No barriers to entering The Young Songwriter 2024 competition

Break barriers, break beats: UK Music offers 100 bursary entries to The Young Songwriter 2024 competition 

Exciting news for equal opportunity!  UK Music, the collective voice of the UK’s world-leading music industry, is offering a bursary to support 100 aspiring young songwriters from the UK to enter The Young Songwriter 2024 competition!

Thanks to UK Music’s support, these 100 sponsored song entries are exclusively for aspiring songwriters aged 8-22 who are facing obstacles in participating in The Young Songwriter 2024, yet are passionate about songwriting and sharing their voices with the world.

To take advantage of this offer please send an email to contact@songacademy.co.uk asking for a free entry.

In its 14th year The Song Academy Young Songwriter 2024 (SAYS24) competition is the world’s leading songwriting competition for young songwriters to get their songs heard by leaders in the industry, get recognition & connect to a talented tribe of young songwriters across the world – as well as winning some incredible prizes. Prizes include a Focusrite Scarlet studio bundle (all-in-one studio recording set-up with Scarlett Solo interface, microphone and headphones) and Novation keyboard, Shure legendary SM58 and new MVX2U interface, a recording studio session with a top producer, one year membership of the Song Academy mentoring programme and performing at The Young Songwriter 2024 showcases. SAYS24 is aimed at both aspiring young songwriters who already have some experience, and those writing their first song!

The Young Songwriter 2024 judges include: Eg White, Miranda Cooper, Naughty Boy, MNEK, Lost Boy, Dan Gillespie Sells, Cathy Dennis, Hannah V, Plested, Jimmy Napes, Jon Maguire, Connie Talbot, Emily Phillips & Nina Nesbitt.

We’re looking for pure, fresh songwriting talent. Songs will be judged on their originality, lyrics, melody, composition, and potential to be a smash hit! Songs can be across all music genres and be about anything. There’s no need to enter professional recordings, however a good recording can help to enhance the impact of songs.

You can enter up to 5 individual songs and up to 5 songs written as a group. To enter you’ll need to submit an mp3 audio recording and your lyrics for each song. Entry is via an online form on our website. The entry fee per song without the bursary is £10 per song. Click here for all information and how to enter.

The official sponsors of The Young Songwriter 2024 competition are Shure, PRS for Music, Focusrite, Soundtrap and The Institute of Contemporary Music & Performance (ICMP).


NOTES TO EDITORS:

SONG ACADEMY – The Sound Of Youth Empowement

Founded 15 years ago, Song Academy is the leading songwriting platform for young people aged 8-22. Our vision is for every young person, across all backgrounds to have faith in themselves.  Song Academy uses the power of songwriting and community to empower young people to express themselves, finding their voice and their tribe.

Song Academy programmes include weekly songwriting clubs, holiday workshops, summer camps, song feedback reports, school songwriting workshops, mentoring programme and The Young Songwriter competition.

We nurture the next generation of creative leaders (young songwriters, artists, musicians, producers & creative thinkers) who will be shaping the future. We believe that Song Academy makes a significant addition to the pipeline of new talented songwriters/artists/producers – creating a diverse and equal music industry where mental health is a priority.

The Young Songwriter 2024 competition is OPEN for entries!

Song Academy champions the next generation of creative leaders. Our mission is to inspire and connect the millions of young people across the world already writing songs in their bedrooms, as well as encourage all musical & creative young people who haven’t started writing their own songs, to write their first song!

The Young Songwriter 2024 judges include: Eg White, Miranda Cooper, Naughty Boy, MNEK, Lost Boy, Dan Gillespie Sells, Cathy Dennis, Hannah V, Plested, Jimmy Napes, Jon Maguire, Connie Talbot, Emily Phillips & Nina Nesbitt.

