The winners of the first ever Stortford Young Songwriters Competition (SYSC) have been announced and the verdict is in: Stortford’s Got Talent!
An expert panel of three judges, including singer-songwriter and UK Eurovision star, SuRie, was bowled over by the high standard and originality of the entries.
“There are some really unique and precious musicians and wordsmiths in and around Bishop’s Stortford to be nurtured, supported protected and celebrated,” says SuRie, who was herself brought up in Stortford.
“Huge congratulations and thank you to all the participants for their contributions and courage in sharing their creativity.”
The winner of the School Years 3-6 category was Eric Gale from the Magna Carta Primary School in Stansted. His imaginatively-titled song Ode to a Parallelogram was inspired by a maths lesson!
SYSC judge, Josie Cowley, who runs two Stortford-based choirs, said the song had her hooked from the very beginning.
“This was humorous, intelligent and fantastically crafted,” said Josie. “I enjoyed your superb lyrics and catchy melody line. A real winning entry for sheer creative flair and comedic endeavour. Bravo!”
Hattie Webber from the Manor Fields Primary School in Stortford, was highly commended in this category for her song “Speak Up”, with the judges praising her emotional and dramatic melodies.
Hari Wood who’s a student at The Bishop’s Stortford High School was the winner of the School Years 7-9 Category. His rap-inspired song A Quiet Kinda Student proved a sure-fire hit with the judges, who certainly thought he had something to shout about, comparing his lyrics to performance poetry.
“I like the unique approach that you have come at this with,” said music student and SYSC judge, Georgia Newman, “I think the lyrics and rhymes within them are strong. Well done!”
The winner of the School Years 10-13 category was Herts & Essex student Mimi Broughton for Unexpected Rhythm. The judges said it was a superb piece of writing; classy, intelligent, well-constructed and very carefully observed. They reserved particular praise for the song’s memorable chorus.
“This chorus is lush, rising up from your verse so sweetly, and the harmonies flow beautifully,” said SuRie. “You use your title and your hook brilliantly and it has such a catchy feel. I can imagine people singing this back to you and that’s a huge compliment!”
Teagan Smith, also a student from Herts & Essex, was highly commended in this category for Other Side of the Night. The judges praised her “stunning” lyrics and said the song was sophisticated and accomplished with a beautiful, wandering melodic line.
Eric, Hari and Mimi have each won a term’s scholarship at DeRosa Music Academy in Bishop’s Stortford, securing a unique opportunity to deep-dive into the art of song writing, guided by DeRosa’s team of professional tutors and musicians. They will also each have an opportunity for their song to be recorded in a studio.
“Songwriting can be a wonderfully cathartic and personal endeavour which takes a great deal of vulnerability and resilience to share with others, says SuRie. “I hope nothing ever stops them channelling their voice and personality into their work. It was a joy listening to the entries.”
And the story doesn’t end here. If you’re an aspiring young songwriter who’s keen to showcase your talent then watch out for next year’s competition which launches in January 2025.
