The UK Songwriting Contest was established in 2002 in association with the BRIT Trust, which is the charitable arm of the British Phonographic Industry.
The 2023 contest has been up and running since Tuesday 28th February 2023 and the winners of the 2022 competition were announced in January.
The contest is open to songwriters from all over the world and aims to discover and promote new talent in song writing.
The UK Songwriting Contest is one of the most prestigious song writing competitions in the world, attracting entries from professional and amateur songwriters alike.
The contest has helped to launch the careers of many successful songwriters and has a reputation for identifying some of the best new talent in the industry.
With numerous categories, including pop, rock, country, folk, jazz, r&b, hip hop, dance and world music and also special categories for lyrics only and for young songwriters (under the age of 18).
Each year, the contest is judged by a panel of industry experts, including music producers, songwriters, and record label executives. The judges select the winners based on the quality of the song writing, including the melody, lyrics, and overall originality.
Winners of the UK Songwriting Contest receive a range of prizes, including cash awards, recording studio time, and a professional critique of their work. They also have the opportunity to perform at various industry events and receive exposure through the contest’s website and social media channels.
If you’re interested in entering the UK Songwriting Contest, you can find more information on the contest’s website, including entry fees, deadlines, and submission guidelines. Good luck!
Here is a rundown of a selection of the winners from the 2022 contest.
The full list of the winners can be seen on this YouTube playlist.
Gigi Ann Green is a half Slovak half British 17 year old singer songwriter who started writing songs and composing melodies from the age of nine.
Gigi’s powerful song writing is influenced by the issues which have defined her generation. Gigi wrote ‘Devil in Disguise’ during the first wave of the pandemic and the song refers to a girl who experiences depression, sadness, insecurity and anxiety.
Agreen Dilshad spent his childhood in the city of Kirkuk, Iraq, one of the most ancient and diverse cities in the world which has been subjected to many wars and conflicts throughout history. Growing up there he experienced the brutality of war first hand.
This award winning song ‘Shari Dunya’ expresses the impact of war on all living entities from humans and animals to nature, and especially on children.
Writing to the UKSC he explains that “I understand the trauma that children go through as a result of these wars. This is why I find it my duty to promote peace throughout my songs.”
Nick Paschenda is a psychotherapist and a songwriter from Würzburg, Germany and the song was inspired by a patient who left a deep impression on him.
“He was in his last stage of life and was fully aware of it. He made sure that each of his loved ones knew how he felt about them. When he passed away, he left this deep gift as a question: to whom have you not yet expressed your love?”
Jordan Bradley is a London based singer songwriter and the deserving winner of the UKSC 2022 Pop category for his debut single ‘Hold on Me’.
Natasha Duarté is a British singer-songwriter who has gained recognition for her soulful and powerful voice, as well as her introspective and poignant song writing.
Born and raised in London, Duarté started writing songs at a young age and pursued music as a career after completing her education.
Duarté’s music is characterized by her raw and emotive vocals, which are often accompanied by acoustic guitar or piano. Her lyrics are introspective and personal, exploring themes such as love, loss, and self-discovery. She draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including soul, folk, and pop.
Duarté has released several singles and EPs, including ‘Blindfolded’, ‘See Me’ and ‘Back to the Feeling’.
Her music has received critical acclaim and has been featured on various radio stations and music blogs in the UK and beyond.
With her talent and dedication, Natasha Duarté is poised to continue making waves in the music industry.