Good news! The Young Songwriter 2024 competition #SAYS24 is now open for entries!  We’re calling all aspiring young songwriters, artists, musicians & producers aged 8-22 to get their original songs ready and enter via our website at https://www.songacademy.co.uk/says24/

In its 14th year The Young Songwriter 2024 (SAYS24) competition is the world’s leading songwriting competition for young songwriters to get their songs heard by leaders in the industry, get recognition & connect to a talented tribe of young songwriters across the world – as well as winning some incredible prizes. Prizes include a Focusrite Scarlet studio bundle (all-in-one studio recording set-up with Scarlett Solo interface, microphone and headphones) and Novation keyboard, Shure legendary SM58 and new MVX2U interface, a recording studio session with a top producer, one year membership of the Song Academy mentoring programme and performing at The Young Songwriter 2024 showcases. SAYS24 is aimed at both aspiring young songwriters who already have some experience, and those writing their first song!

We’re looking for pure, fresh songwriting talent. Songs will be judged on their originality, lyrics, melody, composition, and potential to be a smash hit! Songs can be across all music genres and be about anything. There’s no need to enter professional recordings, however a good recording can help to enhance the impact of songs.

You can enter up to 5 individual songs and up to 5 songs written as a group. To enter you’ll need to submit an mp3 audio recording and your lyrics for each song. Entry is via an online form on our website. We’ve created some excellent songwriting resources for beginner to advanced young songwriters at https://www.songacademy.co.uk/songwriting-resources-for-young-people/

The official sponsors of The Young Songwriter 2024 competition are Shure, PRS for Music, Focusrite, Soundtrap and The Institute of Contemporary Music & Performance (ICMP).

The stars align for Song Academy with SAYS24 judges including: MNEK – ‘Head & Heart’, ‘Where Did You Go?’ (written for: Zara Larsson, Dua Lipa, Joel Corry, Jax Jones, Beyoncé, Jess Glynne, Anne-Marie, Stormzy, Becky Hill, KSI, Mabel, Sigala, Rudimental, Jonas Blue, Little Mix, Selena Gomez, Olly Alexander, Craig David), Lost Boy (written for: Calvin Harris, Kylie Minogue, Tate McRae, Jung Kook, Ava Max, Sabrina Carpenter, Zedd/Kehlani and Bebe Rexha, Griff, Tom Grennan,  Lewis Capaldi, Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora and K-Pop stars IVE), Naughty Boy – ‘La La La’ feat Sam Smith,  ‘Runnin’’ (‘Lose It All) feat Beyoncé (written for: Emeli Sandé, Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah, Alesha Dixon, Professor Green, Tinchy Stryder, Rihanna, Cheryl Cole, Bastille). Eg White (written for: Adele, Sam Smith, Florence + The Machine, Dua Lipa, Pink, Olivia Dean, Tom Odell, Natalie Imbruglia, Ellie Goulding, Tom Misch, Jason Mraz, Joss Stone, James Blunt, John Legend, Tom Grennan, Paloma Faith, Celiné Dion James Morrison, Sigrid, Nick Jonas, Stormzy), Jimmy Napes (written for: Sam Smith, Disclosure, Clean Bandit, Taylor Swift, Tori Kelly, Mabel, Alicia Keys, Jessie Ware, Ellie Goulding), Miranda Cooper (written for: Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Alesha Dixon, Pet Shop Boys, Griff, Maisie Peters), Emily Phillips (written for: Florence + The Machine, Sigrid, John Newman, Rizzzle Kicks, Nicole Scherzinger, SOAK, Ruti, Connie Talbot), Cathy Dennis (written for: Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken), Plested (written for: Lewis Capaldi, Little Mix, Anne Marie, Niall Horan, Dermot Kennedy, David Guetta, Marshmello, Kygo, The Chainsmokers, Bastille, Clean Bandit, Mimi Webb, Calum Scott, James Bay), Nina Nesbitt, – ‘The Best You Had’  (written for: Ronan Keating, The Shires, Sigala, Jessie Ware). Dan Gillespie Sells, The Feeling band, – ‘Fill My Little World’, Connie Talbot – ‘Growing Pains’, Jon Maguire (written for: Calum Scott, Kodaline, Jax Jones, Rita Ora, The Stickmen Project, Scouting For Girls).

