Tom Odell and Imogen Heap to uncover new music talent for 2017 Young Songwriter competition

Know someone who fancies themselves as the next Ed Sheeran or tomorrow’s Adele? This year’s Young Songwriter competition is now open for entries.

The award from the Song Academy is now in its sixth year, and is open to entrants between the ages of 8 and 18. Winners will be able to spend time in a professional recording studio, perform in a showcase, as well as get some top recording gear and a Farida guitar.

This year’s competition boasts an impressive judging panel, including Tom Odell, Conor Maynard, Rumer, and Imogen Heap, who was yesterday nominated for an Olivier Award for her work on the music in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Entrants will be able to enter up to five individual songs and five group songs, and no professional recordings are required - all the judges ask is that the lyrics and music are the entrant’s original work. They will be looking at the originality, lyrics, melody, composition and hit-making potential of every song - so if you think you’ve written an eminently hummable tune, you could be in with a chance.

There will be separate categories for 8-12 and 13-18 year olds, and the competition closes on April 2. More information on how to enter can be found at songacademy.org.uk/says17