Get to know the SAYS23 finalists in the UK/Ireland 8-12 years old category
This year’s Song Academy Young Songwriter competition attracted nearly 1,000 entries from aspiring young songwriters aged 8-18 across the world, both experienced young songwriters and those who’ve written their first song. The judges were extremely impressed with the originality, creativity & musical bravery of the songs. We interviewed each of the finalists to get to know them and learn more about how they write songs. We’ll add more profiles as we receive them. Stay tuned!
OREGON THIA GERRITS – ‘THE FUTURE’S HAPPENING’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? I am excited about the future. I wrote this song around the launch of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which began a new phase in space exploration. It made me look towards the future and wonder what it holds for humanity. There will always be ups and downs in the world. Even if sometimes things are difficult, people will continue to experience joy, hope and excitement. Hopefully the positive things will make us believe that we can become better and create a happy future for all of us,
What got you into writing songs? Song Academy! My school had a song writing club and I enjoyed the Song Academy sessions so much that I continued to do online song writing classes through the lock down.
What does songwriting mean to you? Song writing lets me express my feelings and sing about topics that mean a lot to me. I hope people can hear and sing my song and feel the same way.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? I love everything. I like thinking about the song, writing the lyrics, composing the tune and singing it! I wish I could play the guitar though!
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? It starts with something that happened to me, that makes me think. After a while, it develops into an idea. After brainstorming, I find interesting words that connect into a song.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. Through Song Academy, I learnt the Soundtrap platform where I sang and recorded my song with Brendan Cleary, who played the guitar.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? Chris Hadfield, the Canadian singer and astronaut who sang and played guitar in space.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Don’t think! Just do it! Some of the best songs come from the heart, not from hours of careful technique.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Mia Wilks’ “Central Line to Town” was striking as it starts with a real life recording of the announcement on the Central Line. I really like Skye Bishop’s “Fourteen”. I listened to her other songs and thought her voice and her piano style was very moving and professional.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? The competition is a great opportunity for young people to express themselves and have fun while creating something that they will remember for all their lives.
KIDS OF ORION – ’10 RULES’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? We found a need in our school and in everyday life and decided to write about it. We wanted to try and help inspire and motivate kids of all ages and give them a guidebook on how to navigate life. I know we’re only young but the song 10 rules covers the things that we feel are important and that will help us to have positive futures
What got you into writing songs? At our school, The Orion Primary School, our teacher Ms McDonald help set up a cool music production club that helps us learn about music production. We learn about the basics of making music using Logic Pro x and also learn about songwriting and song structure and get to make our own music. We all actually produced this song ourselves in our lesson. We find music helps us in everyday life and we have a passion for spreading a message. Music helps us do this.
What does songwriting mean to you? It means we have a way of expressing ourselves when we can’t any other way.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? Working together and learning about how music is composed. We had fun writing the lyrics and trying to think of the different ideas and things we could write about. So after we made the instrumental, it was fun to bounce our ideas off of each other about what the lyrics should be.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? We usually make the beat first then think about a concept of what we want the song to be about. We decided to write about things that are passionate to our school and make us happy. We also wanted to send a message out too.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. We are very lucky at our school because we have access to a recording studio and radio station and we have music clubs. In our music production club we worked on a system called Logic and Rio from The Apex Project helped us learn how to produce the music, structure the song and compose the lyrics. It was hard deciding on a beat and finalising the piece but we worked together.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? Ariana Grande and Beyonce. There are so many great artists that we would love to meet one day.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? You have to have patience and push your creative flare. It helps to have someone like Rio to teach you the process too.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? We would love to have seen our other group from The Orion get through to the finals too. The Orion Alltimers. We have listened to many of the tracks they’ve made and like so many of them.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? That everyone has a chance to be involved and that you do not need to be older to enter.
HALLUNCINATIONS – ‘THE BACKSTAGE GUY’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? I was inspired to write backstage guy from myself and my life when I was younger. Basically there’s a forest with a river running through it near my house and when I was younger I had no friends so I would go to this place after school and listen to songs hour on end and although backstage guy doesn’t feature this place. The song is based around it and it’s over now.
What got you into writing songs? So when I was younger me and my aunty would go on zoom and do ukelele lessons and as soon as I started playing I felt like this was what I am supposed to do and after many covers I decided to write my own song and it wasn’t that good but I didn’t give up I tried again and again picking up on things I have done wrong and improving for my next song. One day I wrote a song and for the first time I really liked it ! So I carried on writing more and here I am today with ‘backstage guy’.
