© 2026 ASCAP
Abe Olman, for whom this program is named, was both a major figure in the music publishing community and an ASCAP songwriter himself, in addition to being one of the founders of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1969. Given out annually since 1990, the Abe Olman Scholarships have been made possible by his family in the interest of encouraging and supporting the careers of young songwriters.
EVAN BARTELS
On a lone stretch of highway that cuts across the Nebraskan prairie, there is a town called Tobias. This village of roughly 100 souls is where Evan Bartels was born and raised. It’s a place that offers immeasurable freedom, while threatening a life of unanswered wanting. Here the sentiment behind his work was forged.
Bartels began touring in 2017 in support of his first album, The Devil, God, & Me, which was followed by his 2019 EP release, Promised Land. These self-produced, independent releases gained the attention of fans worldwide and led to four sync placements on the hit Netflix show, The Ranch. Comedian Theo Von and many others have featured songs on their podcasts, specifically referencing Evan's beautifully poignant writing.
Independently released in 2021, Bartels' latest full-length project, Lonesome, was engineered and produced by Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Noah Kahan, Lumineers). This album has captured fans worldwide and has led to international touring opportunities. The ethos of Bartels’ life and songwriting are one and the same: “To think, to feel, these are the things that make us human. To hone those thoughts, to share those emotions, to marry them with action, that’s when art is born."
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MOLLY KATE KESTNER
Molly Kate Kestner is a singer-songwriter whose soulful voice and timeless lyrics have set her apart since she was just a teenager. She was propelled into the music industry spotlight when her first original song she wrote at 17 years old went viral. “His Daughter,” an emotional ballad she recorded for her friends and family received over 1.5 million views in less than two weeks, got her a performance on Good Morning America, and eventually led to a signing a record deal with Atlantic Records. Molly moved to Los Angeles in 2016 and has been busy writing songs for herself as well as for other established artists, such as Kelly Clarkson and Andy Grammer. She has released seven singles with Atlantic Records. Her song “Compromise” landed a national Jeep campaign as well as an LG commercial. Her most popular, “Prom Queen,” has reached over 100 million streams on Spotify and Apple Music. She most recently released a powerful anthem, ”My Way Up” which is her first independent single since “His Daughter.” One week after its release, she performed the song with 30,000 choir students and formed the largest choir in America: The American Young Voices. It’s since been used in various placements, such as American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. She recently signed a deal with indie Essential Music Publishing and is looking forward to writing and releasing more music in the future!
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KOSSISKO
What does it mean to be your true self? Not your best self or even your worst self, just your unadulterated, unadorned self? Kossisko’s creative and personal life is a reminder that no one does justice to themselves without living their deepest truth – and this is the road to real empowerment.
Born of African and Jewish blood, Kossisko was raised in the eclectic air of Berkeley, California. Conversely, when Kossisko was a teen his father sent him to live in the Ivory Coast where he spent two hard years bouncing around between boarding schools and family members. The diversity of these experiences contributed greatly to the singer, songwriter and actor’s unique gifts.
Kossisko portrayed a DJ in HBO’s wildly successful Euphoria, and portrayed himself in two seasons of Netflix’s Sex/Life. His music has been licensed in a variety of television shows and used in video games including Grand Theft Auto V. Marvel comics even paid homage to one of Kossisko’s early album covers. His exceptional musical output has been lauded in publications like NYLON, Fader, SPIN, Vulture, VICE and Pitchfork to name a few. As an artist who has lived at the intersection of film, music and fashion, he’s been featured in an iPhone campaign and additionally shined as a sought after model, working for Billionaire Boys Club, Mr. Saturday and Midnight Studios. All this visibility put the Grammy-nominated songwriter in a circle with some of the biggest artist in the world, as his charisma and artistry could not be denied.
Still with all that career actualization, Kossisko struggled with feeling like an outsider – quietly carrying that emotion from a young age. But after surviving a traumatic brain injury, a crossroads moment was at hand. Now, as a proud gender-fluid person of color, Kossisko embraces the power to live authentically. Fearlessly carving out a new path that merges artistic expression with living his deep personal truth. This free spirit now fully embraces the philosophy of P-funk mastermind George Clinton who shouted, “Free your mind and your ass will follow!”
It’s no doubt that Kossisko has always had an edge. But with a new album and vibe dubbed WTFUNK, the artist takes that edge to another level. Beyond a sound that is less reliant on technology and more reliant on a raw, natural feel, this music also pays homage to vanguards like Lady Gaga, Rick James, Prince, Donna Summer and others. Because like them, Kossisko wants an inherent freedom, even a self-indulgence to express whatever the funk he wants.
Kossisko’s expression through this new music encourages everyone to not give a damn about what others think about you. Nor be marginalized because of your challenges. So whether it’s mental health issues, anxiety, depression or anything that would hold one back from having agency, his music affirms that we all deserve joy and the space to be who we are without being defined by people who don’t get you. Kossisko believes this attitude is the highest form of self-care, a self-care that lets you take your rightful place in the world.