Amy Wadge (songwriter) ‘It’s been an absolute privilege to listen to so much young talent, this competition is so important not only to showcase young talent but to also give an opportunity to be heard by the music industry from a young age – I’m very confident that the future of music is in some of the songwriters I’ve listened to for this!”

Fraser T Smith (songwriter, & producer) says “With so much going on in the world, it’s never been more vital for young people to be able to channel their energy and emotions into something positive, which is what The Young Songwriter competition encourages and facilitates through songwriting. Every young person has something to say, a story to tell, or a message to share – that’s why Song Academy is so important to our community.”

Naughty Boy (songwriter, producer & DJ) says “Young songwriters are the future of music. A great song will always stand the test of time far beyond our years. I think this competition is important because every songwriter I’ve worked with was always waiting to be discovered.”

Tom Odell (songwriter) says “When I was 13 years old I started writing songs, and over the following years I became more and more obsessed with it. But the thing that always kept me awake at night was how to get them out there for people to hear them. This is why I think the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition is a great way to inspire and help through this process, and its something I wish had been around when I was starting out.”

Paul Crognale, Associate Director, Global Marketing at Shure said “We are thrilled to join SAYS24 and empower the next generation of songwriters, producers, and musicians. While Shure has maintained its position as a leader in professional audio technology on the world’s biggest stages, we also want to recognize and support those starting out in their careers. By partnering with Song Academy, we have the chance to directly engage with young individuals, encouraging them to express themselves, be heard, and sound extraordinary.”

Kenny Barber, Relationship Manager – Black Music, PRS for Music, said: “In supporting the voices that will shape our future industry, PRS for Music is investing not just in music but in the dreams, aspirations, and boundless potential of the next generation of songwriters and composers. We look forward to hearing the unique melodies, harmonies and lyrics that are entered and encourage all young people to seize this opportunity and submit their original songs!”

Rowena Atkins, Founder & CEO of Song Academy said “The Young Songwriter 2024 competition is a golden opportunity for young people to not only get recognition for their creative talent but also connect and be inspired by other aspiring young songwriters writing songs in their bedrooms around the world. We vision a world where all young people feel confident in who they are, celebrating their individuality, feeling empowered by sharing what’s important to them and creating their united future.”


NOTES TO EDITORS:

SONG ACADEMY – The Sound Of Youth Empowement

Founded 15 years ago, Song Academy is the leading songwriting platform for young people aged 8-22. Our vision is for every young person, across all backgrounds to have faith in themselves.  Song Academy uses the power of songwriting and community to empower young people to express themselves, finding their voice and their tribe.

Song Academy programmes include weekly songwriting clubs, holiday workshops, summer camps, song feedback reports, school songwriting workshops, mentoring programme and The Young Songwriter competition.

We nurture the next generation of creative leaders (young songwriters, artists, musicians, producers & creative thinkers) who will be shaping the future. We believe that Song Academy makes a significant addition to the pipeline of new talented songwriters/artists/producers – creating a diverse and equal music industry where mental health is a priority.

Get ready to enter The Young Songwriter 2024 competition (SAYS24)

Not long until SAYS24 is open for entries on the 1st February until the 31st March 2024! If you’ve never written a song before we can help you write your 1st song, if you’re already writing your own songs we can help make them the best they can be! We are passionate about young people expressing themselves and getting their voices heard.

In its 14th year The Young Songwriter 2024 (SAYS24) competition is the world’s leading songwriting competition for young aspiring songwriters, aged 8-22 (under 23 years), to get their songs heard by leaders in the industry & connect to a talented community of young songwriters across the world – both aspiring young songwriters who already have some experience, and those writing their first song!

We are uplifting and empowering songwriters/creatives of the future.

What to write your first song?

Check out our songwriting for beginning short & fun video course.

