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.
Returning for its fifth year, the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2015 launches on the afternoon of Saturday 12th September.
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 27th 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.“
Liverpool Acoustic’s Graham Holland says:-
“We’re delighted to welcome Stephen Langstaff back after missing last year due to touring and recording commitments. Stephen joins returning judges Kaya Herstad Carney, Jon Lawton, and Robert Vincent to complete this year’s panel. After the exceptionally high standard of songwriting on display last year, the judges can’t wait to see what this year will bring.“
Judge and 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 12th September 2015 and the closing date of 11th 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 12th 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, plus Liverpool Acoustic’s popular open mic. Refreshments will be available from the bar.
Entry to the Showcase Final on Friday 27th November will be by ticket only, available in advance from 8th 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.
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