PRS for Music Foundation and PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund announced Elsa Hewitt as the winner of the Lynsey de Paul Prize, set up to support emerging female singer-songwriters.
Singer-songwriter Hewitt will receive a £2,000 talent bursary and mentorship to help develop her music career.
“This award is monumental in my career, it feels like justification for all the sacrifices I make for my art,” she said. “It couldn't have come at a better time for me, as it has given me the confidence boost and the reassurance that I needed. It is a feeling of both triumph and relief to know that my talent and skills are being considered worthy of such an investment. I'm very grateful for this.”
Two runners up were also announced - Hayley Harland (Indie/Folk/Pop) and Bianca Rose (Soul/Folk) who will each receive a £500 development bursary.
All bursaries have been donated by Lynsey de Paul’s family from Lynsey’s song writing royalties.
Vanessa Reed, executive director, PRS for Music Foundation, said: “Congratulations to Elsa Hewitt on winning this year’s Lynsey de Paul Prize and to both runners-up. These three artists and the high standard of applications highlight the talent and diversity of up and coming female music creators in the UK right now. I look forward to following the progress of Elsa, Bianca and Hayley and how the Lynsey de Paul Prize helps them to take the next step in their careers.”
The Lynsey de Paul Prize was set up to honour the career of the award winning songwriter and artist Lynsey de Paul who died in 2014. She was the first female songwriter to win an Ivor Novello Award and composed 12 Top 20 hit records.