Sign up to our holiday songwriting workshops at the end of December (online or in London)

Join our weekly songwriting clubs from January 2024

Want to make sure your songs are the best they can be to enter SAYS24?

Check out our insightful song feedback service

Sign up to our holiday songwriting workshops at the end of December (online or in London)

Join our weekly songwriting clubs from January 2024

Calling aspiring young songwriters aged 8-22 around the world!

SAYS24 has 6 categories for young people worldwide: UK/Ireland 8-12 year olds, UK/Ireland 13-15 year olds, UK/Ireland 16-18 year olds, UK/Ireland 19-22, International 8-12 year olds, International 13-18 year olds and International 19-22 year olds.

SAYS judges have included, Calum Scott, Tom Grennan, GRACEY, Janet Devlin, Grace Davies, Imelda May, Midge Ure, Tom Odell, Jamie Scott, Imogen Heap, Chris Difford, Conor Maynard , James Walsh, Jin Jin, Fraser T Smith (Adele, Stormzy, Dave, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Aitch, Mabel, Lily Allen, Rag ‘n’Bone Man, Taio Cruz, Tinchy Stryder, James Morrison, Arlo Parks), Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, Janelle Monae, Keith Urban, Ella Henderson, Labrinth, Birdy, Jason Mraz, Jessie Ware, Sam Ryder), Miranda Cooper (Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Griff, Maisie Peters), Plested (Lewis Capaldi, Little Mix, Anne Marie, Niall Horan, Dermot Kennedy), Jimmy Napes (Sam Smith, Disclosure, Clean Bandit, Taylor Swift), Emily Phillips (Florence and the Machine, Rizzzle Kicks, SOAK, Connie Talbot), Hannah V (Stormzy, JP Cooper), Eg White (Adele, Sam Smith, Florence & The Machine, Dua Lipa, Pink, Olivia Dean, Sigrid, Nick Jonas, Stormzy), and Simon Aldred (Liam Gallagher, Rag’n’Bone Man, Celeste, Avicii, James Bay).

Outstanding UK/Ireland finalists perform at The Young Songwriter 2024 showcase

And importantly, for all aspiring young songwriters to feel creative & inspired

Check out our new merchandise…hoodies, t-shirts, notebooks etc to express yourself with ease!

Latest information on The Young Songwriter 2024 competition

Check out our Young Songwriter 2024 competition page and stay tuned to our social media platforms – Instagram (song_academy) and Facebook, Twitter (SongAcademyUK).

Songwriting programmes for beginners to advanced young songwriters

We run songwriting programmes tailored for every stage of the songwriting journey – from total beginners to songwriting (Vol.1), those who’ve just started (Vol.2) and those who’ve been writing songs for a while (Vol.3). Check our which programmes are best for you and read our songwriting resources to make your songs the best they can be!

Click here to check out all songwriting programmes and resources.

Residential songwriting summer camp 2024

An immersive & motivational experience for aspiring young songwriters aged 11-18

Following the huge success of this year’s songwriting camp we’ve booked dates to return next year and we’re now open for bookings! We only have 45 places available so please book soon. Click here to book your place.

Our residential songwriting camp is designed for aspiring young songwriters to develop their songwriting skills, connect & collaborate on exciting songwriting briefs over 4 days & immerse themselves in all parts of the songwriting process, from finding inspiration, lyric writing, melody improvisation and composition to producing and performing.  Our expert team of top songwriters and producers all share a passion for inspiring the next generation.

The 4 day programme includes engaging sessions on:

Creating song concepts and understanding song structure

Creative lyric writing

Chords, Melody and Harmony improvisation (with some music theory)

Ways to develop your sound and style

Recording and producing your songs

Choir & Band

How to engage your audience

How the Songwriting/Music industry works and latest trends

How to create your own brand & fanbase

Masterclasses where we give feedback on songs previously written and work in progress songs

Open songwriter/mic night

Quiz night

Special guest speaker nights with opportunity for Q&As

Performances at the end of camp showcase from 2-3:30/4pm on the last day.


