Eurovision star SuRie and fellow judges announce winners of first Stortford Young Songwriters Competition

The winners of the first 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, writes Helen Miller.

“There are some really unique and precious musicians and wordsmiths in and around Bishop’s Stortford to be nurtured, supported, protected and celebrated,” said 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.”

Students from across the area entered the competition which was divided into three age categories and open to all young people in Years 3 to 13 who live in and/or attend schools in Stortford and the surrounding area, including Sawbridgeworth, Stansted Mountfitchet and the villages.

The winner of the Years 3-6 category was Eric Gale from 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 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 attends The Bishop’s Stortford High School, was the winner of the 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 Years 10-13 category was Herts and Essex High School 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, who also goes to Herts and 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 Stortford, securing a unique opportunity to deep-dive into the art of songwriting, 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.

The competition was the idea of Claire Newman, a much-loved English and music teacher in Stortford who died in December 2022 following her diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. Her family and friends launched SYSC in her memory with the aim of identifying promising local songwriting talent.

“The competition is a wonderful platform and opportunity for young songwriters,” said SuRie. “Songwriting can be a wonderfully cathartic and personal endeavour which takes a great deal of vulnerability and resilience to share with others.

“I hope nothing ever stops them channelling their voice and personality into their work. It was a joy listening to the entries.”

If you are an aspiring young songwriter who is keen to showcase your talent then watch out for next year’s competition which launches in January. You can find out more about SYSC at www.stortfordsongwriters.org.