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Singing to a different tune

In June 2017, we launched our Lyrical Miracle competition on Facebook. If you missed it, here's what happened: we asked our musically-minded followers to reveal some of their favourite self-penned lyrics and the stories behind them.

It wasn't just for our own entertainment, but to give the winners an amazing music industry experience – a two-day masterclass at the iconic Metropolis Studios in London, hosted by songwriter-to-the-stars, Jin Jin.

Jin Jin, songwriter-to-the-stars hosting a masterclass.

Hundreds shared their lyrics, ranging from the heartfelt to the surreal. We saw songs about online dating, families, music festivals, science, sandwiches and, er, writing songs.

It was a tough job to judge the winners, so we asked MOBO to help us out. They know what innovative, chart-shaping music is, and selected seven of the most creative entries to attend the masterclass, as well as adding three of their own UnSung artists into the mix.

  • Here's a bit about the winners:

Once an intern at the Philharmonia Orchestra, Liz Owen has a (very) broad music taste – think classical to contemporary pop – and writes songs between travelling, volunteering, the theatre and loads more.

Guitarist and vocalist William Thompson cares about all things wordy. A fan of witty, observational lyrics like those of Britpop and indie bands, his work is grounded by a love for literature.

Patrick Fox already has an impressive recording history. He released his first EP in 2014 and has received press coverage in his native Northampton.

East London girl Lizzie Claydon grew up performing and singing, and loves all things music. She also writes and plays the drums.

Haula Nakakembo has the industry seal of approval from cool music publications. She describes her work as "darkly anthemic Pop/RnB".

Dan Benney has played guitar from his home in Cornwall since he was 13. He's gained loads of experience as a session musician in local studios.

It was the wedding of a close friend that reignited Lynz Crichton's love for songwriting. As a teacher then busy mum, the opportunity to get playing the guitar for her friend's big day got her to re-hone her musical skills.

  • And they were joined by MOBO UnSung artists:

    MEGA is a North London born and raised "soulful songstress powerhouse". Inspired by famous divas from music history, she likes to bring joy and radiance to every performance.

    Ailka has had recent radio successes collaborating with rappers and singers. She's also one of the very few female engineers in the music industry. Pretty cool, we think.

    Lloyd Luther is a rapper, singer, songwriter and producer from Leicester. He creates everything he does, down to the artwork itself. His work is provocative and he aims to help people through his youth mentoring.

    MEGA is a North London born and raised "soulful songstress powerhouse". Inspired by famous divas from music history, she likes to bring joy and radiance to every performance.

    Ailka has had recent radio successes collaborating with rappers and singers. She's also one of the very few female engineers in the music industry. Pretty cool, we think.

    Lloyd Luther is a rapper, singer, songwriter and producer from Leicester. He creates everything he does, down to the artwork itself. His work is provocative and he aims to help people through his youth mentoring.

Lloyd Luther in the studio.

  • So what did they get up to?

    The weekend kicked off at Metropolis Studios, Europe's No.1 independent recording studio. The winners got to know each other over breakfast, then got down to business, breaking into groups before writing and jamming for two days.

    Jin Jin was on hand to provide tips, advice and guidance. She's made hits for chart-shaping and award-winning musicians for more than a decade, so she knows what she's doing. At the end of the masterclass, they gathered in the bar to play back their recorded songs and do acoustic performances of their own original tracks.

    The weekend kicked off at Metropolis Studios, Europe's No.1 independent recording studio. The winners got to know each other over breakfast, then got down to business, breaking into groups before writing and jamming for two days.

    Jin Jin was on hand to provide tips, advice and guidance. She's made hits for chart-shaping and award-winning musicians for more than a decade, so she knows what she's doing. At the end of the masterclass, they gathered in the bar to play back their recorded songs and do acoustic performances of their own original tracks.

Metropolis Studios. Europe's No.1 independent recording studio.

  • Watch this space

    So what's next for our lyrical miracles? It sounds like they've already formed a song writing network, with Lynz revealing that "people have already started to follow each other on social media to stay in touch and meet up again to carry on the songwriting".

    Here's what Jin Jin had to say:

    "I feel honoured to have worked with MOBO & first direct to hold my Lyrical Miracle songwriting weekender at Metropolis Studios. I admire the contribution, enthusiasm and positive spirit which helped make our time together productive and fun by all involved. It was incredible to work with such incredible talent... Although the workshop has ended, I have high hopes for all."

    With her wisdom and the Metropolis Studio experts on their side, plus the MOBO industry seal of approval, we might have a generation of first direct superstars to look forward to.

    So what's next for our lyrical miracles? It sounds like they've already formed a song writing network, with Lynz revealing that "people have already started to follow each other on social media to stay in touch and meet up again to carry on the songwriting".

    Here's what Jin Jin had to say:

    "I feel honoured to have worked with MOBO & first direct to hold my Lyrical Miracle songwriting weekender at Metropolis Studios. I admire the contribution, enthusiasm and positive spirit which helped make our time together productive and fun by all involved. It was incredible to work with such incredible talent... Although the workshop has ended, I have high hopes for all."

    With her wisdom and the Metropolis Studio experts on their side, plus the MOBO industry seal of approval, we might have a generation of first direct superstars to look forward to.