An assortment of pop stars have backed a new unsigned songwriter competition aimed at uncovering the best new British talent and raising money for the Stand Up to Cancer and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy charities.
Among those backing the UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year 2016 competition are James Blunt, Pixie Lott, Jack Savoretti, Mike Rutherford, Ralph McTell and Lulu, while partners for contest include Yamaha, The Songwriting Academy, PRS For Music and Caffè Nero.
Songwriters are invited to submit songs at the competition website between now and September 1st. An industry panel will select the top songwriters to showcase their songs at 12 live regional heats at Caffè Nero locations from September 26th, with semi-finals in Manchester and at Yamaha Music London in mid-October. Yamaha will be providing PA, backline and instrument support for all the live events and the Gala Final at The Piano Works, London on October 30th.
The songwriter with the strongest songs will win a first prize worth over £6,000, including £1,000 worth of Yamaha musical instruments and equipment, a 12 month mentoring programme with The Songwriting Academy, a week’s songwriting retreat in Spain, the chance to have a song recorded in Nashville, a UK Tour by Caffè Nero supported by Yamaha and performance at Cornbury Festival 2017.
There is no limit to the number of songs each songwriter can submit, but there is a fee of £15 per song. Proceeds from the entry fees will be split evenly between the Stand Up to Cancer and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy charities.
Once entry is complete, entrants will be invited to join in a Selfie competition to win a Yamaha guitar amplifier and those submitting three songs or more will have the chance to attend a free, one-day ‘Introduction to Songwriting’ course in London.
"With a changing music industry, new musicians need support now more than ever,” said Blunt. The Unsigned Songwriter of the Year' initiative does that, as well as raising money for two great charities."
Pixie Lott added: "What an amazing way to raise money for a great cause! Every unsigned songwriter in the country should get writing for this competition."
