Being part of America’s Next Top Hitmaker has been surreal, humbling, and eye-opening in ways I never expected. You see the polished videos, the voting campaigns, the excitement—but let me pull back the curtain and share what this experience has really been like.
The Good, The Challenging, and The Beautiful
First, the beautiful: connecting with fans who truly understand what heartfelt music means. When someone votes for your song, they’re not just clicking a button—they’re saying “your story matters to me.” That’s incredibly powerful.
The challenging? Learning to balance artistic integrity with the realities of a competition. I’ve had moments where I wondered: “Am I staying true to my folk roots, or am I performing for votes?” The answer I’ve landed on: authenticity always wins, even if it doesn’t always win competitions.
What $50,000 Would Really Mean
People ask what I’d do with the prize money. Sure, I mentioned paying off musical equipment and supporting humanitarian causes, but here’s the deeper truth: it would buy me time. Time to write without worrying about rent. Time to perfect my craft without rushing to the next gig. Time to connect with other storytellers and learn from their journeys.
But here’s what money can’t buy: the connections I’ve made, the stories I’ve collected, and the reminder that music isn’t about winning—it’s about touching souls.
Lessons From the Journey
- Your tribe will find you. The right listeners always discover authentic music.
- Comparison kills creativity. Focus on your story, not your ranking.
- Vulnerability is your superpower. The songs that scare you to share are often the ones people need most.
What’s Next?
Win or lose, this experience has clarified my mission: creating music that makes people feel less alone in this world. Whether that happens at the Global Citizen Festival or in a small coffee shop, the goal remains the same.
To everyone supporting me on this journey—you’re not just voting for a song, you’re investing in the belief that honest storytelling still matters in a world of auto-tuned perfection.
Follow my journey at tophitmaker.org/2025/roy-pitluk and keep the conversation going.