The UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year heats

Biggest showcase of unsigned songwriting talent takes to Caffè Nero stores nationwide

“With a changing music industry, new musicians need support now more than ever. “The unsigned Songwriter of the Year” initiative does that, as well as raising money for two great charities.”

James Blunt

The search for the next big songwriting talent takes to Caffè Nero stores is now underway, in a series of twelve live heats that will see the country’s finest undiscovered talent battle it out to be this year’s winner of the first ever UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year 2016.

Launched by The Songwriting Academy, Caffè Nero, Yamaha and PRS, The UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year 2016 is the first time the song is the star, not the singer. Initial heats commence this month building up to the Semi Finals in Liverpool (October 17th) and London (October 18th). A panel of industry doyens will announce the winning songwriter at a star studded Gala at the Piano Works in Farringdon, London, on 30th October.

The winning songwriter will receive over £6000 worth of prizes that includes a twelve-month mentoring programme with The Songwriting Academy, £1000 worth of Yamaha musical instruments and the opportunity to have a song recorded in Nashville. The winner will also tour Caffè Nero stores, culminating in a live performance at the Cornbury Festival 2017. The competition not only seeks to support up and coming songwriters but also raise money for us here at Nordoff Robbins. 

“Behind every hit song there are talented songwriters, often unrecognised and unknown to the public. We want to put songwriters in the spotlight where they belong as well as support these great charities.’’ 

Martin Sutton, at The Songwriting Academy

For Caffè Nero, it represents its ongoing support of music and young artists.

“Music has always been critical to the Caffè Nero experience and the support for grassroots talent is fundamental to our brand values. We will continue to support great artists, playing them throughout the Caffè Nero network of 650 UK stores and supporting live tours as well as sponsoring music festivals such as the Cornbury Music Festival at which we have our own stage. We are also thrilled to be supporting The Songwriting Academy’s UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year Competition for the first time.”

Paul “Pablo” Ettinger, one of the founding team at Caffè Nero and jazz musician

“I’m delighted to support the good causes that are set to benefit from this competition and help as yet undiscovered UK songwriting talent to develop. Access to Yamaha professional instruments and equipment will guarantee the great songs that emerge sound even better and we look forward to hosting the live semi-final at Yamaha Music London on 18th October!”

Robert Webster, Director of Yamaha’s Pro Music Division

The heats

What is music therapy?

Ed’s story

About Nordoff Robbins