Growing up on a cotton farm in California might not seem like the best preparation for a songwriting career, but for Ed Hill, BMI’s 2006 Songwriter of the Year, it held plenty of valuable lessons that have helped him rise to the top of his profession. The biggest one probably applied after he had been in Nashville awhile struggling, trying to make things happen and painting houses just to eat. “I was about to leave town,” explains Ed. “It’s just so hard when you start out, and I didn’t really have a Plan B. But I just kept my head down like a farmer, like my daddy, and kept working hard. And if you do that, eventually you’ll work your way into some luck.” Ed had plenty of experience to draw on from his early years as part of the ’70’s Bakersfield scene. He played five nights a week at a club where legends like Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson would sit in with the band, and later joined the famed Palomino Club house band in L.A. Ed became so adept on the keys while out West that he was nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s Piano Player of the Year in 1980 and ’82. Arriving in Nashville in 1986, Ed joined AMR/New Haven Music, and was soon getting cuts by Reba McEntire (“Til Love Comes Again”), Faith Hill (“It Matters to Me”), and John Michael Montgomery (“Be My Baby Tonight”). He also scored hits with Trace Adkins’s “Songs About Me,” and Martina McBride’s “Whatever You Say,” and is currently on the charts with Tracy Lawrence’s comeback hit, “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.” And he has a track on Reba’s upcoming duets album with LeAnn Rimes, “When You Love Somebody Like That.” Known to write a song a week on average, Ed never knows where inspiration will strike, so he follows one strict rule of thumb: “I always make my wife buy me shirts with front pockets on them, and I carry a pen and pad in that pocket, no matter where I go. That way I can just pull it out when I get an idea, which could be at any time. I always have my antennas out…it’s fun!”

After attending the United States Naval Academy Prep School and graduating from Virginia Tech University in '93 with a degree in Ecomomics, Dave made the move to Nashville. He scored his first top ten hit eleven years later in '04 with Darryl Worley's "If Something Should Happen". That same year Trace Adkins recorded "Arlington" which went to #13 on the country charts. Since then Dave has had four #1 singles including "Lucky Man" by Montgomery Gentry, "The Boys Of Fall" by Kenny Chesney, "Old Alabama" by Brad Paisley and Alabama and "Anything Like Me" also recorded by Paisley.  Dave most recently scored the hit “Outskirts Of Heaven" which he co-wrote with Craig Campbell. He has also had numerous other works recorded by such artists as Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Randy Owen, Craig Morgan, Chuck Wicks, Jeff Bates, Trent Willmon, Trent Tomlinson, Larry Stewart, Mark Chesnutt, Mo Pitney, Sheryl Crow, Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Teddy Robb, Tyler Booth, Chris Bandi, Jordan Davis and Tim McGraw.

Emerging from the heart of Arkansas, Sofie Smithson is a powerhouse country vocalist and songwriter leading the breakout band Sofie and The New Relics. With a voice reminiscent of Loretta Lynn and the storytelling spark of Emmylou Harris, Sofie blends classic country soul with modern Americana edge. Sofie sings with charisma and maturity beyond her years, her songwriting tapping into classic themes with modern energy. Reviewers often note her ability to connect with her audience— even as a teen, she performs with the emotional honesty of a seasoned storyteller. Most recently, Sofie signed a publishing deal with Travelin’ Zoo Music, the Nashville-based company founded by Sawyer Brown, marking her entry into the national songwriting conversation.

Solo Lowit is an emerging voice in contemporary country music, blending the soulful twang of traditional country roots and modern storytelling. Growing up in Milton, Georgia, her music is deeply shaped by her southern upbringing. Based in Nashville, Solo is entering her junior year at Belmont University, where she studies Commercial Voice and Music Business. Solo's time at Belmont has afforded her numerous performance opportunities including, being selected for the 2025 season of Belmont Tracks, a prestigious original music showcase recorded live in Belmont’s Gallery of Iconic Guitars, in partnership with Fender, Martin, and Gibson Guitars. Her distinctive sound and vulnerability also earned her national recognition as a Top 15 finalist in the “Search for Dolly,” a nationwide casting call for the role of Dolly Parton in the upcoming Broadway production Dolly: An Original Musical. As a finalist, Solo was invited to audition in New York City for Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher (My Fair Lady, To Kill a Mockingbird, Camelot) and renowned music director Kimberly Grigsby. Solo continues to grow her presence in Nashville’s vibrant music scene, performing regularly in writers' rounds and live band showcases most recently including Belmont’s 2026 Country Showcase at the Fisher Center. Solo has also been honored to have been featured on 94.9 the Bull with both of her singles “Wildflower” and “Someone Else’s Somebody”.