What does songwriting mean to you? Well it means everything to me and it’s the one thing I can do by myself no one bothering me and I find it a lot easier to tell things in my songs than speaking it.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? When you finally get the catchy chorus you want after many tries.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? Well I think deep about what to write a song about how to make it original and then I play some chords on guitar and put my ideas into a catchy melody and when I get something I like I record it and write it down. But it’s not always the first chorus which is at the end as I usually change it.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. First I sat in my room with just my my Pen and paper and would write down any melody’s and lyrics which would come to my head and then I would work out parts for people in my band and then we would get together and record it all on garage band and layer some more singing on top then make sure it’s all good and then we have the song. Also these are the people in Hallucinations: Maximus Myatt (me): guitar and vocals, Rupert Owens: bass guitar, Teddy Layzell: drums
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? I have a lot of artists I like but my all time favourite is Twenty Øne Piløts as I like there lyrics and theme and I feel they have real depth in there songs and I also like Green day and Shawn Mendes They are all very different but I like listening to many kinds of music to give me inspiration.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? First of all don’t listen to people who say your music is bad because if you do you will loose confidence and not carry on and that future superstar in you will not happen. And even if you don’t like it carry on because it won’t ever get better if you give up on it. In fact that counts for everything, if you don’t carry on and just give up it will never be good and you want it to be good don’t you?
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? I don’t know anyone else who entered but I had a listen and I really like daydreams by Robyn Jones as I can tell the lyrics really mean something and It is relatable to me and I can really feel the emotion.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? Before I found out about this I had no where to show my music and when I found out about this competition I was very pleased as I have been wanting an opportunity like this for a long time and getting through to the top 30 just still blows my mind and It made my day so that’s why I like song academy!
ELISA MCEVOY ‘I’LL GO ON AN ADVENTURE’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? I like nature and I have always liked writing songs about things I like.
What got you into writing songs? I want to be like my Dad, who writes songs.
What does songwriting mean to you? It means that I can say stuff in a different way to speaking and express my feelings in my songs.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? The recording was probably my favourite part because I like hearing myself in the headphones.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I hum a melody out loud and then start to think about how it could improve and what it could be about.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. I wrote the song in one of my diaries in pencil and changed it until it felt right.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? I would love to sing with Sam Ryder.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? I would say go for it and write what you think feels good.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I like that it give me confidence to share my songs.
MAX MARNHAM – ‘ANY OTHER DAY’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? What inspired me to write my finalist song is to encourage people not to give up, and also that to tell people that not everyone is perfect.
What got you into writing songs? What got me into writing songs, is that I use to listen to a lot music (I still do!) and one day I though to myself “ what would it be like if I wrote a song?”
What does songwriting mean to you? Songwriting means to me, a great way to express myself.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? My favourite part of the songwriting process is the bit where you are starting to make progress.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I usually start a song by finding a melody on my piano, or find a beat on my computer.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. My set up for recording is a Mac book air, a sound card, a recording microphone, a keyboard, a piano, a drum kit, and some more stuff.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? My dream artists to collaborate with would probably be The Kooks, MustBeJohn or the Skeggs.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? I would say to work hard and to not give up.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? My favourite entry is hold on to your branches by 12 deers.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? What I like about the Song Academy is the entries are always amazing. It also gives kids a chance to show other side of themselves and their talents.
HENRY MARNHAM – ‘SHY FELLOW’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? I think I was going through quite a hard time with being sick and i wanted to do something to distract myself.
What got you into writing songs? Probably the creativity and excitement of it all, and being able to do what ever you want in the song.
What does songwriting mean to you? It means quite a lot as it is a hobby of mine and I really enjoy it.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? I think it is when you layer everything together, and you get that rush of adrenaline when you realise how good it actually is.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? Usually from brainstorming some ideas and trying to find a simple tune, before messing around with some synths and finding the right one.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. Pencil, paper, guitar, piano, after jamming, sound card (presonos) and mics Audio box and layout deck.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? Probably either Lewis Capaldi or The Neighbourhood.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Creating something out of nothing is cool. Don’t give up.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Sholto, Robyn Jones, Eleanor Rose Hanson
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? Freedom
OTTILIE WALLACE – ‘I AM FREE’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? There was a karaoke competition at school and I decided I wanted to write my own song for it.
What got you into writing songs? I have been composing and improvising since I first started playing the violin when I was 5 years old. I have written mostly for orchestral instruments and also some choral compositions. I am not sure why I didn’t write a song sooner! I Am Free is my first song.
What does songwriting mean to you? I love creative writing, I love composing and I love music. Songwriting combines all of those things. I really enjoy it!
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? I don’t think I have a favourite part. Maybe that will happen as I write more songs.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I Am Free is my first song but I have since written more songs. Usually my inspiration is sudden. I think for a song I often think of words first. A phrase will come to me and that sets off more words and then also the tone of the music.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. I wrote I Am Free using Sibelius. I was lucky enough to be able to record it at a local recording studio.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? I think it would have to be Toto!