Here are some highlights of the end of summer camp 2023 showcase.

Click here to book your place.

The Young Songwriter 2023 Trophies

The Young Songwriter trophy is revealed at The Young Songwriter 2023 showcase at The Tabernacle, Notting Hill. Designed by Finnian Feez, designer, musician & songwriter and graduate of Central Saint Martins. It’s stylish, original, creative and has a powerful message.

We are thrilled with our iconic trophies for The Young Songwriter competitions! After an introduction from the head of product design, Paul De’Ath at Central Saint Martins, Finnian Feez was given the brief of designing and building a trophy for The Young Songwriter competition which would symbolise the power of songwriting, fit the brand values of Song Academy and connect with the thoughts, wants and desires of our worldwide community of young songwriters.

The design is perhaps not what you’d expect from a trophy, and just in case you’re thinking why are we giving an empty box to the winners, here’s some insight into the design!

Finnian said at The Young Songwriter 2023 showcase “Each trophy has a different graphic inside them, all similar – signifying your shared goal and love of music, but each is unique, because, you’re all unique, and that is something that needs to be celebrated and encouraged to filter into your songwriting.
 
These empty boxes are a metaphor. They stand for the fact that no physical object will be the reason for you creating a song. Whether a guitar, piano, drum, synthesiser, whichever instrument it is, they’re just empty boxes – it’s what you have within you that leads to the creation of a song. So these trophies are a token of that message.
 
The trophies are made from recyclable or compostable materials and can be dismantled and rebuilt to clean or replace parts if needed.
 
Songwriting isn’t easy. Creation in general is difficult, sometimes it can even seem impossible. Sometimes we can lose sight of why we even create in the first place or doubt that we have the ability. If we’re able to remind ourselves that it’s something that lives within us, and we’re true to ourselves, then we can overcome any creative challenges that might arise. We hope that in some way the message behind this trophy will help all of you as you grow and develop as songwriters and music makers.”

We think that Finnian has designed the perfect trophy for The Young Songwriter competition.

We’re looking forward to The Young Songwriter 2024 competition. Get your songs ready to enter between the 1st February and 31st March 2024!

Our inaugural residential songwriting camp was a big hit!

The Song Academy Young Songwriter 2023 live showcase

A must see event to inspire musical & creative young people! The top 10 finalists of The Song Academy Young Songwriter 2023 competition and special VIP guests will perform their original songs at the iconic Tabernacle in Notting Hill, UK. The winners will be announced on the night. Don’t miss out, book your tickets soon!


The inspirational Song Academy Young Songwriter 2023 live showcase will be held on Saturday 23rd September 6:45 – 9:45pm at The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, Notting Hill, London W11 2AY. The Young Songwriter 2023 competition top 10 finalists, Song Academy alumni making waves in the music industry plus VIP guests will be performing their original songs live.

The showcase celebrates the inventiveness & creativity of young people and the power of songwriting to help young people find their voice and find their tribe. The future is bright and diverse!

We are delighted that the showcase will be compered by TV/Radio star Abbie McCarthy and Song Academy ambassador Zara Musoni. Abbie McCarthy is an award-winning TV/Radio presenter & DJ, you’ll find her hosting BBC Music Introducing in Kent on the airwaves every Saturday night and also bringing great new music & fun interviews to your TV screens on E4 Extra & The Box Network with Fresh This Month. Abbie has been highlighted by the Radio Academy as one of the brightest young stars in radio, recently featuring in their esteemed 30 under 30 list and winning Silver for Best Music Presenter at the ARIAs 2020.

The list of Young Songwriter 2023 young songwriters performing on the 23rd September is shown below.

How to book your tickets

To book your seats at this unique event send an email to contact@songacademy.co.uk. Seats in the tiered seating cost £22.50 and for seats in the gallery are £17.50. All seats have an excellent view of the stage. There is limited availability so we suggest you book soon. E-tickets will be sent out the week before.

