Finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Competition, Summerlyn Powers is based out of Nashville, TN. This young artist has already shown up in CMT’s Next Women of Country Playlist. Her latest EP is called The Hive. The number four song on Summerlyn’s EP is a song called “Nana and Papa’s House”. It moves past the obvious nostalgia the title implies and draws on imagery that weaves into a story of emotions creating a solid radio ready song. Here’s our interview with her.

It feels like theres an empty space. At night I walk around this place looking and only finding her in picture frames.

From “Nana and Papa’s House” by Summerlyn Powers

Where did you grow up and where do you call home now?

I grew up in Fairhope, AL. It’s a little hallmark-like town nestled in Mobile Bay, opening up into the Gulf.

How have the life experiences of where you lived affected your songwriting or the songs you choose to record?

I grew up around country music, so that is what I have always naturally drifted towards. I sometimes say that “country is in my bones”. Even when I’m playing a folky, Joni Mitchell like song, my roots tend to sneak through.

What artists/songwriters have impacted or influenced your work the most?

So many singer/songwriters and bands from the 1970’s inspire me. Joni Mitchell, Carole King, John Denver, even some slightly lesser knowns liker Dan Fogelberg and David Gates. I see so many beautiful melodies in the vocal and instrument lines from that era. And the lyrics are often so colorful. I’m a sucker for a well crafted story songs like Joni’s iconic “Clouds” and Dan Fogelberg’s “Auld Lang Syne”.

When you perform, what do you hope is your audience’s biggest takeaway?

I always hope the audience experiencing my show feels like they are on a sort of story-coaster. I try not to give anyone whiplash with how quickly the themes and emotions in my songs can quickly change, but I want to keep folks interested. I try to make it so they feel right in the middle of the music with me, picturing themselves as the main character.

Tell me a little bit about your latest project?

I released “The Hive” EP in October 2023 with the goal of intertwining Folk and Southern Rock. The core of the project is really hospitality…it invites the listener on a journey. The title track says “come as you are” and then winds through love, heartbreak, loss, and finally concludes with a faith-filled, bluesy, celebration. I feel really proud of that EP. I wrote for about two years with that project in mind and my producer Reid Sorel absolutely brought it to life.

What was different or unique about your approach to this last project as compared to previous ones?

I pursued this project in search of my artist identity. I think I found it in the process of melding the music I grew up on (Skynard, CCR, Alabama)

Was there ever a time you felt like you wanted to quit making music?

I don’t think I’ve ever felt so discouraged I wanted to quit. I have however, felt very afraid of taking opportunities and I would have missed them if I had listened to irrational fear. I’ve learned that fear does not have enough authority to make my decisions, especially when it comes to something I’m as passionate about as music.

What is your funniest or favorite “on the road” story when touring?

Once I stopped at a Love’s truck stop in the middle of nowhere Alabama for help with a tire leaking air. A kind gentleman who ran the auto shop helped me out free of charge, and I offered him a business card to at least give him SOMETHING! I started to get back in my car when he motioned for me to roll my window down and said “Are you SummerLYN?” in a very thick southern accent, turning my 3 syllable name into 4. I said yes and he told me that he had found my music on FACEBOOK that past week and had been listening to me on Spotify! I had been running some ads in Alabama on facebook, so it was technically possible but it was such a long shot I could hardly believe it! He was convinced he knew me, though!

Who or what keeps you grounded the most?

My faith and my community keeps me grounded. I feel most joyful when I know I am held closely, and deeply loved. My relationship with Jesus has deepened has I’ve gotten older…I keep asking meaningful questions and He keeps being even better than I think He will be. And my community is so faithful to me, I couldn’t be more supported by wonderful people.

What advice would you give artists just starting out?

Try everything, don’t be afraid of “Getting it Wrong”. Just write the song even if you think it’s not gonna be great! It will grow you in the end.

Listen to music from Summerlyn Powers and other Artists You Should Know.