Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards 2022 Scholarships to ASCAP Songwriters to Lexi Jayde, Kareen Lomax, Ron Artis II & Allyson Latini

Abe Olman Scholarship Recipients: Lexi Jayde & Kareen Lomax

About Lexi Jayde

Lexi Jayde is an artist/writer based in LA and signed to the Artist Partner Group. She recently finished a tour with Adam Melchor and landed her first cut as a songwriter with “Frankenstein” by Claire Rosinkranz. She released her debut EP “a teenage diary" in July and is featured on the single “On Repeat” with Goody Grace & Cigarettes After Sex. Lexi, who boasts over 2+ million followers across social media have created an ever-evolving sound that immerses listeners in the world of the average teenager. Growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, the 19-year-old contributes artists like Clairo, Tame Impala, Lennon Stella, and Fleetwood Mac to her personable and intimate music inspired by the California sun. As she experiences life, Lexi finds herself fighting the duality of youth and becoming an adult. Speaking for the voice of GenZ, Lexi is personable, honest, and open about her struggles and insecurities. A true artist, her music is timeless. Lexi released her breakthrough single “drunk text me” in early January, which has amassed over 17 million streams. Her new single “hate to be you” is out now.

TikTok // Twitter // Spotify // YouTube // Facebook // Instagram // Apple Music

About Kareen Lomax

Kareen Lomax comes from humble beginnings working six days a week as a dog groomer in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.  Whenever she had free time - in between shifts, long family car trips, etc. -  Kareen would write her life experiences in song form as she found it to be the most authentic way to articulate what she was feeling at any given moment.  That vulnerability, coupled with Kareen’s unique androgynous vocal tone, soon caught the attention of one of the world’s most famous Producers, Diplo.  It was time to trade in the dog grooming shears for a full-time pursuit of a music career. 

Diplo and Kareen quickly formed a bond, and it led to making three songs on Diplo's latest album, including “Looking For Me,” a platinum-certified song that she wrote and featured on with Diplo and UK Producer Paul Woolford.  “Looking For Me” became a Top 5 record on the UK Charts, Number 1 on the UK Shazam chart, and Number 1 on the US Dance Airplay chart.   Kareen has gone on to release a 7 song EP of her own entitled “Hard Feelings” and has written for the likes of Maroon 5, Syd, PRETTYMUCH, Leon Bridges, Kavinsky, and more.   

Kareen is currently writing her debut album, which is set to release in 2022.  

Spotify // Instagram // YouTube

Bill Withers Scholarship Recipient: Ron Artis II

The Bill Withers Scholarship, as intended by Bill's wife Marcia Withers and their daughter, singer-songwriter Kori Withers, is one whose work emulates the eloquence of songwriting together with the spirit and soul that defines the songs of Bill Withers.

About Ron Artis II

To say that acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ron Artis II plays music from his heart and soul would be a bit of an understatement. With his family upbringing in Hawaii and incredible early success, you may even say it has been preordained. So how does one of the great musical talents of his generation come seemingly out of nowhere? Well, that part of the mystery is easy to solve. He’s been paradise’s best-kept secret for years and now he’s finally making big waves on the mainland and beyond.

Ron is a multi-instrumentalist who grew up in Hawaii among an exceptionally musical family. Full band, trio, or solo, Ron has performed and collaborated with Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), Jack Johnson, Jake Shimabukuro, Booker T Jones, Eric Krasno (Soulive, Lettuce), and G Love among others. If this wasn’t a rich line-up of names, go spend a few moments reading the lyrics to Ron’s songs. Each song is laced with intention, deep conviction, story, and a heart that has truly been there.

If you’ve been to one of Ron’s shows, then you may have had the immense pleasure of seeing a daughter or two take to the stage with her father. In fact, being on the road is a family affair. With 4 studio albums, 60+ songs, 1000s of flights, 100,000s diapers, and 15 countries, Ron and his family [full band included] continue to live by preparation and faith. Holding each day and person they meet with immense privilege, not to be taken for granted, they look forward to meeting and delighting audiences around the world.

Website // Instagram // YouTube

NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award Recipient: 

The NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award is presented to music composition students whose work holds great potential for success in the field, and embodies the art, craft, individuality and qualities of communication of the best songwriting.

About Allyson Latini

Influenced by the tradition of Jazz vocalists, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Doris Day, and Sarah Vaughn, singer-songwriter Allyson Latini creates a new space for songwriting which combines the charm of the oldies and with the appeal of contemporary music.
 
A New Jersey native, Allyson began piano lessons at 11 and voice lessons at 13. She was nominated for numerous All-State and Regional choirs throughout her high school years. She received her Bachelor's of Music in Vocal Jazz Studies from Montclair State University, performing in ensembles from small jazz groups to symphonic choirs and performing in Austria, Germany, and The Czech Republic with the MSU choral group.
 
Upon graduating, Allyson established a private studio where she teachers young students vocal and beginner piano. In addition, she’s worked with Christian McBride’s Jazz House Kids, music non-profit “We Are All Music,” and the Jazz ensemble “The Royal Bopsters.”
 
Her experience with the the Great American Songbook became a roadmap for her lyric writing, leading her to pursue a Master’s in Songwriting at New York University’s Steinhardt School. She studies background vocal techniques with Janice Pendarvis and is a member of NYU’s Village Voices, under the direction of Lauren Kinhan and Janis Siegel. Simultaneously, she’s working on her own artist project and collaborating with many musicians and producers. 

Find more information about all of the 2022 Abe Olman Scholarship recipients in the Scholarship section of the songhall.org website.