Google+

Dreams Do Come True

Last week, Songwall hosted it’s first “Songs in the Sky” event, held in the breathtaking Staying Cool at the Rotunda penthouse in Birmingham.

It would have been possible to spend the entire evening just gazing through the panoramic windows at the incredible view, or watching the changeable weather from the amazing (if slightly terrifying to the height-wary spectator!) balcony.

But “Songs in the Sky” was, above all else, an evening of celebrating new music and, in the words of Songwall founder Brendan Poynton, “valuing artists and connecting them with new music explorers”. Music is indeed the food of love and it did, indeed, play on!

Brendan, a singer-songwriter himself, commenced the evening with two of his own songs. He performed with ease, wit and passion, engaging the audience and filling the intimate space with memorable melodies. A perfect start to the evening following his inspiring welcome speech.

The “Songs in the Sky” competition runner-up was Rachel Mayfield, who unusually and fittingly opened her set with a poem, “Show You My Birmingham”. She followed this with a moving and thought provoking rendition of her song “To Dad”.  Rachel’s openness and warm honesty was evident both in person and performance. She described the Rotunda as the perfect place to perform, her emotion resonated throughout the audience and her passion was palpable.

The competition was judged by Tom Hingley (formerly of Inspiral Carpets) The winning song was described as ‘..breezy, energetic with an underlying melancholic lyrical structure redolent of the Boo Radleys.”

The headline act of the evening were the competition winners, Plastic Barricades, a four piece band from London. Plastic Barricades were like a cheeky, weekday glass of prosecco – effervescent, revitalising, strangely comforting and liable to make you smile. Watching these guys play was to observe the joy of music in human form – the sneaky side-glances and grins at each-other during the performance was endearing and heartening. These were people really enjoying what they were doing! The journey through their set was deftly led by lead singer Dan, who thoughtfully introduced each song. Every track felt comfortably familiar but new and exciting at the same time and each was performed with the same life-affirming energy which made them a pleasure to watch.

Off stage, the Plastic Barricade boys were warm, grateful and humble. Dan referenced having posters of judge Tom Hingley on his wall growing up and expressed “…dreams do come true”.

The music came to a close just in time to allow the artists and guests to enjoy panoramic views of the Birmingham sunset – truly a sight to behold and a fitting end to a one-of-a-kind evening.

Congratulations again to the worthy winners. We hope to see much more of you in the future!

Here’s to the next “Songs in the Sky” – you’d be crazy to miss it!

For the latest news on Songwall events go to the Songwall homepage, scroll down and sign up to the Songwall newsletter. Live footage of Songs in the Sky will be coming soon, so please keep your eyes peeled!

In the meantime, why not join the launch of our next event Songwall Sessions at The Cogs Bar

Plastic-Barricades-Songs-in-the-sky-Songwall-Staying-Cool-at-the-Rotunda
Songs in the Sky winners – Plastic Barricades

Rachel-Mayfield-Songs-in-the-Sky-Songwall-Staying-Cool-at-the-Rotunda
Rachel Mayfield photo by Jonathan Stockford

Plastic-Barricades-Songwall-Songs-in-the-Sky-Singer-lores
Plastic Barricades

Plastic-Barricades-Songwall-Songs-in-the-Sky-Guitarist-lores
Plastic Barricades

Plastic-Barricades-Songwall-Songs-in-the-Sky-Drummer-lores
Plastic Barricades

Artists-Songwall-Songs-in-the-Sky-Staying-Cool-lores‘Songs in the Sky’ artists @ Staying Cool at the Rotunda

FOLLOW US ON
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Songwall Limited is a registered company in the United Kingdom. Company number (08493836).

Website Terms and Conditions

By accessing and or using www.songwall.com you hereby agree to our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions may be modified from time to time and will become effective on going live via songwall.com. It is your responsibility to check for updates and we recommend you do so on a regular basis. These terms are legally binding and using the website you agree to be bound to this agreement whether You ‘the visitor’ or ‘browser’ without limitation through any device or otherwise are registered as user or not.

Songwall.com (Songwall) or www.songwall.com has the right to discontinue it’s service, competition section or any activity with or without notice and may prevent your use of the Songwall service without any prior notice to you. Songwall will hold no liability if the Songwall services are discontinued at any point. Our goal is to provide a sound service. However, If you do not agree to be bound by this agreement you should not use www.songwall.com (We hope you join us on the trip)

Access to information

The Data Protection Act 1998 (the “Act”) gives you the right to access information held about you and for you to request that changes be made to this information if it is inaccurate or not up-to-date. Your right of access can be exercised in accordance with the Act. Any access request may be subject to a fee (as amended from time to time) to meet our costs in providing you with details of the information we hold about you.

We will take responsible steps to ensure your information is secure and will only hold your information on our systems for as long as is reasonably necessary.

We will use the information you send us to:

 

Collection of data

We may collect and process personal information from you and any devices you may use when:

 

Other information could include:

Geo location, IoT technologies and connection information including the usual statistics such as page views, song listens, ad data and referral URL.

Uploading Songs

By uploading a song to www.songwall.com, you the ‘artist’ / ‘user’ hereby agree that you are the sole or joint copyright right holder of the piece of music or song, including music and lyrics and consent to the song being accessible to the world and universe via this website and associated Songwall social media . If you are a joint copyright holder of a song that you upload to www.songwall.com; you as the ‘user’ / ‘artist’ uploading the song are declaring that you have the consent of all other copyright / IP holders of the song that you are uploading to the songwall website.

License: Artists retain all IP rights by uploading songs and/or images onto the Songwall website

If you do not agree with the Songwall T&C’s you can unsubscribe from the email we sent or email contact@songwall.com

If would like us to delete your profile or if you would like access to the data we hold you can email: contact@songwall.com

What is Songwall
We exist to put value back into original music by redefining the relationship between musicians and fans
Who can join Songwall?
Artists, musicians and music fans can join Songwall. In this early Beta phase only artists can create a full Songwall profile. Fans can Create a log-in by supporting artists and purchasing new music. Join the Songwall newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming Songwall features and all our latest news on the hottest new songs.
How can I edit my profile
At the moment you can edit your profile by emailing us hello (at) songwall dot com. Artists can log-in to their artist profile to upload more songs.
What support do you offer for independent artists/bands?
We offer instant payment and strive to provide better rates with cool opportunities such as paid support slots. As a start up we are taking one step at time. We hope you join us :-)
I’m a music fan, why should I support Songwall?
Because you love discovering great new music by grass roots artists with character songs. On Songwall you can be ahead of the game by finding out what's hot in new music.
I’m under 18, can I still get paid for my music?
At the moment you can only get paid via a Paypal account. We are working on other options.
I have a suggestion for Songwall - where can I submit it?
You can go to our feedback form
I want to work for Songwall- where can I apply?
Got to our Feedback form
Can I upload a cover or remix?
No, we are purely about original music, supporting artists and the art of songwriting. There are other sites that cater for cover versions.
Can I upload songs which feature swearing?
Anything defamatory will be taken down from Songwall.
Why can’t I download or stream my favourite songs by major artists?
Although we would love Prince to be on our website, we are a site for new and independent artists.
I can’t find an answer to my question- where else can I try?
If you can't find an answer here please drop us a line via the feedback form