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? I think it is really important to write and create without worrying about whether you are getting it “right” or whether it is good enough. I also think it is important to write music which really makes you feel something.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? I’d love to say I’ve listened to all of the other top 30 finalists in all the categories but since they were announced on Friday I have been composing non-stop to meet deadlines and then been back at school! I’m looking forward to listening to them all over the next couple of weeks and imagining what it would be like to collaborate.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? It’s a fantastic opportunity to have your music considered by experts and shared with others. It’s very exciting!
ROBYN JONES – ‘DAYDREAMS’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? My inspiration to write this song came from the fact that there aren’t many ‘popular’ songs about getting lost in your own thoughts/overthinking currently. So, I wanted to bring attention to an issue that so many people can relate to.
What got you into writing songs? I wanted to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone by creating something completely original, and writing my own song.
What does songwriting mean to you? To me, songwriting means expressing my feelings and personality through music and lyrics.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? My personal favourite part of the process is hearing the final product for the first time and realising how far I have come from the simple spark that inspired me to write the song.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I like to think of a chord pattern and that brings to my mind a specific situation/experience I have had.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. My setup to write the song was simply sitting in my bedroom alone with my guitar, finding a chord pattern, and playing it until it brings out a situation/experience I have had.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? ‘Fall Out Boy’ without question!
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Just to give it a go, don’t be too quick to discard an idea and step out of your comfort zone.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? My favourite is Backstage Guy by Hallucinations. I had a very fun time listening to it and found it to be very unique and very catchy. I also liked Hold Onto Your Branches by 12 Deers.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I like the fact there are 2 age categories meaning I am competing with other entrants who are likely to be on the same or similar level to me, meaning we all get a fair chance.
KIT BOTTOMLEY – ‘KNEBWORTH’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? Seeing big bands at big gigs is mind blowing. Last year I’d seen Pearl Jam and Pixies in Hyde Park and then Liam Gallagher and Kasabian at Knebworth. It’s the massive, massive sound and the energy of the crowd. It was trying to put down in song that feeling of being part of something bigger than you. The surge when your favourite song is played in front of you, how connected you are with the crowd and performer. When I want to hear a song about something I write it. It played in my head, the melody and lyrics were there after the Liam gig, I walked home buzzing and had the song there. So it’s really a song about songs.
What got you into writing songs? I’m always singing, when I search up a song that I want to hear, if I can’t find it or that emotional feeling, then I write it. My mum says my first words were sung not spoken so I guess I’ve been doing it all my life. I often hear the melody in everything, we all do it sometimes on a train or in the rain, the beat and the music that is there. It’s taking that and making it bigger.
What does songwriting mean to you? Songwriting means for me creating, expressing myself and making something beautiful (maybe not the first time but trying and layering), making something for other people and for yourself. It’s fun and my favourite thing to do. I’m pretty obsessed with making music and writing songs.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? My favourite part of the songwriting process is that it’s fun, it’s my favourite thing to do. Getting a song out of my head, and performing the song. Making something from nothing which is like all art i guess.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I start a song with a melody, then a phrase I’ve heard someone say like ‘Sleepyhead maybe it’s time to leave we should go home to bed’ and ‘54321 I’m still waiting for the quiet’ are two other songs I wrote that just were there in my head because I’d heard it said so many times. Also it might be something I’ve been thinking about or a feeling I have. Then I start recording guitar first (or piano or ukulele) it depends where I am, then I’ll get some vocals down, then I’ll play drums on the keyboard behind it. That is when I start to lay down extra things like a pad synth. Or I play the trumpet so sometimes some of that or even some Kalima or shakers or even the dog barking. It’s fun to play with different sounds and to harmonise with myself. Sometimes I just sing into my phone so I don’t lose the song.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. I went busking and saved up to get this equipment and the mac book pro computer was a Christmas/Birthday present from all my family because i was crashing the family macbook air with all the songs. For recording I use Logic pro now, I bought it two years ago because Sound Trap didn’t have all that I needed to record, and I use a Focusrite Scarlett set up. I’d asked around what older people used and that’s what was recommended. I don’t have a very good mic and I’m learning (sometimes the hard way) I’ve lost recordings 😩 I bought the midi keyboard for drums and synth etc. My recording/producing isn’t that good because I’ve done it all myself and I don’t have access to good drums and effects and I’m just learning about mixing and production. I’ve tried different ways to mix my vocals. it takes a long time but it’s fun. I also have a lyric book that I write down stuff that come into my head or funny things people say, or a phrase that I hear. ‘You’ll be sorry tomorrow/it’s you against yourself/too late for tears/clowns and chameleons heading out/can I borrow you for a second/join in if you know it’. So I look in that for inspiration. It’s quite a process and I’ve lost recordings but it’s all fun and often you just know when you’ve got a bit of something gold going on.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? My dream artist to collaborate with is hard, there are so many but if I’m allowed to pick people who have died then Kurt Cobain. Plus Harry Styles would be fun and of course Paul McCartney.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Do it! Try your best, make the best version of your song you can, and have fun while you’re making it and singing it. And back up your recordings!!