“I want to maintain a clarity about myself and my music so that I’m not projecting anyone else’s limited thinking.” – Kossisko
Starting this latest musical journey in Los Angeles, Kossisko started to feel less and less connected to the world around him and soon felt contrived energies leaking into the studio. Instinctively sensing a change was needed, Kossisko traveled far away–very far away, ending up in Auckland, New Zealand. With sweeping views of the Tasman Sea and reflective strolls through the lush rainforest, inspiration emerged.
With these newfound energies, a vision was starting to manifest itself. Kossisko says, “New Zealand brought on a sense of groundedness and a feeling of being more human.” The artist, who now identifies as they or them, really got into the roots of funk while recording in the beautiful South Pacific. Galvanizing a group of live musicians, Kossisko was more empowered to be organic, more empowered to spread love and even more empowered to just have fun. Kossisko knows for sure that this audacious music is what is needed now – and personally, this is exactly where this innovative artist wants to be.
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Given annually to student songwriters who demonstrates exceptional professional potential through their art, craft and personal character as determined by the faculty of the Popular Music Program and Division of Contemporary Music.
TIPTON "TIPPY" BALADY
Tippy Balady is a three-minute storyteller. Whether it be a song about pirates, fairies, scuba diving, etc., no subject is off limits for this songwriter and no adventure is too outlandish. Tippy hails from Dallas, Texas, where she attended high school at Booker T. Washington School for the Performing Arts (alumni include Norah Jones, Erykah Badu and Edie Brickell), attributing her time spent with fellow incredibly individualistic and artistic classmates as well as professors like Nathan Myers to being key players in her becoming the artist she is today. Tippy is motivated by music’s innate ability to connect people both physically and emotionally together. She strives to create songs that function as a diary for the public eye, building worlds through instruments and capturing snapshots of her own life through verse and chorus. By incorporating bits of fantastical whimsy in her writing, intertwined with a deep earnestness throughout her songs, she provides an escapist yet grounding presence that can be listened to time and time again. Coming off from her first tour this past March, Tippy Balady will be graduating from University of Southern California this Spring with a BA in Popular Music and already has plans to drop her debut EP, Taming of a Wendy Bird, in fall of 2024.
Instagram // Spotify // YouTube
JOSHUA WILSON
Joshua Gordon Wilson is a promising R&B artist known for his soulful voice and lyrical talent. Originally from Houston, TX, Joshua's musical journey began with his father at the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards on the Grammy-nominated track "Worth Fighting For." His co-creations, such as "Smile" and "My Story," showcase his ability to craft catchy and emotionally resonant songs. Joshua's versatility was evident at the 2019 Motif Awards with a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire’s Verdine White and a tribute to Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. In Los Angeles, he has performed with Pentatonix at the Hollywood Bowl and sang the National Anthem at a Lakers game. Joshua aspires to impact the music industry with his fresh and authentic voice, fostering songs that resonate deeply with listeners.
Awarded to Belmont University Songwriting majors who possess tangible exceptional songwriting potential and the intangible qualities of bringing out the best of their collaborators and contributing to the larger community of songwriters. Recipients are selected by the faculty of the Belmont Songwriting Department.
Aria Camera is a songwriter, producer and artist from Lake Mary, Florida. She creates songs with an emphasis on unique chords, layered vocals and atmospheric sounds. Aria makes songs in a wide range of genres, primarily pop, R&B and indie/folk, drawing inspiration from artists such as Ariana Grande, SZA, Steve Lacy, Tori Kelly,and Mk.gee. Her artistic goal is to write and produce songs that move and inspire people. In the future, she hopes to continue making music for herself and others and pursue a long-term career as an artist.
Awarded to a high school senior attending a New York City public school, demonstrating the talent and desire to learn the craft of songwriting. The student is chosen based on an original song and the scholarship will extend an opportunity to pursue a career in music.
When it came to music I always felt like I had the ability to take my emotions, feelings and create art that people can relate to. Moving forward I love how I have the freedom to explore any and every genre of music and put it into play with my lyrics and musical ideas. My dream has always been to set foot on a stage and show the world how great I can really be. To create and to entertain is my life.
Presented to a music composition student whose work holds great potential for success in the field, and embodies the art, craft, individuality and qualities of communication of the best songwriting.
Zhengchun ‘Dewey’ Huang is a Chinese singer-songwriter-producer with a unique journey. His path began with a dual BS degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Birmingham and Jinan University. However, his passion for music led him to New York in 2023, where he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Songwriting from New York University. Honored with a scholarship, he has been honing his craft under the mentorship of renowned songwriter-producers Phil Galdston and Barry Eastmond, while keeping immersed in the city’s music scene. Dewey was named a 2024 NYU Songwriting Scholar and selected to be a participant in the 2024 Johnny Mercer Songwriting Intensive. With six years of production experience, he specializes in R&B, neo-soul, funk and jazz-hip-hop. He is a proficient guitarist, vocalist and arranger, with a focus on jazz arranging.
Find more information about all of the 2024 SHOF Scholarship recipients in the Scholarship section of the songhall.org website.