! 2020 with “Wasted Time” and is now working on her debut EP. She will also be a feature performer at HOOKED! 2022.
2020 Second Place: D’NADRE BELL
Song: Undeserving
Bio: Hailing from New Bern, North Carolina, singer-songwriter Shawntez D'Nadre Bell has an extraordinary aptitude for putting emotions and life experiences to sound. With a pen full of lyrical ink, Shawntez's knack for songwriting is inspired by his faith and desire to model authentic relationship with Jesus.
In New Bern, Shawntez graduated from college with a degree in music and math education. Soon after, he discovered a passion for theatre and performed as both a cast member and musical director in a variety of productions: (Bye, Bye Birdie, Hair Spray, Songs for a New World, My Fair Lady), to name a few. In addition, Shawntez served as a Music and Theatre teacher for students ranging from preschool to the 12th grade at St. Paul Catholic School; all while serving as the Minister of Music at Abundant Life Miracle Center. Today you can find Shawntez writing music, creating shows, learning new instruments, and playing the role of Ham in Sight and Sound Theatre’s production of Noah.
Shawntez brings a truly bona fide and transparent story to his sound inspired by talents such as Tori Kelly, Mali Music, Jonathan McReynolds, and Amy Winehouse. Through the exposition of life lessons set to music, Shawntez’s lyricism and melodies offer hope for what seems like dead-end circumstances and language to those who otherwise find difficulty in articulating their hearts. Shawntez D’Nadre Bell counts it a privilege and honor to participate in this year’s HOOKED! Songwriting Contest.
2020 Third Place:
JAIDYN LABORDE
Song: You’re My Kind of Christmas
Bio: My name is Jaidyn LaBorde. I recently turned 17 years old and I have a passion for Jesus, music, animals, and people. I currently have 2 albums and am in the process of recording my 3rd. I like to sing and play Christian Country and Contemporary music.
I have been singing in churches and public since I was about 7 when I lived in Alabama, then when we moved to Missouri, God truly laid it on my heart to do music ministry. I've been full time ministry for almost 5 years now.
I belong to a few music associations and have earned quite a few awards, but truly the best, most honorable award is to see souls saved through music the Lord has given me.
I am homeschooled and travel a lot singing. When I am home I train horses and dogs and ride my horses.
2020 Top 10: LILYBELLE
Hi friends! My name is Lily Belle. I’ve only been writing music for a few years, but I’ve been performing ever since I can remember. Growing up, my family would sing in harmony and perform at little restaurants and events. But performing an original song publicly is new to me! I was homeschooled pretty much my whole life, then graduated from College of the Ozarks with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. My first summer graduated, I used my savings and took the summer off. That’s when I got bit by the songwriting bug! I released my debut album, The Sunshine Projects, in the summer of 2018, along with the music video “Good Morning”. Since then, I haven’t been able to stop writing! My hope is that the audience will be able to relate to the lyrics and dance in their seats with me. Most of my songs are pretty lighthearted and fun, but my hope is that I can communicate joy and little bits of important truth through my music. God created music, and I want every word I sing to be something He’d sing along with! Thanks for the opportunity!
2020 Top 10: KENNADI
I have loved singing and songwriting since I was a little girl, from church choir to dressing up as Hannah Montana for a music video contest; I have loved music and performance since day one. I have spent most of my life on many stages. Singing in my moms band, national anthems, theatre productions, competitions. Music has been an amazing outlet to express my creativity. I have struggled with anxiety for a while now and writing about those struggles has been a form of therapy for me. I am so grateful that music is so prominent in my life, it’s why I wake up everyday.
2020 Top 10:
TREVOR VENERABLE
Trevor Venerable is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Branson, Missouri. He believes that living well means loving well; and what better way to share love than through music? From a young age, he has taken a special interest in anything that can play or capture music. Some of his interests include philosophy and multimedia production.
When he is not studying for school, he is working on refining his sound and developing new skills. While he does hope to have a successful career as a solo artist, another dimension to this vision is helping to build the dreams of other creators by offering his skills as a producer and engineer. Ultimately, Trevor cares most about honoring God with what He has given, and he can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
2020 Top 10:
ZACHARY SIMPSON
My name is Zachary Simpson. I am twenty five years old. I was born in Branson and raised back and forth in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. My life was difficult all through my childhood. We, (my brothers and I) were in and out of the hands of the state and living between houses and hotels. My parents did there best, but because of circumstances they unfortunately had no way of making ends meet. They were extremely talented musicians and highly esteemed artist in many places. They gave me my gift for music and for that I am forever thankful. I now am unfortunately dealing with some health issues and have allowed my music slip. I Hadn’t participated in a music competitions or workshops for several years. Now thanks to Brydon encouraging me to compete I’m back living my dream. At this time I live in Forsyth and I have a wife and a baby on the way, his name is Xaden Simpson. I’m currently looking for ways to dive into music more in depth. This is a perfect opportunity for me to get back in and share my feelings and life through my music. Without music, I am nothing more than a human with no direction. “Music is my way of inspiring and educating people on the reality of life. “
2020 Top 10:
JESSICA ZITTING
Jessica Zitting is an 18 year old girl from Stockton, MO. Her passion for music began when she started taking piano lessons at the age of 8. At 14 she picked up the ukulele, which she immediately fell in love with. Eager to share her love for music, Jessica entered every community and church talent show she could. She started to write her own songs in late 2018 and although the writing process can be slow, she hasn't quit. In the future Jessica wants to change the life of at least one person with her music; even if that person is her.
2020 Top 10:
LARRY DORAN
Larry was given a guitar at the age of seven on the condition he would promise to learn to play it. Hestruggled, but finally developed his own unique method. His first band was “The Casuals” a four-piece rock and roll band that performed successfully all over North Texas and Oklahoma in the early 60’s. He was married to Karen for 40 years before he discovered her talent for harmony! She thought she might escape becoming his harmony singer by saying she would, but only on the condition that Larry appear in the Community Theater productions she directed. He agreed, and as a result, their duet “The Mellow D’s” was created! That collaboration continued for 16 years before moving to Branson.
They’ve been inducted into America’s Old-Time Country Music Hall of Fame by the NationalTraditional CMA. The NTCMA and the Nebraska Country Music Foundation have awarded themBest Country Music Duet, Best Gospel Duet, Best Male Vocalist, and Best Songwriter honors. Traveling nationwide, they specialized in music of the 50’s and 60’s, performing Classic CountryMusic, Golden-Oldies Rock and Roll, Celebration Gospel, and original tunes written by Larry.
Their shows are always family-friendly and include a healthy dose of humor, usually with anunexpected twist due to Larry’s love of wit, puns, and those terrible “Dad Jokes”. Their most recent adventure took them to Eureka Springs, Arkansas where they performed a pre-show for the Great Passion Play! It was an honor and an occasion they will never forget. They currently perform regularly via Facebook Live. Those performances can be seen live or by going to the video section of the Branson Hollister Senior Center’s Facebook page. And now, they’ve been selected as finalists to perform at the HOOKED! Songwriting Contest!!
2020 Top 10:
TRAVIS HOWARD
Travis Howard, a midwest native, has always been drawn to music. From a young age, alongside friends and family, Travis became a self taught musician with a love from country to pop, and everything in between. His parents, both traveling musicians, always encouraged him to learn and grow as an artist, but bouncing from band to band and often on his own from time to time, Travis never really found exactly what he was looking for until recently. Now as a husband and father of three, and after taking some time off to find his path, he has a direction that is exciting and new and he is ready to share his stories again.