About The Young Songwriter 2023 competition

The Song Academy Young Songwriter competition is the leading international songwriting competition for young people aged 8-18. This year attracted around 1,000 high quality entries. Song Academy gives the unheard youth a voice and platform to express themselves and be heard. The standard of finalist songs entered this year was exceptionally high. To select the top 10 songs we listened for inventiveness, creativity & bravery with lyrics & melodies illuminating our imaginations. Young people have a unique way of expressing themselves, they are a new generation experiencing life in the most vivid and visceral way.

SAYS23 Star Judges include Fraser T Smith, Amy Wadge, Miranda Cooper, Eg White, Jimmy Napes, Emily Phillips, Plested, Hannah V, Sodajerker, Sacha Skarbek and Dan Gillespie Sells.

Official sponsors of The Song Academy Young Songwriter 2023 competition are YouTube Music, Yamaha, Soundtrap, Focusrite, PRS for Music and ICMP.

Fraser T Smith (songwriter, producer and SAYS23 judge) said “With so much going on in the world, it’s never been more vital for young people to be able to channel their energy and emotions into something positive, which is what The Young Songwriter competition encourages and facilitates through songwriting. Every young person has something to say, a story to tell, or a message to share – that’s why Song Academy is so important to our community.”

Tom Odell (singer songwriter and Young Songwriter judge) said “When I was 13 years old I started writing songs, and over the following years I became more and more obsessed with it. But the thing that always kept me awake at night was how to get them out there for people to hear them. This is why I think the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition is a great way to inspire and help through this process, and it’s something I wish had been around when I was starting out.”

Many of our past finalists are now making waves in the industry, including Gayle, Matilda Mann, Oscar Lang, Lexie Carroll, Cassa Jackson, Oscar Welsh, Natalie Shay, Joshua Shea, Tabitha Jade, Tom A. Smith, Gabriel Dryss, Katie Kittermaster, Gilska, Andrea Turk, Cathy Jain, Sebastian Croft, Daniel McCarthy, Eliza Mai, Miriam Nyarko, Wasia Project, Sophie Griffiths, Rosie Sullivan, Melanie Baker, Alien Blaze, Sweet Mylo, James Bakian, Hetta Falzon, Harry Hatcher, Conor Marcus, Clari Freeman-Taylor, Alex Spencer, Sophie DeMasi & Mullally.    

Past Young Songwriter Live Showcase Performers


Young Songwriter 2023 Performers Line-Up

FRANKIE MORLAND
OTTILIE WALLACE
SHOLTO CAMERON
ELISA MCEVOY
ISLA HANNETT
OREGON THIA GERRIT
12 DEERS BAND
KIT BOTTOMLEY
AGNES BULL
ELEANOR ROSE HANSON
MIA WILKS
CHARLIE RYAN
KACIA
MADDIE INSTONE
ELI CROSSLEY
ECHO BAND
SKYE BISHOP
MACY O
ELIZABETH EHINFUN
STUART VEITCH
SHAAN BHASKAR
RUBE
JS STARZ – JESSE NGOMA
ISLA MAE
COLE LAM
TAMARA HENDIN
SOPHIE FERIANI
MATT JONES
ADAM O’CONNOR, ARLO REDMAN
ROE BYRNE

To book your seats at this unique event send an email to contact@songacademy.co.uk.


The Young Songwriter 2024 competition is open for entries from the 1st February until the 31st March 2024. Get your songs ready!

The Young Songwriter 2022 live showcase highlights video

The winners & top finalists of The Song Academy Young Songwriter 2022 competition, UK/Ireland category, plus VIP guest artists performed, their original songs at the iconic Tabernacle in Notting Hill, London. Be inspired by our highlights video!

The Young Songwriter 2023 competition is open for entries from the 1st February to the 31st March 2023. Get your songs ready! Check out our songwriting programmes (clubs, workshops, song feedback) to help you write your best song yet!

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