One Night Live is a touring initiative produced with a fresh approach, as a collaboration between three like-minded organizations working to improve the music ecosystem. Live Music Society supports a large and growing network of small performance venues across the U.S. through multiple grant programs - over $4 million issued with 210 grants to 180 venues since 2020; D-TOUR is a network of independent venues and promoters focused on working with emerging artists and small independent venues to route tours, offering indie artists locally owned, unique venue experiences across multiple markets; and Salt Lick Incubator supports independent artists in building sustainable careers. Salt Lick Incubator has been working closely with the artists featured on the tour via writing camps, collaborations, gig opportunities, and branding/marketing support to help set them up for success.
The tour illustrates what can be possible in the midst of challenges that artists and venues face: the economics of touring are more prohibitive than ever, there is less support for rising artists to build their careers and tour, and locally-owned small independent venues, which are important creative community hubs and crucial launchpads for artists, operate on razor thin margins.
Together Live Music Society, D-TOUR, and Salt Lick Incubator have envisioned a new model that enables rising young artists to break into new markets and build their fanbase - tapping into local scenes and meeting local bands - as well as introducing venues to new talent. It shines a spotlight on the importance of incubators, working with talented artists that need assistance and making tours a more viable option. It also highlights the importance of independent, locally-owned venues to the artist development ecosystem.
ELLIE WILLIAMS (she/her): Ellie Williams (she/her) is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, known for her evocative blend of sounds inspired by Fleet Foxes, Maggie Rogers, and Norah Jones. With introspective lyrics, lush atmospheric production, and haunting melodies, Ellie’s music explores themes of self-reflection, queer identity, and personal growth. Her honest narratives not only shape inventive pop sounds but also create space for queer stories and voices to resonate and connect. With over 14 million streams across four singles and her debut EP Warning Signs, Ellie has cultivated a loyal fanbase and is set to release her highly anticipated sophomore EP in 2025. @ellie1williams
SOFIA LAFUENTE (she/her): Sofia Lafuente (she/her) is a Spanish-American artist and songwriter whose bicultural, bilingual upbringing lies at the heart of her introspective and emotionally charged music. Split between Miami and Madrid, Sofia has quickly made a name for herself in the Latin alternative music scene. Her ethereal vocals and evocative storytelling have earned her a dedicated following. Drawing inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey, early Shakira, and Lizzie McAlpine, Sofia’s music resonates with listeners who connect to her vulnerability and emotional depth. Beyond her solo work, Sofia is also a sought-after songwriter, lending her distinctive voice and introspective lyrics to a variety of creative projects. With a growing presence in the industry, she continues to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as an artist to watch. @sofialafuentemusic
FARAYI MALEK (she/her): Farayi Malek (she/her) is a Grammy-nominated vocalist, world traveler, and solo artist returning to her musical roots. Raised in Southern Idaho by a Zimbabwean immigrant father and a white American mother, she grew up playing the fiddle and embracing diverse cultures. Farayi blends childhood gospel with blues and jazz, creating resonant songs that showcase her effortless vocals. Her debut roots project, produced by Alain Mallet, highlights her unique songwriting, with tracks like “Tonight” demonstrating her accessibility. A Salt Lick Incubator award-winner, she’s mentored by artists like T-Bone Burnett and Jon Batiste. Farayi also teaches at Berklee and New England Conservatory, inspired by her students to pursue her artistic career. Driven by a desire to help others feel seen, she connects with audiences through her soulful voice. @farayi.malek
LOCAL FEATURED ARTIST--ASHLEY VIRGINIA: North Carolina singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Ashley Virginia, is an artist who has gained attention for her unique songwriting style of introspective poetry and interesting harmonic structure. Her sound has been described as "raw, contemporary angst" by Americana Highways. Like the spiritual daughter of Stevie Nicks and Paul McCartney, her style falls somewhere between '70s Country cool, West Coast cosmic Americana, and ‘60s Rock ‘n’ Roll. While attending a masterclass in Greensboro, 14-Grammy award winning songwriter, Emmylou Harris, categorized Ashley Virginia’s writing as “unique and unusual”. Her artistry is deeply rooted in authentic storytelling, drawing from her own experiences of growth, resilience, and transformation.
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