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Songbird Finds Her Voice Between Asbury Park and Nashville

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by Trevor H Smith, featuring Songbird

A rising New Jersey artist blends local roots, national collaboration, and a deeply personal story behind the music

[photos courtesy of Songbird and respective photographers]

Editor’s Note

There’s something about Asbury Park that continues to echo through generations of music. Long before today’s singer-songwriter showcases and summer crowds, this shoreline built its reputation through artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, names that turned local stages into proving grounds for something much bigger.

That legacy still feels alive.

From packed weekends at the Stone Pony Summer Stage to the steady rhythm of smaller venues and open mics, Asbury remains one of those rare places where music isn’t just performed, it’s lived. There’s a real depth here, a constant flow of artists writing, collaborating, and finding their voice.

Spending time with Songbird offered a chance to step into that current moment.

What stood out wasn’t just her connection to the local scene, but how naturally it extends outward, reaching places like Nashville, where she co-writes and records with producers who help shape her sound.

There were also some great Jersey threads in the conversation that made the interview feel even more grounded. One of them was photographer Jeff Crespi, who absolutely rocks. He’s one of those people who has quietly documented so much of the scene, and carries a genuine spirit that people remember. Hearing his name come up tied everything back to the community.

At the same time, there was something even more personal.

Hearing about her father, showing up to every show, running sound, driving her from venue to venue, that kind of support says everything. It’s a quiet kind of dedication that often lives behind the music, but it’s just as important as anything happening on stage.

As a new parent myself, it hit home.

It’s the kind of relationship that makes you think about what it means to show up for your kids, to encourage what they love, and to be part of the journey with them.

This conversation felt like a snapshot of where things are right now: locally rooted, globally connected, and deeply personal.

And in many ways, that’s exactly what makes the Asbury Park music scene so special.

From Jersey Roots to Nashville Sessions

Songbird stepped into full-time music in 2022, beginning with a show at Rockwood Music Hall in New York. Since then, she’s been building her presence the organic way, playing bars, restaurants, and wherever there’s a stage available.

“I’ve been playing anywhere I can find a place,” she says. “I’m just having the best time.”

Her creative process now stretches far beyond New Jersey. Working with a team of producers in Nashville, she splits her time between remote collaboration and in-person recording sessions.

“I go down there and record in their home studio,” she explains. “We co-write over the phone and in person.”

Her track Stubborn was produced with David Spencer, while other songs have been developed alongside Nashville collaborators Austin and Jake.

The Asbury Park Connection

Living near Asbury Park has placed Songbird inside one of the most active independent music communities on the East Coast.

“I’ve met so many artists there that I co-write with,” she says. “Even before I was performing as Songbird, I was working with people through Lakehouse Music Academy.”

She recorded her first EP through Lakehouse, during the early days of its Motorecords initiative.

Beyond the local scene, her network continues to expand through online collaboration, connecting her with artists across the country and internationally.

A Song That Came Back Around

One of Songbird’s biggest recent moments comes from a track recorded years ago.

A song she co-wrote is now set to appear on Netflix’s Temptation Island, marking a major placement that she didn’t see coming.

“I never thought it would come back around like this,” she says. “It’s really cool to see it finally come to light.”

Building Toward an Album

Songbird is currently working toward releasing a full-length album, aiming for later this year.

Like many independent artists, she’s navigating the challenges of self-funding while continuing to write and collaborate.

“Self-funding is not easy,” she says. “But we’ll see what happens.”

Music That Makes People Feel

While she plays piano and experiments with sound, Songbird sees her voice as her primary instrument.

“My main instrument is singing,” she says. “When I start getting too crazy with the keyboard, I get nervous.”

Her influences include artists like Sara Bareilles, Adele, and Lana Del Rey, alongside newer voices shaping today’s pop landscape.

But more important than influence is intention.

“As a kid going to concerts, I’d almost cry,” she says. “I just knew that feeling, that’s what I wanted to give to people.”

Family, Fans, and the Foundation

Behind the scenes, Songbird’s support system plays a major role in her journey.

“My dad is my number one fan,” she says. “He runs sound, drives me to shows, everything.”

It’s a family-driven effort, one that continues to ground her as she builds momentum.

“You have to support independent artists,” she adds. “I’m just really grateful for everyone who listens and shares.”

Looking Ahead

Songbird continues to perform across New Jersey and beyond, including upcoming shows in Red Bank, Asbury Park, and appearances at regional festivals like Launch Music Festival in Pennsylvania.

Her dream stages?

Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

“I went there on my honeymoon,” she says of Red Rocks. “I was like, I have to play here one day.”

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