Lucky Man Studio names Don & Alexandra Clayton Recording Arts Honors winner

1/28/2026

The Auburn University Department of Music and Lucky Man Studio are proud to announce the winner of the Don and Alexandra Clayton Recording Arts Honors, a groundbreaking program designed to transform student talent into industry opportunity.

The program spotlights Auburn’s most accomplished music students by awarding one artist a fully produced, marketed and distributed three-song professional commercial release — crafted to meet today’s music industry standards.

“This program is more than a competition — it is a launchpad for Auburn students into the world of professional recorded music,” said program namesake Don Clayton. “The Clayton Award will transform talent into opportunity, showcasing Auburn’s commitment to creativity, innovation and excellence in the recording arts.”

Picture from left: Lucky Man Studio Engineer Trammell Starks, Winner Jack Sears, Music Department Chair Doug Rosener, Competition Judge LaMont VanHook

Winner - Jack Sears

With a gritty and soulful voice, Jack Sears brings a punch to your typical singer-songwriter sound. Influenced by the sounds of iconic acts like The Smashing Pumpkins and The 1975, as well as the lyrics of writers like Jason Isbell and Lizzy McAlpine, Jack’s music brings in elements from all decades and supports them with lyrics that are introspective and real. With his first single “Cry” out now, Jack has been making waves as a writer and vocalist across the city of Auburn.

Runners Up – Anna Coulson, Walter Lloyd, Syler Stone

Each of the three runners up will receive a one-song professional commercial release. Congratulations to these artists as well!

All finalists competed in a live performance event at Lucky Man Studio on Jan. 24. The event brought strong energy, with standout performances from each competitor, and Jack emerged as the winner.

Production on the projects will begin immediately and culminate with a special concert release event on April 24, 2026, in Lucky Man Studio, with the winners performing their new releases. This is a ticketed event. Tickets will be available through the Auburn Department of Music.

Tags: Students Music