Abstract:
Tift Merritt is a 25-year-old Raleigh singer/songwriter, who critics say has a bright future in alt-country music. In 1998, she and drummer Zeke Hutchins formed The Carbines, and in 2000, she won the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest 2000. This was a pivotal event because one of the judges brought her to the attention of talent manager Frank Callari, who signed her to a contract.