Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2014 launches Saturday 6th September

Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2014 launches this Saturday 6th September with new judge Robert Vincent

Liverpool Acoustic is pleased to announce the addition of Robert Vincent to the judging panel for this year’s Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge. Robert is a highly respected musician who has performed twice at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, once as part of the Irish Sea Sessions and once supporting Madeleine Peyroux. He also has a host of festival appearances to his name and has toured the UK supporting Paul Carrack (Roxy Music, Squeeze). Robert joins returning judges Jon Lawton (Crosstown Studios) and Kaya Herstad Carney (University of Chester, Threshold Festival, Balance Vocal Studio).

Returning for its fourth year, the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2014 launches on the afternoon of Saturday 6th September.

The Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge is a truly unique event where songwriters are challenged to write a new, original song inspired by the art on show at Mathew Street’s independent View Two Gallery. The people behind this event know what you’re thinking… “Unique? Really?” Well, as far as they know there isn’t an event like it anywhere in the world, so they’re quietly confident about the claim.

From 12pm to 5pm the View Two Gallery on Mathew Street will be open for songwriters to have a look round and be inspired by the art on display. To enter the challenge a songwriter chooses a piece of art and has one month to write a brand new song inspired by it, and submit it as a recording along with a copy of the lyrics and a photo of the art. The judges will listen to the art-inspired songs and mark each one for lyrics, melody, composition and originality. The top ten songs will be performed at the Showcase Final on the evening of Friday 21st November where the Judges’ Award winner will be announced. The Audience Favourite song will be chosen too.

The winning songs in the two categories – Judges Award and Audience Favourite – will be professionally recorded at Liverpool’s Crosstown Studios.

Jon Lawton, owner of Crosstown Studios and judge, says:-

“The Songwriting Challenge is a great experience to be involved in. The competition really helps to showcase some of Liverpool’s best underground musical talents and I can’t wait to see who we end up working with this year!”

The writers of the winning songs in both categories will also receive two hours of vocal coaching or songwriting support at Balance Vocal Studio from returning judge Kaya Herstad Carney. A lecturer in Popular Music Performance at the University of Chester, Kaya is also a musician, singer, and co-organiser of Threshold Festival. Kaya says:-

“It’s always exciting to hear what the songwriters come up with. It inspires me as an artist and it often helps me find new gems for Threshold.“

Alexandra Jayne, winner of both the Judges’ Award and Audience Favourite 2013, says:-

“The Songwriting Challenge really inspired me to delve into my creative side! Through carefully studying a series of paintings I selected one that held particular resonance with me and translated those feelings into song. What I loved about the competition was hearing each person’s own interpretation of the art and seeing how the abstract paintings suddenly held such personal significance for each artist. The Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge is a great experience within a community of talented artists and musicians – I would definitely recommend entering!.”

Liverpool Acoustic’s Graham Holland says:-

“We’re delighted to welcome Robert Vincent as a judge alongside Jon Lawton and Kaya Herstad Carney. If last year is anything to go by then he’ll have his work cut out judging this year’s submissions. The standard of songs in 2013 was incredibly high and  all those involved were amazed by the imagination, creativity and talent of our local songwriters. This unique event combines Liverpool’s duel passions for art and music, and once again we’re laying down a challenge to the region’s talented songwriters to show what they can do.“

Patron of the Songwriting Challenge, local singer-songwriter Stephen Langstaff says:

“The Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge is a great idea. I’ve watched it inspire newly emerging songwriters in our city into create some great and interesting songs. And mixing visual arts with music is always good fun too.”

The Songwriting Challenge is open to anyone of any age living in the UK. However, entrants must have visited the View Two Gallery between 6th September 2014 and the closing date of 5th October. The rules and conditions of entry are available on the Songwriting Challenge website.

The Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge is free to enter, and there is no charge for entry to the View Two on Saturday 6th September. The same afternoon Liverpool Acoustic will also be hosting the popular Liverpool Acoustic Afternoon in the top floor performance space between 1pm and 4pm. This event features booked guests Vellamo from Finland, local duo Ego and the Other, plus Liverpool Acoustic’s popular open mic. Refreshments will be available from the bar.

Entry to the Showcase Final on Friday 21st November will be by ticket only, available in advance from 1st November. All money raised will be split between Marie Curie Cancer Care and Garston Animal Rescue in memory of Liverpool Acoustic team member Sharon Jones who died in May 2011.

Full details can be found on the Songwriting Challenge website

challenge.liverpoolacoustic.co.uk

 

2013 WINNERS

Judges Award & Audience Favourite 2013:
Alexandra Jayne – 1969 
Click here to listen to the winning song performed by Alexandra Jayne and recorded by Jon Lawton at Crosstown Studios.

2012 WINNERS

Judges Award 2012:
Vanessa Murray – I Don’t Wanna Lose You Like This
Watch the video for Vanessa’s winning song here.

2011 WINNERS

Judges Award 2011:
Simon Madison – Brother of Fur
Watch Simon playing his winning song at the 2011 Showcase Final here.

 

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Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2014 launches Saturday 6th September