In winning the nomination, Southpaw stood out from a field of over 52,000 entries and was selected by a distinguished panel of music industry experts. The final winners will be announced at country music’s most legendary venue, The Grand Ole Opry, on October 23.

“We’re thrilled to be honored among other great musicians from all musical genres. But we’re especially thrilled to bring our New Jersey country brand to Nashville,” said singer Christine Radlmann.

The Josie Music Awards are the largest independent music awards show in the world. The so-called “indie” music industry continues to grow as new technologies and music streaming platforms empower unsigned artists.

“As independent artists, being exceptionally talented or creative is just your day job. You also have to be very smart in promoting your own music and brand,” says Radlmann. attention we’ve earned, even amidst all the headwinds of the COVID pandemic.”

Since their debut in 2021, Southpaw have played on over 400 radio stations worldwide. The band was also named one of ten national finalists in the Jack Daniels Battle of the Bar Bands competition, sponsored by the nation’s largest broadcaster, iHeartRadio. The lead single from Southpaw’s second album is set to be released on July 1.

Formed in 2018, Southpaw is a collaboration of three musicians from Union County, New Jersey, with acclaimed and very different creative careers: published poet and literary editor Christine Radlmann, Emmy Award-winning sound designer Sean Garnhart and the award-winning advertising professional Colin McConnell.

For more information on Southpaw, visit their website.