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? I like Sophie Feriani’s voice. I really enjoy Lazy. It would be fun to write/sing something with her.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I like the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition because it’s interesting to see what other people around my age are doing. I enjoyed listening to the other songs, they’re all so good.
MILO DELLAL, NIKOLAI GRLICA, ERIK LANGRAN – ‘STRANGER’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? Milo: I wanted to write something I could enjoy and would also be good enough to share with others.
It all started with the line “Hey, you’re stranger than me…” which just kept going around my head one morning. So I used that to kick off from. It got me thinking along the lines that: If you’re strange, then don’t feel like you’re the only one. There are always others who don’t fit in. And that’s okay!
Then I just enjoyed playing with strange scenarios, like the idea of swimming through a desert, and an endless road. There was another verse that we didn’t end up using which had images of the running from the devil to a party where you play fandango on a banjo. Extreme and fun to think about. Originally, I thought this song would be a mother’s day present, then the band came over and we played it… and they really liked it, so we worked on it more together. Erik: When Milo told me and Nikolai about the #SAYS competition, I was excited. Milo had an idea for a song called “I hear the darkness” so we stayed break times to try to work on it. Me playing the cello, Nik on the guitar, Milo singing and everyone trying to create a lyric that was not the chorus. One day we asked if our friend Will wanted to help us. He then became our “manager”. After about 3 hours of hard work, we decided I hear the darkness was too complicated. We didn’t know what to do until Milo had a (another) great idea: to try to use his mother’s day song that was already partly written and had a tune. So, he showed us and we all liked it.
What got you into writing songs? Milo: I wrote my first song when I was 4 years old. It was actually a poem by my godmother (a poet) that I started rapping. Then I played around with my godfather on Garageband (not loops, but writing our own tracks with software instruments). He made our song into a music video for her poem which she used on her website and at poetry festivals, so I felt proud. Since then, I’ve written songs in lots of different ways and on different themes (a friend who I imagined running a detective agency at age seven; an R&B song about a kingfisher for my grandmother; and lots more).
What does songwriting mean to you? Milo: Being able to write something that I would like to just sit down and listen to again and again, and then having the right to call that piece my own. Music is also my favourite way to express myself.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? Milo: I love hearing the finished product and thinking back to writing it and thinking: look what’s come of that! But of course there’s also that stage in the middle when you think it’s sounding pretty good, but you wonder how you can make it sound better. The beginning is trickier, it’s exciting but also scary… will it work? And where to begin?! But the most exciting is when we all get together as a band and work on it as a group. I get a bit obsessive, we all tease each other, sometimes we cancel out each other’s ideas… and it ends up leading to something better. And we laugh.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? Milo: I’m usually just playing around with some chords on the piano or a guitar, and something sounds really good, so I push further to see where it can go. Other times it can start with a lyric that comes to me and feels like it has something going for it, so I see where it can go.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. Our music teacher at school suggested that I (Milo) enter a song, but I wanted to do a song with our band instead – we call ourselves N.E.M.isis. At first we were going to do a song that I’d half written called “I Hear the Darkness” – we worked at it for a few sessions during school breaks, then all the band and our manager Will (who’s in our class) came home and we spent ages trying to make it work, but the melody and combining all our instruments felt too complicated and it was over-ambitious for our deadline. So someone suggested that we work on improving this song instead. Phew!
In the end, we combined my voice and other instruments, using LogicProX. I also threw in a little bit of guitar that I recorded when a family friend was riffing with me last Christmas.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? Milo: So many I don’t know where to begin! Here are a chosen few: Hazmat Modine; Muddy Waters; Freddy Mercury; Zoonation and DJ Walde; Radiohead; Stevie Ray Vaughn; Ali Farka Touré; Fanfare Ciocarlia; Miles Davis; Dave Brubeck; Dizzy Gillespie; and Ray Charles.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Don’t think: “I want this to win.” Think: “I want to like this song and get joy from it.”
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Olga Fitzpatrick, Hallucinations, Robyn Jones, Robbie Hope, Alexander Yijian Wang, Max Marnham.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? It gives young bands and singers and songwriters a chance to be good and be seen and be public and show off a bit. And it makes adults pay attention to what we are doing.
AGNES BULL – ‘CAT LAWS’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? Molly, my teacher, has a cat called Billy and a fish called Raisins. I thought about what you can’t have, and used it for a metaphor for human life.
What got you into writing songs? Molly has encouraged me so much; I also love reading, love how you can put literature to music and use it to express yourself.
