Aaron Swibel | Photo by Jim Saah
Rockville’s Aaron Swibel and Baltimore’s Wordsmith earned top honors at the 2025 Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards.
Strathmore hosted the annual competition April 3 at the Music Center. Eight finalists performed live during the awards concert.
In the Youth Category, 16-year-old Aaron Swibel won first place for his song “Listen.” The Richard Montgomery High School sophomore received a $2,500 prize. He performed his original music live on stage. Swibel blends pop, rock, and country. His lyrics focus on love, nostalgia, and introspection.
Swibel performed an acoustic version of his original song “365 Ways” at Groove Studios in Rockville. Watch on YouTube at this link.
Apple Music shares a preview of “Listen”
Youth finalists Cameron Steele and Chloe Stuckey, who performs as “Chloe Key,” also showcased their talent.
Wordsmith | Photo by Jim Saah
Adult Category
Wordsmith won the Adult Category for his original songs “Welcome Home” and “Anti.” Judges praised their emotional impact and technical craft. He received a $10,000 cash prize, 25 hours of studio time, and music business consulting. A poet and performer, Wordsmith blends hip-hop, jazz, rock, and pop. His music often addresses personal and social themes.
Germantown’s Jen Hawley placed second in the Adult Category. She earned $2,500 for her songs “Strawberry Moon” and “Wage War.” Adult Category finalists Hannah Westley, Integriti Reeves, and Laura Brino each received $1,000.
The evening’s judges included Damien Sneed, Raul Midón, and Angela Sclafani. They praised all finalists for originality and depth.
The Bernard/Ebb Awards are in their ninth year. The competition honors Broadway lyricist Fred Ebb and supports DMV songwriters.
Photos courtesy Strathmore
