Congratulations to the five winners of the New Songwriters Scheme
After a gruelling two day masterclass, where the 60 shortlisted applicants were assessed and mentored, the five winners were announced.
Rokhsan Heydari
Will be mentored by Sacha Skarbeck
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter, Vocal Teacher
From: London
Rokhsan on music: My only purpose in this life, is to write and perform music. I discovered this whilst studying at the ACM, after realising that life should involve surviving by what you love doing. Which for me is singing, writing, recording and performing, and eating!
Listen to a clip from Rokhsan's entry songHazel Tratt
Will be mentored by Glenn Skinner
Occupation: Shop Assistant
From: Fordingbridge
Hazel on music: I started writing songs at junior school and recorded them on various home studio setups. I want my songs to be heard and enjoyed. I'm eager to use my writing and performing talent and develop further my musical abilities.
Listen to a clip from Hazel's entry songJonno Wright
Will be mentored by John McLaughlin
Occupation: Musician
From: London
Jonno on music: I love to write, love to rhyme, love to make people dance and think at the same time. I have a genuine passion for classic songwriting.
Listen to a clip from Jonno's entry songJoachim Walker
Will be mentored by Niara Scarlett
Occupation: Student
From: Bristol
Joachim on music: I have been writing vocal parts for my own dance music productions for about a year and have recently begun writing some music in rap/RnB styles too. I am reatively new to songwriting and my peers have told me I have a nack for it.
Listen to a clip from Joachim's entry songAfrica Fuentes
Will be mentored by Niara Scarlett
Occupation: Student
From: Liverpool
Africa on music: I started writing music when I was 14. I've studied music and production ever since. I've been writing for a long time and my songs have had good feed back.
Listen to a clip from Africa's entry song The winners will now be mentored by a leading UK songwriter for a day in a professional studio.
Get an insight
Get some great tips from award winning songwriter Sacha Skarbek, who co-wrote the worldwide no.1 hit 'You're Beautiful' with James Blunt and who will be mentoring winner Rokhsan Heydari, on the Radio 2 New Songwriters scheme.
He talks about what makes a good song, what type of kit you need and why he's looking forward to being a mentor.