What does songwriting mean to you? It lets me express my feelings and notice and explain the world around me.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? I like finishing it and reflecting on the end product. It makes me proud to think we’ve made something that other people can listen to.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I come up with an idea that is like the trunk of the tree and the branches come off are different words we could use in the song and I try and weave them all in.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. I work with my teacher called Molly. We recorded it in her house and then she produced it once we’ve finished recording the song.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? I’d love to work with the writers of Six the Musical.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Definitely do it. It’s thrilling and so exciting when you get selected.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Oh, that’s so hard to choose! I’d love to work with any of the entrants as it’s all new to me. Working with a choir would be cool.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I like how there are different categories so it’s fair for everyone that entered. I also like that there is a competition just for younger people, not just teenagers or older people.
ISLA HANNETT – ‘H.O.P.E’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? I’m a people pleaser and I act differently around people depending on what I think they want me to be. I’m not sure yet who I am and I’m still figuring it all out. At school I have found it really hard and tiring acting differently around everyone and trying to figure who they want me to be. I wrote this song to tell people and myself that you don’t need to act differently around people to get them to like you you can just be yourself because if they don’t like you then they aren’t worth worrying about.
What got you into writing songs? Just enjoyed exploring with music and have loved both the piano and singing since I was little.
What does songwriting mean to you? It means a lot, when I’m struggling with things in my life it’s a way I can process my feelings. I sit at my piano and just overload, I’ve done this since I can remember.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? I love creating the melodies as they reflect my feelings and playing around with the production at the end is really satisfying seeing it come together.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I always start with just playing my piano and allowing it to flow from there. The spark for me always comes from something that has happened to me that I feel I need to process and take time to think through and seemingly writing music allows me to do that.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. It was very much what I said above, sitting at my piano processing what I was struggling with at school. I wrote the melodies first, followed by the lyrics. I then record them and play around with it, practise it and then record it in soundtrap. Unfortunately I was poorly and full of cold when I recorded HOPE but I didn’t want to miss the deadline.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? JVKE, Benson Boone, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? I would say to them to definitely give it a go, getting to share your music with people in the music industry who can help you grow is always an amazing thing to do. Try to write about genuine and relatable things because it helps your songs be authentic to you as an artist and allows others to connect to you and your music.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Sunflowers – Elenor Rose Hanson, Wait – Olga Fitzpatrick.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I think being able to share my music with people and hear what industry experts think and feel about my music is such a wonderful opportunity to have. Whilst I always enjoy songwriting you also have to think about the technical side of things and this competition helps push me to do better and to develop my musical skills. Plus it’s always lovely hearing that people enjoyed listening to your music and that they think it’s good enough to be in the top 30!
EMILY FINE – ‘THAT’S WHERE I’LL BE’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? The song was abut my best friend and we have quite a close friendship with each other so I wanted to write her a song as kind of like a thank you gift.
What got you into writing songs? My guitar and singing teacher Melanie
What does songwriting mean to you? I love songwriting as it can help you express your feelings in ways that normal words cant. You can make it about anything you want and it will always be your songs. When I’m bored I usually make up random melodies and just add words to them and it is very enjoyable.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? My favourite part of songwriting is probably listening to the final product and hearing all of your hard work come into one.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? When I was trying to think of the words for the song for this competition it was a sunny day outside so I started thinking of “you are my sunshine” and we just kept on thinking of words that would kind of fit the theme of the song and added melodies
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. Me and Melanie were in a classroom. She played the instruments and I sang the song and she helped me use Garage band to record the song.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? I don’t really know because I don’t really even have a favourite artist but I do like some songs by Billie Eilish and some people like that.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? When writing their song they should put a lot of time and thought into it.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? I like Wait-Olga Fitzpatrick, I’ll go on an adventure-Elisa McEvoy and Just the way it is-Thea Ward
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I love how it gives kids a chance to write their own songs and get to present it to other people.
BLACK SHEEP BLUES – ‘LONDONERS’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? How London works and being a Londoner
What got you into writing songs? Our music teacher.
What does songwriting mean to you? It means we can be creative and express ourselves but also entertain people.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? Writing the lyrics.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? We look for the rhymes and take it from there.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. We used 2 pianos/ bongos and 2 singers.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? Freddie Mercury and Queen.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Don’t worry about the other songs and don’t worry about negative things people might say.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Space Race by Falling Dominoes
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? It’s a great opportunity for young people.
ROBBIE HOPE – ‘ROCKET SHIP’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? I come from a very musical family. My mums side of the family all grew up playing in a brass band. My aunties, uncles and cousins still do so although my mum moved out of Cornwall. One of my uncles is the head of the Cornwall Music Trust and has written lots of pieces. During lockdown I began writing some songs with my younger brother and enjoyed doing so. I wanted to have a go at writing a song by myself. Looking around my bedroom, I saw a book on the shelf from when I was younger called ‘Robbie the Rocket’. This gave me the initial idea of writing a song about a rocket ship. The rest of the song followed on from there.
What got you into writing songs? I began learning the guitar about 5 years ago (my dad plays the guitar and he and I both love Oasis) and I wanted to take things to the next level. I’m inspired by song writers like Noel Gallagher and Chris Martin.
