12.01.04 Nashville Lifestyles Generation Next: Music City earns its name with up-and-coming acts in every genre Middle Tennessee native Stephen Simmons draws his dark Americana imagery directly from his rural upbringing. Like a twisted country preacher, his songs of sin and salvation are the aural equivalent of paintings by primitive Southern artists like Howard Finster and James Harold Jennings. In 2004, Simmons released his debut Last Call without record label support and was named "Best Undiscovered Singer/Songwriter" by the Nashville Scene. – Paul V. Griffith