Award winning judging panel announced for 2013 Song Academy Young Songwriter Competition
Songwriters Eg White and Fraser T Smith join the panel to judge this year’s entries
On Friday 1st February, the esteemed 2013 Song Academy Young Songwriter Competition is open for entries. Song Academy is calling all budding songwriters aged between 6-18 years to enter the competition and be in with a chance to win a session at Universal Music’s recording studio in London. This is a fantastic opportunity for a young and ambitious songwriter to have a taste of what it’s like to be in a professional recording studio and to walk away with their first fully produced single.
Furthermore, The X Factor’s sponsor Talk Talk is offering the winners the chance to meet some of The X Factor finalists back stage at a ‘secret gig’ or a pair of tickets to the 2013 X Factor final. If this wasn’t incentive enough, all entrants receive a 25% discount voucher from Roland.
As well as the opportunity to win these amazing prizes, finalists will have their songs heard by this year’s star studded industry judging panel, including:
- Award winning songwriter and producer Fraser T Smith, responsible for such hit songs with artists such as Adele, James Morrison and Taio Cruz
- Award winning songwriter and producer Eg White, known for his work with successful commercial pop acts including Duffy, Will Young, James Blunt, Joss Stone and Natalie Imbruglia
- Professional UK songwriter Rob Davis, who’s had great success with Spiller and Kylie Minogue
- Musician and songwriter Lyn Goddard, who has written and produced for several pop acts including JLS and Random Impulse
- The successful international recording artist Amy Studt
- Advisor to Apple and iTunes and founder of AWAL.com (Artists without a label) Denzyl Feigelson
- Jamie Theakston, Heart FM
- Tom Robinson, Broadcaster and songwriter, hosting BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Introducing and his own Saturday Night Music Show
- Barry Mason, one of the world’s leading songwriters writing for Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Barbara Streisand and Elvis Presley
- Nicky Cox editor of First News, the leading children’s newspaper.
Founder and Manager of Song Academy, Rowena Atkins said: “The Song Academy Young Songwriter competition is a unique initiative championing children’s creativity and powers of expression. The calibre of this year’s panel of judges will only act as further inspiration for those who enter. We are expecting much interest both from schools and young songwriters who wish to have the coveted accolade of being ‘Song Academy Young Songwriter of 2013, alongside winning some fabulous prizes.”
Previous judges had nothing but praise for the competition:
"I was very impressed with these children's compositions and was taken aback by their originality and their beautiful, un-self conscious approach to storytelling. I was very humbled by a lot of their words." Rumer, international artist
“I was so impressed by the standard of the entries and know that Britain’s musical future is in safe hands.” Nicky Cox, editor of First News
“I am impressed and delighted by the outstanding young talent which Song Academy has discovered across the UK. This leading competition ensures that every child has the opportunity to be heard by music industry professionals and live their dream. Song Academy’s fresh approach is set to enrich music education in the UK.” Ed Vaizey, Government Minister for Creative Industries
“I support anything that encourages children to find their way into the world of music, especially something like Song Academy which requires no formal training and their emphasis is on fun and self-expression.” Jamie Theakston, Heart FM
How to enter: Young songwriters can enter the competition individually or in collaboration with friends, school class or family. Songs must be under 4 minutes in duration. This competition will be judged separately for 6-12 years olds and 13-18 year olds. Entry is free. Rules & Guidelines are at www.songacademy.co.uk. To enter: record/upload your song, then submit your entry form online at www.songacademy.co.uk/young-songwriter-2013.
Entry deadline: 7 April 2013
Song Academy is a children’s singing & songwriting academy – for both experienced and novice singers & songwriters. It’s a unique and creative outlet for musical children to express themselves writing songs that matter to them and which are listened to and valued.
After-school singing & songwriting sessions for 6-14 year olds are run in Fulham, Hammersmith, Notting Hill, Chiswick & Chelsea. Children learn how to write, perform & record their own songs, expressing themselves in a vibrant group of like-minded young people. The end of term Gig is a unique chance to perform their own songs with a professional band.
In addition to after-school sessions, Song Academy runs holiday workshops, birthday parties and creativity/songwriting workshops in schools and the annual Young Songwriter competition.
For enquiries, please email jessica@songacademy.co.uk or call 07740 582872.
Website: http://www.songacademy.co.uk Twitter: @songacademyUK Facebook: www.facebook.com/SongAcademyUK