I Write The Songs – Top 10 finalists will be taking the stage of SG:SW 2020 ‘Online Finale Concert’ on 27 November

Organised by Composers & Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS), Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, and Ocean Butterflies Music, SG:SW I Write The Songs makes a strong return in its fourth year. SG:SW I Write The Songs is a nationwide Mandopop songwriting festival that provides a unique platform to uncover and cultivate the next generation of local music talent.

Since its first instalment in 2017, the festival has received nearly 1,400 compositions over the course of four years, inspiring a local songwriting craze that has not been seen for many years in Singapore. This year, SG:SW I Write The Songs received a total of 322 entries. After four months of rigorous screening and intense training, the Top 10 finalists have emerged and will be taking the stage of SG:SW 2020 ‘Online Finale Concert’ on 27 November, 7:00PM.

Out of the 322 compositions received during open calls, 20 were selected to perform at the ‘Online Live Showcases’ segment. Performances of the Top 20 compositions were pre-recorded and then broadcasted in front of a panel of judges who shortlisted the Top 10 to advance to the finals live on SG:SW Facebook page.

The judging panel included renowned music practitioners Zennon Goh, Serene Koong, Peng Chi Sheng, Zhang Si’er and Derrick Tham.

The ‘Online Live Showcases’ segment also welcomed local singer-songwriter Teresa Tseng and singer-songwriter and producer Ang Junyang as guest performers. Aside from performing their classics, Tseng and Ang also shared their first-hand experiences as singer-songwriters in the industry. The Top 20 contestants and guest artistes ’Online Live Showcases’ attracted over 30,000 views.

Hosted by Mediacorp YES 933 DJs Gao Meigui and Chen Ning, the show will also feature performances by home-grown acts singer-songwriter and SG:SW 2020 Online Ambassador Serene Koong and local band MengFM.

• SG:SW I Write The Songs ‘Online Finale Concert’
• Date: 27 November 2020
• Time: 7 PM
• Platform: SG:SW 2020 and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Facebook Page

This year’s competition presents a different flavour from previous years as new songwriters, with as little as only two months of songwriting experience, take up the majority of the Top 10 spots. The music genres across the Top 10 finalists are also distinct and diverse – from a tear-jerking ballad, inspirational folk, new age music, pop-rock, and even a dance hit, the finalists are ready to rock the arena with their improvised compositions.

The panel of judges will be selecting six winners for the night. Awards will be presented for:

• Best Song
• Lyrics (Merit)
• Melody (Merit)
• Best Vocal Performance
• Best Performing Band
• Popularity (Public Voting)

Winning songs will be professionally produced and released, with music videos specially recorded for these winning entries.

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