James Malcolm Band's "Is It Never Too Late" Named Finalist in American Songwriter's Road Ready Talent Contest

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Aug 28, 2026, 08:15 ET

South Florida band advances from the Semi-Finals as additional national recognition and new Fort Lauderdale performances add to a growing year

DAVIE, Fla., Aug. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- James Malcolm Band's "Is It Never Too Late" has been named a Finalist in American Songwriter's 3rd Annual Road Ready Talent Contest, advancing the South Florida-based band from an earlier Semi-Finalist round and putting it one step away from a potential live performance in Nashville.

American Songwriter announced the Finalists on Aug. 27. From the finalist field, the publication will next select three artists to perform live in Nashville in October 2026.

Malcolm Philip Flavell is the lead singer, co-founder, songwriter, and creative force behind the James Malcolm Band, named in tribute to his late father. Rooted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Malcolm writes honest songs about resilience, hope, relationships, second chances, and everyday life. With a distinctive voice and heartfelt storytelling, he and the band deliver an authentic American roots sound captured on their debut album, Never Too Late.

"Is It Never Too Late" was written and composed by Jason Milgram, Malcolm Flavell and Marc Loren. The Finalist selection gives both the song and James Malcolm Band national recognition as the band continues to develop its audience, recorded catalog and live presence.

"This is the kind of recognition that means a lot because it starts with the song," said Jason Milgram of Settle Down Productions. "We're proud of how far James Malcolm Band has come, but seeing 'Is It Never Too Late' advance from the Semi-Finals to the Finals makes this especially rewarding. Now we're hoping the band gets the opportunity to take that next step and perform it in Nashville."

For Malcolm Flavell, the recognition is also about seeing a song the band believes in reach listeners beyond its existing audience.

"You put a lot of yourself into a song and then hope it connects with somebody when you finally let it go," said Malcolm Flavell of James Malcolm Band. "To have 'Is It Never Too Late' reach the Finals with American Songwriter is something we're genuinely proud of. We're grateful to everyone who has listened, shared the music and come out to see us. Getting the chance to play this song in Nashville would be a pretty special next chapter."

A Second 2026 Finalist Recognition

The American Songwriter announcement comes as James Malcolm Band is also receiving recognition for its music video "Knock On Marble," which has been named a 2026 Finalist in the Music Video category of the Unsigned Only Music Awards.

The video is also eligible for Fandemonium, Unsigned Only's fan-voted award. Fans can vote once per day through Aug. 28, selecting the James Malcolm Band's "Knock On Marble."

The two Finalist selections give James Malcolm Band recognition for both its songwriting and visual work during the same period.

Fort Lauderdale Performances Continue This Fall

The national contest recognition arrives alongside an expanding live schedule in South Florida.

James Malcolm Band performed its first Fort Lauderdale concert in December 2025, followed by its second in July 2026. The band has since been invited to perform at a special Dolly Parton tribute on Sept. 7 at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale.

James Malcolm Band will then return to Savor Cinema for its third Fort Lauderdale concert on Nov. 13, 2026.

The progression from its first local concert less than a year ago to multiple finalist recognitions and additional Fort Lauderdale appearances reflects a growing body of work for the band as Settle Down Productions continues to develop its recorded and live presence.

About James Malcolm Band

James Malcolm Band is a South Florida-based band represented by Settle Down Productions, LLC. The band releases original music and is building its audience through recorded releases and live performances. In 2026, James Malcolm Band earned Finalist recognition in American Songwriter's 3rd Annual Road Ready Talent Contest for "Is It Never Too Late" and in the Music Video category of the Unsigned Only Music Awards for "Knock On Marble."

Music, videos, social channels and additional information are available at:

https://linktr.ee/JamesMalcolmBand

About Settle Down Productions, LLC

Settle Down Productions, LLC is an independent music label based in Davie, Florida. The label works with its artists on music production, releases, promotion, audience development and live performance opportunities, with a focus on supporting their long-term career development.

SOURCE Settle Down Productions, LLC