What does songwriting mean to you? It is a way of expressing myself and making people think about things that are going on in the world. It’s nice to get down on paper the things that are going around in your head. I love playing music. I’m on my guitar every day and when I’m not playing music I’m usually listening to it. It’s a big part of my life.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? I love experimenting with chords and putting them in an order that I am happy with. I also like to play with words and am a big fan of a pun!
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? My inspiration can come from many places. I once wrote a song with my brother called ‘Miserable Day’ because it was raining and we were stuck indoors. The inspiration for Rocket Ship came from a book so I’m open to all ideas for a new song.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. My setup is not at all fancy I’m afraid! I was just in my bedroom with my guitar and a notebook. I started with the chords, then the lyrics and finally the melody.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? I’d love to collaborate with Noel Gallagher, I just love his music and his style. I’m actually going to see him play in August, I can’t wait!
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? I’d encourage anyone to have a go. It’s a great way to express yourself. My top tip would be to write about all your experiences as you never know where a good song is hiding! Google is always useful when you’re stuck for a rhyming word too!
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? My favourite other entries in the competition are Knebworth by Kit Bottomley Music, Daydreams by Robyn Jones and My Song by Georgia Russel. A collaboration with Kit Bottomley Music would be great and of course the name of the song, Knebworth, just makes me dream of playing in front of a crowd.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I like that it is open to any young person and that you don’t have to have any previous experience. It is also a great way to get your music heard.
EVIE MITCHELL – ‘WORDS’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? I’ve had some difficult times in school where the things that people said really affected my confidence and how I felt about myself. I then started to become more aware of the effect that words were also having on others – seeing friends’ faces crumple and shoulders sag when they overheard someone saying something unkind about them, but also how faces would light up when someone gave a kind or encouraging word, and I just wanted to let people see how important words can be and that a bit of thought before speaking could save a lot of unnecessary sadness.
What got you into writing songs? From a young age I would walk to and from school making up little songs, and making up songs and dances at home when friends came round, but it was only really when my music teacher told us to ask someone to give us some chords and then to see if we could come up with a song based on those chords, that I started to think more about a full song and working on it until I was happy.
What does song writing mean to you? Music writing gives me a chance to relax, through playing the piano and being able to express myself through the words. I want the songs that I write to be songs that other people can also relate to and that hearing the words will help them to realise that they are not alone in feeling the way they do. I like to also make sure there is some hope or positivity in my songs.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? My Favourite part is coming up with the melody and it’s really cool if I catch a family member humming it!
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I usually start a song when I have just come home from school and then sit for a while playing the piano. I will play lots of different things, depending on my mood, and then after a while I will use the mood I am in to create something new or work more on a song that I have started.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry? I started with the 3 chords that were given at random to me and I played around on the piano using those chords until a melody formed. I would sing any old words to begin with to get the flow and rhythm, and then the more I sang the tune and my mood started to come though, some of the final words started to develop. Once I had these key phrases I began to work more on making the song tell a story and mean something. I did as much as I could with the song at home but then was given a birthday present of the day in a recording studio and was able to add different instruments to it and came up with speaking bits at the beginning and the end. My entry was what I achieved at the end of that day.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? Probably Ed Sheeran as I think he is probably one the best songwriters there is and has worked with lots of different people, as well as doing his own songs. Also, even though he is so famous and successful, he seems humble and a genuinely kind person who cares about and helps others. If I was to ever be successful, I would want to be like that.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? I think it’s about writing from your heart and just giving it a go, even if you aren’t sure. Unless you try, you will never know what you can do and you can always learn something on the way. But most of all just enjoy what you are doing and keep at it!
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? I really liked ‘Any other day’, ‘Wait’, ‘My song’ and ‘I’ll go on an adventure’.
Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Probably Olga Fitzpatrick or Max Marnham
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I like that it gives everyone an equal opportunity to get their songs heard by songwriting professionals, whether they are just starting out or they have written lots of songs before.
THEA WARD – ‘JUST THE WAY IT IS’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? Somewhat realistic problems with friendships
What got you into writing songs? My love of music- I sing, compose and play various instruments
What does songwriting mean to you? It means a lot to me as you can express your emotions into music and let other people understand and enjoy what you have written
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? My favourite part is always the lyrics because I used to write scripts and I found it enjoyable
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I could be going somewhere or coming back from school and I think of a tune and I record it and then I build on it when I have the time to
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. It was in the afternoon during February half term and I was just on my laptop and then I thought of a tune
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? Justin Paul and Benj Pasek
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Write about what you know!
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Alexander Yijian Wang. In my category has some awesome piano writing in it.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? That you have a chance to show other people your talents and joy for what you do.
