10 Great Independent Songwriters I've Discovered

As an independent singer/songwriter myself, I'm always networking, meeting people, playing gigs and going to see live music. This past year, I've discovered more independent (i.e. "undiscovered") talent than ever and I feel it my duty to share this list of amazing writers with everyone.

1. Amy Kuney
Some may have already heard of Amy Kuney, as her music as been placed in television shows like Gilmore Girls and Passions. I first came across Amy's music while perusing the site, CD Baby. I listened to a few clips of her music and before I knew it, I had ordered a copy of her EP because I thought she was so incredibly talented. I had the pleasure of meeting Amy at a show she performed at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, CA. After months of staying in touch, we ended up playing a show together at The Viper Room in West Hollywood. I remember telling Amy that her voice reminds me of Judy Garland, though she credits some of her influences as Patsy Cline, Fiona Apple and Ella Fitzgerald. Despite any musical influences, Amy Kuney has her own unique talent, and that is evident by the success she continues to achieve.

2. Jeremy Lister
I started seeing Jeremy Lister's name on MySpace quite a bit and finally realized that he is a member of a group called "Movement Nashville," which is a group of Nashville songwriters who are out to prove that Music City is more than hillbilly, honky tonk country music. I recently had the privilege of seeing Jeremy perform at 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill in Nashville, as part of the Tin Pan South Music Festival. His MySpace "influences" section says, "I'll tell you tomorrow," though I would say that I hear quite a bit of Jason Mraz style vocals and melodies. Lister has a voice that soars when it reaches its higher registers and draws you in during the lower tones. His songwriting, passionate singing and apparent kindness towards his audiences makes him seem like the boy next door, if the boy next door has an artsy, edgy, bad boy facade with a soft, caring and charismatic soul that reaches out to people through music.