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Chance to support Loughborough College songwriter only one performance away from national finals

Posted: 13th October 2016 - 5:25pm
Chance to support Loughborough College songwriter only one performance away from national finals

Audition success for a talented Loughborough College songwriter means she is only one performance away from the national finals of a prestigious international songwriting contest.

Katharine McGough was selected from hundreds of hopefuls to go through to the UK Songwriting Contest regional finals, in association with The BRIT Trust – who are behind the famous BRIT Awards.

The 17 year old studies Music at Loughborough College and will perform on 15 October for the chance to appear alongside finalists from all over the country in London, showcasing her work to the music industry and boosting her songwriting career.

The Contest’s Grammy, Emmy, BRIT and CMA Award-winning judges include British producer Stuart Epps (Elton John, Robbie Williams, Oasis), Britney Spears' musical director and BRIT Award winner Simon Ellis, top producer and arranger Richard Niles (Paul McCartney, Kylie Minogue, Take That, Mariah Carey), Oscar-nominated TV and Film Composer Jamie Serafi, and past UKSC winner and Platinum Album artist Natalie Chua (signed by Simon Cowell after her UKSC win).

“I love music and knew from the moment I met the Music tutors and saw the facilities at Loughborough College that that was where I wanted to be,” said Katherine.

“I entered the Contest because I write a lot of music and thought I might as well give it a go – I just chose the song I thought was best and sent it off. I really had no expectation I would get anywhere… then I was invited to audition in Birmingham.

“If I hadn’t expected anything by entering then I really thought that would be it when I arrived at the auditions. There were hundreds of people there. I had peformed the song before but at a really tiny gig. Nothing on this scale.

“A big group of us had to go into a room together and we each had to perform for the judges. I went first so that was really nerve-wracking. Then I thought I had fluffed and it – and what made it even worse was that when I finished, the judges were completely silent.

“It turned out they did not respond to anyone. Then at the end they just suddenly said to me, We’re sending you through.

“I was so shocked, not only to be the only one but also because I was sure I had messed up. I found out afterwards that only six or seven in all were selected to go through.

“I will be doing the same song at the regional final on 15 October and that will involve an audience vote so I am giving out lots of tickets to people who want to come and support me.

“I am really happy to have got through and to have the chance to perform again.”

To find out more about supporting Katherine at the UK Songwriting Contest regional final at the The Britannia Hotel, Nottingham on Saturday 15 October email: 230096@student.loucoll.ac.uk