ALEXANDER YIJIAN WANG – ‘TRIAL OF TRUST’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? In the nowadays world, no one really can trust each other because people keep on spilling secrets.
What got you into writing songs? I have always loved music and I thought that writing songs would be the true way of expression, via words and tune.
What does songwriting mean to you? Everything. I know that music is my best friend, always there to express the feelings that otherwise I’ll keep inside for ever.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? The lyrics. Once you got the tune, just match it with the lyrics matching your theme.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I play some chords on the piano and then notice a tune, and the lyrics come very naturally.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. One of the music staff in my school recorded this song in the hall.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? JVKE as I really like his style of lyrics and especially tune.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Be creative and try to find a new way of music.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? I don’t know as I didn’t know anyone else who entered. Although I didn’t get to listen to any of the performances, I would love to collaborate with anyone who is interested.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? There are so many people who offer to go for this competition and just to prove that every voice counts.
OLGA FITZPATRICK – ‘WAIT’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? It is about constantly thinking about solutions to other people’s questions and problems, whilst slowly forgetting myself. When I was writing the chorus, my goal for it was to exaggerate the first word of the first 3 lines ‘Wait,Stay,Complain’ to show that it felt like an endless cycle, I felt helpless, I couldn’t escape it.
What got you into writing songs? I always said that writing my feelings into song felt more healing than talking to people. It feels more freeing and like I can really say whatever I want to without directly telling anyone. This is also what makes the songwriting community so special, we can all get together and feel safe to express ourselves.
What does songwriting mean to you? Songwriting means a lot to me. In a lot of my songs, I use it as a form of activism and expressive writing. As well as that, I use it as a way of letting my emotions run free. I was always creative, even from a young age, so my art (paintings, songs, acting, dance, instruments, etc) always told a story of various emotions.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? I love the part of the song writing process, were I sit or lie down with my guitar, play and sing a section or the full thing, and I feel like my heart pumps energetically, my body just relaxes and my mind can’t think of anything but the sound of my creation. That’s how I feel when I connect with my music.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I usually start a song when I get a feeling. Whether it’s strong, weak, happy, sad or anything really, I get this lightbulb in my head that lights up and even if I’m in school, I feel like I’m on a mission to get to a guitar, pen and paper. From then, the lyrics come to me. I like to think of it as the words floating over to my heart, my mind, to my hands and then to my voice and guitar/ukulele.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. I was on holiday in Innsbruck. I was sat in my brother’s car and I thought about how holidays for other people are about time for themselves, I realised that any free time I got, I was worrying about other people;friends, classmates, etc. Then it hit me, that I’ve forgotten about myself.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? Amy Winehouse, Melanie Martinez. They’re both so creative and although it isn’t possible, I would love to collaborate with Amy Winehouse, her music makes me feel like I can look inside of her mind and feel the jazzy blues of her music. I would love to collaborate with Melanie Martinez, because I can relate to so many of her songs. She is so creative and I would love to talk to her, I feel like it would be a conversation full of smiles and creativity.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? I would tell them: Do not hold yourself back, be ambitious, don’t be afraid to write songs with deep meaning, sing with emotion and to never doubt what you can do, be confident!
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Knebworth -Kit Bottomley, this song has an amazing vibe, this kind of vibe is really hard to achieve in songs, so major props to them! The music in the background is so much fun and it makes me want to dance to it! I would also want to collab with Bella, her piano skills are beautiful and I loved her emotion! I would definitely want to collaborate and write songs with her!
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? It gives opportunities for children with big dreams. I’m so honoured to be apart of such a down to earth competition. Thank you so much on the behalf of me and all of the other contestants for giving us this opportunity and chance to prove ourselves and express our passion!
ELEANOR ROSE HANSON – ‘SUNFLOWER’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? To be honest, the song just sort of came to me, but the lyrics are lightly based around the war in Ukraine (hence the sunflower) and the people we have since met.
What got you into writing songs? I’ve wanted to be a singer songwriter since I was three, and I’ve been trying to develo that as well as I can since then. My sister and I sing in harmony all the time and turning some of this into songs is a fantastic experience.
What does songwriting mean to you? For me, writing songs gives me a chance to express my emotions and opinions, and it is a beautiful way to describe them to the world.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? I really enjoy recording my songs and watching my ideas come together.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I like to get into a calm environment and find something I’m passionate about, and then let the rest come. I usually start with a tune and then fit the words around it.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. I just recorded it in my bedroom. I used GarageBand on our iPad. I played ukulele and viola and mandolin on the tracks and recorded vocals myself.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? There are so many inspirational artists I would love to meet and make music with, including Corrine Bailey Rae, Adel, Laufey, Paul McCartney and so many more.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? I would probably say to keep calm, do the best they can and enjoy!
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Hymn for Homesick kids by Tamara Hendin.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I think it’s a great experience to write and record songs that you have written and listen to the other songwriters of your age.
