Singapore, 17 November 2024 — The SG:SW I Write The Songs 2024 Finale Concert, hosted by the Composers & Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS), Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC), and Ocean Butterflies Music, delivered an unforgettable performance at SCCC Far East Organisation Auditorium. 

The concert was a dazzling showcase of budding musical talent and featured performances by local singer-songwriter and SG:SW 2024 Ambassador Sherman Zhuo and Boon Hui Lu that left the audience enthralled. The event was graced by Guest of Honour Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development.

The annual songwriting festival, now in its eighth instalment, garnered 277 song entries from 244 participating songwriters. There was an increase in younger songwriters aged 30 and below, of which, the largest increase came from those aged 20 and below. This edition also attracted a record crowd of 22,050 at the Live Showcase held at Bugis+ Atrium where the Top 24 songwriters showcased their works. The Top 10 finalists, ranging from ages 16 to 60, come from all walks of life with occupations such as doctor and venture capital investor. 

A total of seven prestigious award categories were presented at the Finale Concert after a rigorous evaluation of the songwriters’ efforts. From soulful ballads and folk tunes to Chinese traditional-styled music and urban pop, the finalists impressed both audience and judges with a dynamic range of genres, each piece written with unique and captivating inspirations. The judging panel included renowned music producer Zennon Goh, producer-songwriter maestro Lee Wei Song, acclaimed Taiwanese lyricist Adam Hsu, renowned musician Jimmy Ye, and notable producer-songwriter Roger Yo.

SCCC Chief Executive Officer Alvin Tan said, “Through SG:SW, SCCC hopes to continue to support our local budding songwriters, promote the use of cross-cultural elements to create uniquely Singaporean songs, and contribute to the overall vibrancy of the Mandarin song-writing scene. As such, we are heartened to note the increase in entries from younger songwriters this year, as well as for the ‘SCCC Xchange Award’.”

Managing Director of Ocean Butterflies Music Colin Goh added, “This year, SG:SW works feature a diverse array of musical genres, showcasing a variety of musical facets. Compared to previous years, which were dominated by ballads, this refreshing shift is exhilarating, heightening anticipation for the emerging wave of local talent to deliver even greater surprises.”

Chief Executive Officer and Director of COMPASS Dr Edmund Lam commented, “I am heartened to see so many young songwriters with such great interest in songwriting and hope these young songwriters continue to refine their craft. SG:SW is no longer just a songwriting competition. It is now a platform for songwriters to hone their craft and meet like-minded songwriters.”

Best Song Award: Grandma

(Photo: Grandma, Melody and Lyrics by Mirasole)

The simple yet heartfelt performance of Grandma, written by Mirasole, deeply moved the audience as she expressed her love for her grandmother. Her poignant interpretation, accompanied by keyboard, guitar, and cello, ultimately earned her the Best Song Award. Having won the Lyrics (Merit) Award at SG:SW 2023, the addition of Hokkien to the lyrics this time around added the perfect personal touch, making the performance even more moving and powerful.

Judge Jimmy Ye commented, “This song is tear-jerking and the use of Hokkien (in your lyrics), when coupled with the right melody, can be even more touching than Chinese.”

Fellow judge Royer Yo added, “Your lyrics are very moving and the imagery created leaves a deep impression. The melody and lyrics blend together seamlessly, especially the musical arrangement. Although this might seem like a simple song with only three instruments used, the selected combination added emotional depth to the song at every verse, very powerful and touching indeed.”

Melody (Merit) Award and Popularity Award (Public Voting): Be Free

(Photo: Be Free, Melody and Lyrics by Ho Mei Xuan)

At just 16 years old, Mei Xuan is the youngest participant in this edition, yet her exceptional musical talent has garnered recognition from judges and mentors throughout the songwriting festival. Taking full control of the lyrics, melody, and vocals, she composed Be Free, a track that blends R&B with City Pop. Showcasing her versatility, the song stood out and earned her the Melody (Merit) Award and Popularity Award.

The Popularity Award is 100% voted by the public. Be Free garnered a total of 924 votes.

Lyrics (Merit) Award: Ain’t Falling For It

(Photo: Ain’t Falling For It, Melody by Jody, Lyrics by Katie, See Kit and Soh Jun Xian)

Four individuals from diverse backgrounds, aged between 28 and 60, formed the most intriguing group of participants in recent editions. Ain’t Falling For It captivated the audience not only with its catchy title and but also with its rock arrangement and expressive vocals. The bold choice of theme allowed the lyrics to shine, impressing the judges to ultimately clinch the Lyrics (Merit) Award.

Best Vocal Performance Award: One Step Short of Happiness

(Photo: One Step Short of Happiness, Melody and Lyrics by Lim Shy Yunn)

Composed and written by Lim Shy Yunn, One Step Short of Happiness eloquently expresses the helplessness and regret in a relationship. The repetitive melody and lyrics in the chorus echo the lingering feeling of being “just a step away” from happiness. With a deeply emotional first-person interpretation of a breakup, the vocalist’s heartfelt performance resonated with the audience and won the Best Vocal Performance Award.

Best Performing Band Award: Libertas 

(Photo: Libertas, Melody by Wong Kay Aik, Lyrics by Stephanie Teo and Mirasole)

Libertas is inspired by the goddess of freedom, “Libertas,” from ancient Roman mythology. Created by participants from previous SG:SW editions – lyricists Stephanie Teo and Mirasole, along with composer Wong Kay Aik – the song features two female vocalists who beautifully convey the spirit of modern women’s independence. With its catchy rhythm and energetic beat, this earworm stood out and ultimately won the Best Performing Band Award.

Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Xchange Award: Waiting in the Darkness 

(Photo: Waiting in the Darkness, Melody by Gresilda Tan, Lyrics by Debbie Tan and Ridzwan Bin Abdol Latiff)

Mohammad Ridzwan, the lyricist and singer of Waiting in the Darkness, drew inspiration from his personal experience. Paired with composer and singer Gresilda Tan’s soulful vocals, the performance beautifully showcased the strength and dedication of love. The uplifting melody, enriched by Malay lyrics and traditional instruments, blended seamlessly, earning the performance the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Xchange Award.

Download the SG: SW I Write The Songs 2024 media kit here. 

About the SG: SW I Write The Songs 2024 Finale Concert

Date: 16 November 2024, Saturday
Time: 4:00PM
Venue: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Far East Organisation Auditorium, Level 9
Guest Artistes: Sherman Zhuo and Boon Hui Lu
Hosts: Gao Mei Gui & Zhu Zeliang (Mediacorp YES 933 DJ)

About 【SG:SW I Write The Songs】
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