Unsigned Songwriter of the Year hits right notes - The Leamington Observer

Unsigned Songwriter of the Year hits right notes

Ian Hughes 4th Nov, 2016   0

A SONGSTRESS from Warwickshire is looking forward to a bright future in music after winning a national songwriting competition.

Gracie Falls won the inaugural UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year in all female final in London at the weekend.

The 25 year-old – who beat three songwriting talents in the final of a competition entered by over a 1,000 budding musicians – was described by the judges as writing songs with a “natural ease and autobiographical touch” and blending “memorable melodies, emotive music and poignant, relatable lyrics”.

Gracie’s success saw her receive over £6,000 worth of prizes, including a 12 month mentoring programme with The Songwriting Academy, Yamaha musical instruments and the opportunity to have a song recorded in the home of Country music Nashville.




The Rugby resident will also tour Caffè Nero stores and have her playlist aired at the coffee house, culminating in a live performance on the Caffè Nero stage at next year’s Cornbury Festival.

Launched by The Songwriting Academy, Caffè Nero and Yamaha, the UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year competition focuses on the songwriter as the star rather than the singer.


It has won the backing of star names including Genesis’ guitarist Mike Rutherford, Lulu, Jack Savoretti, and Pixie Lott.

The judging panel included multi platinum music producer and songwriter Chris Neil, who has produced records for artists including Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, and Cher, and singer-songwriter and manager Luc Floreani, who has worked with artists including Amy Winehouse, Sam Smith, and Kasabian.

Martin Sutton, at The Songwriting Academy, which organized the competition, said: “We are delighted for Gracie Falls.

“Behind every hit song there are talented songwriters, often unrecognised and unknown to the public. We wanted to put songwriters in the spotlight where they belong as well as support these great charities – we’ve discovered some inspiring talent in the process and are looking forward to working towards an even bigger and better event in 2017.’’

Chart-topping songwriter James Blunt said: “With a changing music industry, new musicians need support now more than ever. The Unsigned Songwriter of the Year initiative does that.”

The competition also raised money for Stand Up to Cancer (standuptocancer.org.uk) and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy (nordoff-robbins.org.uk).

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