Announcing the Winners of the VIBE Songwriting Competition 2024
Published on November 13, 2024
We’re excited to reveal the winners of the 2024 VIBE Songwriting Competition! After an inspiring array of entries from young, talented songwriters across Cornwall, Darcie and Jake emerged as this year’s champions, captivating the judges with their creativity, lyrical depth, and passion for music.
As part of their prize, Darcie and Jake will now take their songs to a professional recording studio, where they’ll have the chance to bring their original compositions to life. This unique opportunity allows them to experience the recording process and refine their music alongside industry professionals. Each artist also shared their songwriting inspirations, creative processes, and thoughts on what this opportunity means to them with us - read their full interviews below and learn more about the vision behind each track.
Darcie
What does making music mean to you and why you entered the VIBE competition?
I initially entered the VIBE competition because my mum actually saw it on Facebook and said that I should enter 'Steady', which is her favourite of my original songs. Making music means absolutely everything to me; I honestly think that I would be completely lost without music. I find writing songs is a very therapeutic process for me and it has helped me through so much!
What inspires and influences your songwriting?
I originally started writing songs during COVID, just after my family and I moved to Cornwall, while I was going through quite a difficult time with my mental health. Songwriting proved to be a really good outlet for me during that time, it helped me process all the things I was going through and just saw me into a better headspace really. Ever since then I haven't stopped writing, taking inspiration from everything really! My own experiences, things I am thinking or feeling, and just my general outlook on the world around me. I am influenced by a lot of different music as I have a very varied taste! Some of my favourite musicians and lyricists are Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, Noah Kahan, and Girl in Red. I'd say my own music is probably a bit of a mix of genres such as singer-songwriter, indie and folk.
What does it mean to you to win and have the studio recording opportunity?
It is honestly amazing, I couldn't believe it when I received the email to say I had won! I really did not expect it at all! It is so amazing to be able to record one of my originals in a studio as well, as it is so difficult to get time in professional spaces like that as a young musician who is just starting out. It is also an incredible asset to have a piece of your work professionally produced for portfolios and future use, so thankyou so much, it is an incredible opportunity!
What are your future career ambitions and aspirations?
My absolute dream is to become a professional artist, and to be able to make (and perform) my music, full time. Also, simply to write songs which other people can resonate with! There are so many songs by other artists which have really helped me get through difficult times and navigate my struggles, so I would just love to do the same for others with my own music. I think that it is so powerful the way music can connect people and I really hope that I get to be a part of that in some capacity within my career.
Jake
What does making music mean to you and why you entered the VIBE competition?
Music has always been a massive part of my life. I’ve been writing and performing ever since I was little, and it’s something I deeply love—especially seeing how a small idea or lyric can grow into a fully-fledged song. For a long time, I hesitated to share my original music due to a lack of confidence, but I’ve been working on overcoming that and releasing more. When I saw this competition, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some feedback, but I didn’t expect to win!
What inspires and influences your songwriting?
My songwriting usually reflects the emotions I’m experiencing at the time. While I often write my songs with a specific scenario in mind, sometimes those ideas are more fictional to help explore my thoughts and feelings or to express a broader message. My creative process is very instrumental-driven, with the music coming first and the lyrics added later to help clarify the message. Even though each song carries personal meaning for me, I always hope listeners can connect with them in their own ways.
What does it mean to you to win and have the studio recording opportunity?
I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and never expected to win! This studio opportunity will give me the chance to take the song from a self-produced bedroom demo into a polished, final version.
What are your future career ambitions and aspirations?
Making and performing music in Cornwall has opened up so many amazing collaborative opportunities for me. I’ve been able to constantly grow as a musician and learn from the wonderful artists and friends I’ve met in the local music scene. I’m planning to pursue music further and am currently auditioning to study music at degree level, with hopes of doing it professionally in the long term. I’d love to have more of my ‘bedroom demos’ professionally produced and released on major streaming platforms for others to enjoy. I’ve also been working with a band to create a live EP of my original songs, which I’m really excited to share. While I don’t have a confirmed release date yet, there’s a teaser video up on my website.
You can follow Jake on Instagram or head to his website.