2025 SU Songwriter Showcase, the 18th annual event:
Set 1
Natalie Schlesinger is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter from Wilton, Connecticut, whose music blends elements of pop, folk, and country to create a distinctive, heartfelt sound.
Rebekah Kazi is a freshman at Syracuse University planning on majoring in marketing and visual communications with a minor in music industry. She is a singer/songwriter from Syracuse, New York, with an indie folk sound that resonates with artists like Jars of Clay and many other ’90s–2000s Christian bands. At its heart, her music is meant to encourage and lift up Jesus Christ and make people smile from her joy filled energy.
Avonlea is a singer/songwriter from Chicago, Ilinois, who began writing her own music back in 2019. She is a freshman JCM music industry major and a coxswain on the rowing team here at Syracuse. Her influences span a variety of genres and styles, liking a little bit of everything and continuing to explore.
Set 2
Shannon Delaney is a singer-songwriter from Staten Island, New York. She is currently a freshman in the Bandier Program. Shannon has been writing songs from a very young age and released her first single in 2020. Since then, she has continued to spend her time writing songs and learning about the music industry through her major.
Naomi Yawata is a songwriter and student in the Bandier Program, originally from New York City. She blends indie, pop, and R&B influences– drawing inspiration from Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse, and more– and uses songwriting as her main emotional outlet. Naomi is currently developing her first collection of songs and is excited to grow her voice as an artist.
Uzzeversal is a lyrical rapper known for his sharp wordplay and immersive instrumentals. He blends introspection with inventive production, crafting tracks that resonate with honesty and creativity. His music captures a balance of depth and rhythm, delivering a sound that’s as thoughtful as it is undeniable.
Set 3
Callan Foster is a songwriter and collaborator rooted in Ohio’s Rust Belt and Appalachian heritage. His music blends influences from classic guitar-driven bands with deeply personal narratives drawn from the landscapes that shaped him. Now based between Columbus, Syracuse, and beyond, Callan has shifted from performing to songwriting and collaboration, working with musicians locally and internationally. A student in Syracuse University’s Bandier Program, he continues developing his craft and supporting artists in their creative work.
Emerson Carracedo is a singer songwriter originally from Southern New Hampshire. She studies music industry in the Setnor School of Music, double majors in political science, and is the lead singer of the rock band Fever Dream. She cites Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, The Beatles and ABBA as her main influences. She is joined by Zach Kile, lead guitarist of Fever Dream, originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania. Fever Dream’s debut single, “Back to Boston” is out on all platforms now!
Emma Donvito is a Sound Recording Technology major from Jordan, NY. She has been writing songs since she was a little girl, and in 2023 she fulfilled her dream to record and release her first original song. Emma has collaborated with several talented musicians including award-winning Loren and LJ Barrigar, as well as pianist Cooper Childres. With a passion for music, Emma hopes to continue sharing her talent with the world for years to come!
Sam Turin is a singer-songwriter from Somerville, Massachusetts. He is currently a Junior at Syracuse University, studying in The Bandier Program. From a very young age, Sam has been writing songs. His voice memos app has over 1000 recordings. He also plays piano, and dabbles in music production in Ableton Live. Growing up, Sam listened to a lot of the same classic rock that his parents grew up with. Most notably, The Beatles. Which is Sam’s favorite band and main inspiration. Over the years, Sam’s music taste has expanded into folk, blues, and jam bands. He would cite John Prine, Bob Dylan, and David Bromberg, as some of his biggest songwriting inspirations, along with the jam band Phish, and the power pop group Fountains of Wayne. Sam has performed in Porchfests at his hometown of Somerville, and performed an original song at his high school graduation. Maybe one day Sam will actually release a song, when that day comes, only God knows.