Nashville, Tennessee, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 – The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has announced Carolyn Cates, a talented songwriter from Georgia’s Piedmont Region (USA), as one of the latest additions to their esteemed “Ones to Watch” list.
Carolyn Cates earned this accolade following a notable song evaluation for “Rocky Road,” co-written with artist Lori Allaire of California. The song caught the attention of an NSAI evaluator. This recognition comes as a testament to its co-writers’ writing skills and improvement, and it indicates an upward trajectory in their already promising careers. The song can be heard on Spotify or Apple Music, or by visiting carolyncates.com.
Carolyn’s initial reaction to this news was: “My co-writer Lori Allaire has been great to write with, and her voice really carries the song. Lori had a great idea, and we ran with it. Who knew that it would be so well-received? This is a great start for us as a songwriting team. Hopefully, this isn’t the last you’ll see of us, if the good Lord’s willing to keep us going! Jesus is my soul’s inspiration: to write music that helps people get through rough times. Nowadays, everything is so dark and bleak, bad news all around, and I look forward to every song lifting someone from the depths of despair, bringing hope and light into dark situations in a scary world. I could never accomplish that goal, but I know the savior who can, and his name is Jesus.”
Lori’s initial reaction to this news was: “I love songwriting! It’s my passion, and when I am able to, I love to collaborate with others on this journey, which is what happened when we wrote ‘Rocky Road.’ I had found some lyrics I had written many years ago of a sad breakup and needed someone to help me finish the song. That’s when Carolyn Cates stepped in and helped me with a dynamic chorus, pre-chorus, and bridge. We kept my original verses intact. Together, we finished ‘Rocky Road’ and have had nothing but positive feedback.
About NSAI’s “Ones to Watch” Recognition:
NSAI’s “Ones to Watch” designation is bestowed upon members who consistently demonstrate improvement in their song evaluations. These individuals are featured prominently in NSAI’s monthly EARS newsletter and receive recognition on their NSAI member profiles. Being nominated as “One to Watch” enters a person into the running for the yearly NSAI One to Watch Award, reserved for the member with the highest number of “Ones to Watch” designations from NSAI Song Evaluators.
About Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI):
Established in 1967, NSAI stands as the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization, boasting a membership exceeding 5,000 across the United States and eight foreign countries. Dedicated to safeguarding the rights and future of the songwriting profession, NSAI is equally committed to educating, elevating, and celebrating songwriters. The organization serves as a unifying force within the music community and beyond. For additional information, please visit nashvillesongwriters.com.
About Carolyn Cates:
Carolyn Wood Cates hails from the Piedmont Region of Georgia (USA) and has established herself as a multi-genre songwriter and enthusiastic co-writer. Known for her love of genre bending, Carolyn shows versatility and creative vision. Her motto, “A Little Bit of Every Kind of Music,” encapsulates her passion for exploring, experimentation, and pushing boundaries in the world of songwriting. Carolyn’s latest release “Rescue Story (Instrumental Version)” blends traditional Latin, Hip Hop, and Country. Connect with Carolyn via carolyncates.com to hear her latest music.
About Lori Allaire:
Lori Allaire is multi-genre singer-songwriter who specializes in Folk, Country and Christian music. With a musical journey spanning three decades. Lori is a soulful singer whose melodies underscore the depth of her heartfelt lyrics. Lori’s love for the Lord leads her to write intimate Christian music and songs that reach beyond the walls of the church including her latest release, “Rocky Road” which encapsulates the raw beauty of struggle and resilience. Connect with Lori Allaire via Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube, to hear the melodies of her journey.
Congratulations, enjoyed listening to all your songs. Keep up the good work!
Hi Leslie!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you listening! 🙂
Best regards,
Carolyn Cates