12 DEERS – ‘HOLD ONTO YOUR BRANCHES’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? We wrote the song to remind people that from time to time everyone of us will find ourselves fearful in life, however, it depends on what you choose to do that defines you. Fear does not have a hold of you and you can always find the light in the darkness.
What got you into writing songs? From a young age we have been writing stories, we love helping people through music. Our school offers songwriting clubs so we signed up.
What does songwriting mean to you? Songwriting helps us get through difficult situations. It has also reminded us that we are all creative beings and that if you put your mind to it, anyone can write a song.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? Where do we begin? There are too many! Choosing the genre or topic beforehand is probably the most fun. From there on we run into the unknown and discover all the other magical elements of songwriting.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? We first talk about our personal issues, what we are going through. Because we are a big songwriting group we experience our own individual issues or stories, then we find ways to interlink all these individual stories. The biggest challenge is making sure every student feels like their idea matters. We are a pretty talented songwriting group so when we work as a team, we find that beautiful middle ground in telling everyone’s story. At the end of the day, all our stories come down to the same aspect which is love, acceptance and paying it forward.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. We sat in the class at our school, our teacher would use Garage Band to record us. She also used her acoustic guitar to accompany our singing. All members of the group have their own songwriting material and have an allocated space in the classroom where they can feel safe and creative.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Rachel Platten, Taylor Swift
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? GO FOR IT! It is all about the experience. It’s a wonderful and exciting competition to be part of and you have nothing to lose. There also aren’t many great platforms out there such as this.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Emily Fine and Bradán Peacock.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? Everyone is really friendly at Song Academy. It is very affordable and easy to enter.
FRANKIE MORLAND – ‘KING FOR A DAY’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? During lockdown I wrote many songs, a few of them I liked but my favourite was “King for a Day”. King for a Day was when the Queen was reigning. I thought because the Queen was getting old when King Charles came to take the throne he might let me be King for a Day.
What got you into writing songs? I’ve been writing songs my whole life and I don’t remember much about when I started. But my mum says I used to walk to nursery age 2 with my Ukelele strapped round my neck singing because I wouldn’t take it off!
What does songwriting mean to you? Songwriting allows me to express my feelings in something that I love and that’s totally my own way.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? My favourite part of the process is the satisfaction of listening to the song back when you’ve finished.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? Anything can spark an idea, it could be something that’s happened at school or something outside. I sometimes write at the piano or on my guitar with my brother Henry playing drums.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. My set up was an acoustic piano with some microphones, one for my voice and one for the piano.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? My dream collaboration would be with AC/DC (but they aren’t around anymore) I love Coldplay.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? I would say go for it! Don’t let anyone stop you, write what you want to write and keep on applying even if you don’t get selected first time as a Finalist.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? I’m really enjoying Kevin Jones’ music and would like to collaborate with him as I think we would sound good together.
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I think it’s a great opportunity for young creative people who are songwriting like me to get feedback and hear what other kids my own age are writing.
SHOLTO – ‘BRAND NEW’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? I wanted to write a song about people being themselves and being honest with each other.
What got you into writing songs? I started to write songs because I enjoy playing guitar and singing. After listening to other song writers I thought I would try it myself.
What does song writing mean to you? I like song writing because I can express myself and think about my life.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? I like it when I listen back to the song and it makes me really happy.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? I start by finding a rhythm on my guitar and I hum to that. Then I think about a theme to write the lyrics of the song.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. I write and play my guitar in my front room with my notebook of lyrics and ideas.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? I would really like to collaborate with Kid Travis.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? It’s a great opportunity to express yourself in your song and you never know what can happen if you give it a go. Do you have any tips for them? Think about yourself or a situation in the world that other people can relate to. Find a quiet space to write and just really think about what you are trying to say.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? I like Just The Way it Is by Thea Ward and Sunflower by Eleanor Rose Hanson
Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Eleanor Rose Hanson
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? I feel like it’s a great chance to showcase your abilities and talent.
THE CRYSTALS – ‘CRYSTAL CLEAR’
What inspired you to write your finalist song? Our friendship and always sticking together to do things.
What got you into writing songs? Our music teacher.
What does songwriting mean to you? It allows us to express ourselves.
What is your favourite part of the song writing process? Finally getting it together after working on it for a while.
How do you usually start a song? How do you find that spark? We find a topic we want to write about.
Describe your setup that you used to write your #SAYS23 entry. School music classroom.
Who would be your dream artist/writer/band to collaborate with? BlackPink.
What would you say to someone aged 8-18 who is thinking about entering the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition next year? Take chances and push ahead.
What are your favourite other entries from this year’s competition? Who out of the other entrants (it doesn’t have to be a finalist!) would you like to collaborate with? Sholto
What do you like about the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition? It gives everyone a chance, it makes young songwriters feel valued and it provides a platform for us to hear what other people are writing.
