A REDDITCH singer songwriter has been commended for his musical talents by the United Kingdom Songwriting Contest.
Martin Hall-Kenny entered the competition earlier this year.
He said: “I entered 16 songs and in the initial judging, five songs received 4 stars Commended entry, five songs received 5 stars Commended entry, with one receiving five stars Highly Commended.
“The remaining five songs all received 5 stars and were promoted to the semi-finals.”
Originally from north Devon, Martin moved to Redditch to be with his partner Sarah in Webheath.
He’s no stranger to the bright lights of being on stage either, having headlined small festivals in the US and in France and supported major acts across America.
“I’ve been writing songs for many, many years, and I’m delighted that the songs I submitted have been recognised,” said Martin, who describes his style as storytelling set to music.
He first picked up a guitar aged 10 and wrote his first song at the age of 12.
Now a multi-instrumentalist, he has been a performer for the better part of 40 years.
The United Kingdom Songwriting Contest is supported internationally and at home by the Brit Trust (Brit Awards), Music Aid, The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers, Roland UK and top British producers and industry professionals.
It is actually an international competition and has been well supported by the BBC since it began back in 2002.
Martin song ‘Don’t Take the Boat Out’ – about a fishing disaster off the coast of South Wales, has made it through the short list of semi-finalist songs into the grand final and he is still waiting to discover if any of his four other are similarly promoted.
For more on Martin, and to see a fundraising video of his in aid of the NSPCC, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCHfyirSFWI or search online for Martin John remember my song.
