Local Song Writer Takes The Higher Ground To Semi-Final

Josie Shew's Talent Recognised in UK Songwriting Contest

Local music talent Josie Shew achieved not one but two semi-final positions in this year's UK Songwriting Contest.

A full time student studying for a degree in popular music performance in Turnham Green's Vocaltech, Josie entered two songs she wrote into the prestigious contest judged by leading industry professionals in which the overall winner achieves a publishing contract.

The UK Songwriting Contest is dedicated to promoting the art of songwriting and the discovery of new talent. All entries are very carefully examined by experienced industry professionals and everyone has the chance to get noticed. They aim to provide maximum exposure and genuine opportunities and we are actively looking for promising writers.

Many important people in the music industry follow this event closely, and past winners and finalists have been noticed by prominent members of the music community including Sir Paul McCartney and Simon Cowell. Writers that show potential, whether they are contest winners or not, may be offered opportunities for publishing and career development.

"This is the first time I've ever entered a songwriting contest so am absolutely thrilled to have reached such a high position, particularly out of 5000 entries!" Josie told ChiswickW4.com.

"The songs I entered were written as part of my degree course in Popular Music Performance at Vocaltech. The first song I entered is called 'Patch of Summer Sun' and is in the genre of pop, it recently received a 2:1 grade in my college exam. The second song I entered is called 'Higher Ground', and is in the genre of 'trip hop', I received a 1st for this song. Both songs are available to listen to for free on my myspace page: www.myspace.com/babyshew."

"After I have completed my degree in Popular Music Performance in June next year I wish to pursue the song writing route, I will be writing more and more over the next year and will most definitely be entering the contest again!"

Vocaltech is part of a group of colleges called the Tech Music Schools, comprising of Drumtech, Guitar X and Vocaltech. The colleges are owned by Thames Valley University and have their premises in Stanley Gardens, Chiswick.

August 24, 2007