Beth Snapp Wins 2021 Songwriter Serenade

Beth Snapp, a folk-pop singer-songwriter who hails from northeast Tennessee, took top honors during the 14th annual Songwriter Serenade in Schulenberg, Texas on October 2, 2021. She was chosen from among 15 semifinalists in the songwriting competition by a panel of judges who evaluated them based on lyrics (imagery, story, creativity, and originality), melody (structure, phrasing, and rhythm), and performing ability (vocals, musicianship), as well as stage presence/audience rapport.

“Honestly, it was like oxygen,” said Snapp of her win. “I’m really confused right now. I’m not sure what my path is on this music journey,” she continued. “After this past year, I was starting to think it was a chapter that was slowly closing. Then, I get to this incredible ranch, play for incredible people, meet incredible writers who have also been struggling and re-evaluating life, get feedback from incredible accomplished songwriters, and cherry on top? Winning? Are you kidding me? All I can say is it truly was life giving…I could breathe, and I was energized to keep going for a while. I haven’t felt that energy in a long time, and I’m beyond grateful. I also have more great friends, and that’s an amazing feeling.”

Snapp, who also was a Songwriter Serenade finalist last year, told AcousticMusicScene.com that she has always made it a habit to dig deep into the music and musings that have inspired and sustained her. She’s drawn accolades and kudos from those who have found themselves enticed by her accessible fusion of folk, bluegrass, roots and pure pop. Named a semi-finalist in the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Competition in 2019, Snapp was selected by the Tennessee Department of Tourism and the Bluebird Cafe as the 2020 Tennessee Songwriter’s Week Showcase Winner and was listed among Music Connection’s Hot 100 Unsigned Artists of 2020. She was also a finalist in last year’s Songwriter Serenade.

Taking second through eighth place, respectively, in this year’s Songwriter Serenade were Lindsay Foote, Mike Ryan, Shanna in a Dress, Cari Ray, Chris Moyse, Grace Morrison, and Daniel Neihoff. In ninth through 15th place – in alphabetical order – were Campbell Davis, Wyatt Espalin, Claire Kelly, Alicia Stockman, Sara Van Buskirk, and Abbye West Pates.

Prize monies were awarded to all of the finalists, while Snapp was also afforded the opportunity to perform as the opening act during the judges’ show at the TR Ranch in Halletsville in the evening following the songwriter competition.

There were no fees to enter the annual competition that was established in 2007 to provide performing songwriters with a platform to showcase their skills before their peers, a panel of esteemed judges (Josh Grider, Kim Richey, and Walt Wilkins), and an appreciative audience of Americana, folk and roots music lovers.