Gladbrook native Birdy Young performs during the 2024 Reinbeck Art Festival. She was recently named a finalist in three major categories at the 2025 International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) Awards, taking home Female Album of the Year. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

ATLANTA, Ga. – Gladbrook native Birdy Young, lead singer-songwriter of the country Jukebox band Hideaway Honey, has officially earned the title of International Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter at the 2025 International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) Awards in Atlanta, Ga.

Young was named a finalist in three major categories: Female Emerging Artist of the Year, Female Album of the Year, and Band of the Year. She ultimately took home the award for Female Album of the Year with her acclaimed project Wild Child.

Before the awards, Hideaway Honey was invited to perform at the ISSA Awards Pre-Party at Wild Wing Cafe. Reflecting on the performance, Birdy shared, “The energy in the room was electric. We weren’t just background music–we were in the spotlight!”

The ISSA is one of the world’s fastest-growing independent music associations with over 30,000 members worldwide. The organization offers unmatched opportunities to independent artists, including hundreds of approved radio stations, the ISSA TV channel on Roku, ISSA Radio on Live365 (commercial free), the ISSA Record Label, and the ISSA Magazine. The association is now officially affiliated with The Academy – the same institution behind the GRAMMYs.

Birdy, who shared the milestone moment with her grandmother, reflected on her emotional acceptance speech:

“I was completely overcome with emotions. Life hasn’t been easy, and that night all the pain and hard work came out. My motto this year is ‘I can, and I will’ – that night I proclaimed ‘I DID.'” She concluded with “let my experience prove that you can too.”

Birdy also expressed her gratitude to Tamanie Dove, ISSA founder, and the entire ISSA board of directors, including fellow Iowan Todd Apfel: “It means so much to be supported by people who believe in independent artists. To have a fellow Iowan on the board makes it feel like home – just a few cornfields away.”

In addition to her international recognition, Birdy’s Wild Child album has been charting on independent radio stations across the U.S. and the U.K. The title track “Wild Child” hit No. 1 on The Rick Spins Show, and “Gettin’ Lazy” claimed the No. 1 spot on ISSA Radio in Atlanta, Ga.

Hideaway Honey is now booking dates for 2026 with plans for a second tour in the summer of 2026 and a brand-new album on the way.

Fans, also known as “The HIVE” can follow Birdy’s journey, purchase merchandise, and inquire about bookings at www.hideawayhoney.com. Independent musicians in Iowa who are interested in joining ISSA are encouraged to connect with her for more information.

“The BUZZZZZ! is real–and it’s just getting sweeter! Hang on to your hats folks, things are about to get WILD!”