PAST HOOKED! WINNERS
2023 WINNER:
ADAM CARPENTER (& DOUG JACKSON)
Song: Pardon the Mess
Bio: I'm a 34 year old realtor from Springfield, MO. I'm married with 4 kids and have been writing music for close to 12 years. I played college basketball and suffered a knee injury my Junior year. That's when I got my first guitar, learned to play a few chords and started writing. Ever since then I've been HOOKED.
2022 WINNER:
TREVOR VENERABLE
Song: I’m Not You
Bio: Trevor is a native of Des Moines Iowa, who has resided in Branson for the past 16 years. He is a graduate of School of the Ozarks’ class of 2018 and will graduate from Liberty University in the Spring of 2022, with a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies (emphasis in Business and Biblical studies). In his spare time he enjoys experimenting with audio software, computer graphics, and web design. He is currently working to build a website for musicians to network and exchange resources. He is also in the process of writing and producing his first album. Ultimately, he hopes that these projects will glorify God and affect culture in meaningful, positive ways.
2020 WINNER: DARBY DOUGHERTY
Song: Wasted Time
Bio: Born and raised in Branson, MO Darby Dougherty is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter who focuses on writing songs that honestly express the human experience. She believes the world needs more honesty, openness, and empathy, and attempts to bring that through both her music and personal interactions. “I’m just a human being trying to love other human beings.”
Darby won HOOKED! 2020 with “Wasted Time” and is now working on her debut EP. She was also a feature performer at HOOKED! 2022.
2019 Winner: NRG
Song: Battlescars
Bio: NRG was founded in 2010 when the youngest members were just 7 and 8 years old. Since then, NRG has played numerous fairs, festivals, fundraisers and local venues throughout Southwest Missouri and Arkansas. Their music covers over four decades of top hits of classic rock, pop and country and appeals to young and old alike.
In 2019, NRG took the Southwest Missouri New Music Showcase & Songwriting Contest (now HOOKED!) title with their hard-hitting original, “Battlescars.” We’re excited to see and hear more from this young, talented band. Click here for more info.
2018 Winner: Marla Ritchie
Song: Bloodfire
Marla and friends wowed the Southwest Missouri New Music Showcase & Songwriting Contest (now HOOKED!) judges at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in 2018 with their vibey campfire anthem, “Bloodfire.” For more information about Marla’s music, click here.