 12/05/2008 Music Matrix and Arts Council England have announced news of the first ever London Songwriters Week in the lead-up to the 53rd Ivor Novello Awards.
The event is being billed as a celebration of the art of songwriting, showcasing the talent of some of the world’s finest songwriters through seminars and performances.
Launching on Thursday 15th May, with events running until Friday 23rd, the event will coincide with this year’s prestigious Ivor Novello Award ceremony on the 22nd of May.
The launch of the London Songwriters Week will take place at Ronnie Scotts in Soho, with live performances from singer-songwriter The CocknBullkid and Ivor Novello nominees Ben’s Brother.
Highlights of the week will include a lyricist session and performance from British rapper Kano, and a live jazz improvisation workshop with respected British alt-saxophone jazz performer Soweto Kinch, as well as other leading jazz musicians.
Performers including James Morrison and Kelly Rowland have already shown support for the event; BRIT Award winning solo-artist Morrison commenting that “Anything that focuses on the art of great songwriting and its importance within the industry should be applauded.”
Many of the events will be free to attend with the whole week accessible to the public. It’s hoped that the various seminars, showcases and performances will inspire, educate and entertain audiences, whilst raising the importance of songwriting and providing opportunities for networking and developing.
Key issues will include making money from songwriting, writing music for film and television, and the progression of producing to writing song. Attendees will be given the opportunity to see a live publishing deal being negotiated between a songwriter and music publisher, whilst a photography exhibition of former Ivor Novello winners accompanied by the lyrics to their songs will also be accessible.
Nominees for the 53rd Ivor Novello Awards, which recognises outstanding songwriting and composing within the music business, include Mika’s ‘Grace Kelly’ and Beyonce and Shakira’s duet ‘Beautiful Liar’ for the best-selling British Song award.
Amy Winehouse has three nominations including the best-selling British song for ‘Rehab’, and best-song for ‘Love is a Losing Game’ and ‘You know I’m No Good.’
|
