SESAC is thrilled to announce our three recipients of the 2025 Abe Olman Scholarship – Daphne Browdy, Elby Faser, and Dawoyne “2forwOyNE” Lawson. Abe Olman was both a major figure in the music publishing community and a songwriter himself, in addition to being one of the founders of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The scholarships given out each year are made possible by his family in the interest of encouraging and supporting the careers of young songwriters. Previous SESAC recipients include Calvin Langman, Ava Liv Mabry, Kiran Gandhi, and more.
Dawoyne Lawson, born in the West End of Louisville, Kentucky, is a distinguished figure who was developed in the performing arts and mentorship in the surrounding communities of his hometown. He has actively participated in programs such as River City Drum Corp, “Men Of Quality” of Doss High School, Project ONE, and AMPED. DaWoyne’s musical prowess was evident early on, earning him the position of 1st chair in the All-State Concert Band during high school and leading him to perform with the University of Louisville Marching and Concert Band.
DaWoyne’s talents have extended beyond local mentorship and into the global music scene. He is the sound behind one of Louisville’s dynamic superstars, Jack Harlow, contributing to over 500+ million streams. His work on the Grammy-nominated project, “Come Home The Kids Miss You,” has cemented his place in the industry, with contributions to two Billboard #1 rap albums and one #1 Billboard global album, and he has been a loyal member of SESAC since 2018.
Elby Faser isn’t your typical artist. She’s a musical maverick on the go with vocals that are not just powerful but dripping with soul and the kind of eloquence that can take your breath away. Effortlessly painting a tapestry of pop, classic rock, soul, and blues into her own genre-blurring creation, Elby is a force to be reckoned with. Imagine a vibrant playlist where Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, and John Mayer vibe together—this is Elby’s world, and she calls her sound “the rootsy cousin of alt-pop with a sprinkle of blues.” It’s fresh, it’s fun, and it’s completely her own.
For Elby, it’s not just about the music; it’s about the stories behind the music. Her songwriting dives deep into personal experiences and insightful observations about life, making each track feel like a voyage of the soul. When you listen to her songs, you’re not just hearing melodies; you’re embarking on a journey that captures universal truths and invites you to see your own life reflected in her words.
Elby’s captivating performances have landed her on some of the most iconic stages in the country, including The Ryman Auditorium, The Bluebird Cafe, Whiskey Jam, The Foundry in Athens, Matilda’s, and The Grand Ole Opry Plaza. She’s shared the spotlight with legendary artists like Boz Scaggs, LeAnn Rimes, Christopher Cross, Maggie Rose, Mother’s Finest, and Craig Morgan, further cementing her place as an emerging powerhouse in the music scene. Every time Elby performs as a solo artist or with her full band, she creates magical moments where vulnerability meets empowerment, inviting you to experience every emotion in the room. With every note she sings and every lyric she writes, she leaves a little bit of her heart behind, making it impossible not to be drawn into her world. So, if you’re ready to experience a sonic adventure, Elby welcomes you along for the ride.
Daphne Browdy is a Nashville-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for her sharp lyricism and strong melodic instincts. Her recent co-writes include Bruno Major, Ron Fair (Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera), Carobae (JoJo, Sasha Sloan), Drew Ramsey (Nicki Minaj, India Arie), JT Foley (GAYLE, Theory of a Deadman), Megan Redmond (Charli Adams, Charlotte Sands, Lindsey Lomis), Rajiv D Hall (Sasha Sloan, Mikky Ekko, Nightly), and Robyn Dell’Unto (GAYLE, Blu DeTiger). She has earned industry accolades, including the John Lennon Foundation Award and a top-ten placement in the American Songwriter competition.
