Rumson’s Jack Newsome Finds Success on TV’s ‘Songland’

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By Mary Ann Bourbeau

RUMSON – He may not have won the competition, but Jack Newsome’s songwriting career is gaining headway after his recent appearance on NBC’s new reality show, “Songland.”

The Rumson resident’s song, “Lying (Next to You)” has been streamed more than 150,000 times and he has gained over 40,000 listeners on Spotify since being featured on the show.

“The song is a double entendre,” said Newsome. “It’s about being in a relationship with someone. You plan to break up with them but you haven’t told them yet. You’re just going through the motions.”

“Songland” is a reality competition for undiscovered songwriters. The show aired its first episode in late May. In each episode, four songwriters perform their original songs for three top music producers and one major recording artist. The songs are judged based on lyrics, arrangements, beats, melody and story. Each night, one talented winner will have the opportunity to have their song recorded and released by the chart-topping artist, which include Meghan Trainor, the Jonas Brothers, John Legend, Charlie Puth, will.i.am and Macklemore.

Last November, Newsome was contacted by the producers at NBC, who suggested he submit songs for “Songland.” He sent about 16 songs and they chose “Lying (Next to You).” By March, he was holed up in a hotel with the other contestants.

“It was so cool to go through this totally unprecedented experience with these people who are now my friends,” he said. “We geek out at each other’s talent and share our connections. I’ve never seen a show where so many people win. We’re getting incredible exposure.”

Newsome, 23, was featured on the third episode, which aired June 11, featuring country singer Kelsea Ballerini. After performing “Lying (Next to You),” he was paired with Shane McAnally, a Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer for Kacey Musgraves and Kelly Clarkson, to tweak the song to fit Ballerini’s style. McAnally has 38 No. 1 country records and was named 2019 Academy of Country Music Songwriter of the Year.

“He’s the most incredible collaborator ever,” said Newsome. “I realized he wrote some of my favorite songs of all time.”

Ultimately, Ballerini chose “Better Luck Next Time,” a song written by Darius Coleman.

“Darius’ song is incredible and his voice is stellar,” said Newsome. “It’s a stripped-back R&B song that Kelsea felt filled a void in her catalog.”

Newsome was given a second chance, of sorts. On the show’s June 25 episode, singer Meghan Trainor chose a song called “Hurt Me,” which Newsome cowrote along with singer/ songwriter Kole, who was featured on the episode.

“I met Kole at an event a year ago,” said Newsome.

“We wrote ‘Hurt Me’ together and I produced it in a tiny corner of my bedroom. She sang the demo and brought it on the show. They copied my entire production, which was super flattering!”

Growing up, Newsome performed in regional musical theater productions and regularly traveled to New York City to audition for radio, film and television roles. He was featured in several commercials and had a stint in a boy band project in Germany. He studied music production and engineering at Berklee College of Music for two years before deciding to head for Los Angeles in 2017. Newsome took additional classes online and concentrated on his songwriting, something he didn’t have time to do with such a heavy course load at Berklee.

“I love L.A.,” he said. “Everything here is so dynamic.” He makes his money recording demo sessions while waiting for his big break. He has written for artists like PLVTINUM, Matt Sato, Sean Kingston, Lo Lytes and Brooke Simpson.

“Hurt Me” is currently rising on the charts and Newsome is having success with some of his other songs, too. “Do You Say My Name” was recorded by Matt Sato and topped the Radio Disney charts. Newsome is also working on a few songs with Sean Kingston.

“I love collaborating and making music and it’s cool to work with artists like Sean,” he said.

On June 14, Darius Coleman released a new single, “High of U,” which Newsome wrote with fellow “Songland” contestants Daniel Feels and Casey Cook. It was also his first credit as a producer on another artist’s project. Going forward he plans to release one single every month. Back in Rumson his parents, Doug and Kimberly and brother Andrew are closely watching as Newsome’s star rises.

“My family is over the moon,” he said. “My dad can’t stop talking about it.”

Arts and Entertainment writer Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com.