In Alphabetical Order
Andy Ayling
Forever in the Moment
– I am not a professional musician, I just play as a creative hobby and like to share my own material at open mics wherever I can. I love open mic nights, being able to share a hobby and ideas with like-minded people, and a music crowd is always a supportive one (to all abilities).
– I mostly write indie-folk style songs and take inspiration from people, thoughts or feelings that come naturally. I don’t “force” myself to write, I try and let ideas come to me.
– There were a couple of songs I thought of submitting (including one about my 6-year-old niece) but I decided to submit “Forever In This Moment” as it was one of the first I wrote and performed publicly just under a couple of years ago. It is basically about taking time to appreciate those moments in life you never want to end. Whether it’s the moment itself or the person you share it with, it’s those moments that can give life a purpose and meaning.
i am a non-professional, these kinds of opportunities to share my material with professionals is something that does not come around too often, so it is good to expose my own material to the most knowledgeable audience. As supportive as an open mic crowd is, you can’t always gauge a true feeling for your own songs. As much as I love covers and hearing all kinds of people sing, to create music was the main reason I took to playing and performing music.
Autumn Willow
Senses
Autumn Willow is a wistful realist with a distinctive voice and an indie folk-ish songwriting style. Her human and quirky music captures the beauty, absurdity and pain of everyday life as a neurodivergent person in a neurotypical world.
‘Senses’ explores some of the sensory challenges that can shape the autistic experience, and represents Autumn’s first time being able to express this.
Chris Horne
Sugarcoat
I’m Chris, I’m 38 and have always had a passion for music. I have been in a number of bands over the years, getting the opportunity to play venues across Kent and further afield. I’m a father to two young children and enjoy sharing a love of music with them, listening to a range of genres from hard rock to nursery rhymes.
The song is called sugarcoat, and is about feeling like you don’t fit in and don’t know your purpose. Something I think a lot of us feel at some point in our life.
I hadn’t picked up my guitar for over a year before I saw this competition and it has given me a kick-start to start playing and writing songs again. I would love to win and have the opportunity to record my song, hearing it how I imagine it, not just recorded on my phone.
Emily Lane
Empty Home
Emily Lane is an up and coming Singer/Songwriter from Kent. Her unique sound of soulful tones, elegant harmonies and enchanting melodies form powerful songs from sub genres including blues and acoustic soul. Her voice is dynamic with a large range and developed sound. Emily has been writing since she was eleven and started singing since the age of five. Music is a big part of her life. Her track ‘Hide no More’ taken from her first EP FLY, raising money for Royal Marsden and Leukaemia trust, was featured on a BBC 6 playlist by Steve Lamacq in 2018. Since then she has been writing and growing as an artist. Emily hopes to continue to write and produce songs with positive messages of hope, strength and peace.
Emily wrote ‘Empty Home’ and features her playing on piano. It’s about helping others and while you help others you help yourself. Making you feel whole and no longer ‘empty’ but instead feeling a reward, fulfilled and a new purpose in life. This was inspired by years of voluntary and charity work that Emily has been involved in and continues to do. She’s always found that helping others gives her a sense of gratitude and fulfilment and has always been about making a difference to others. She wrote this song showing the benefits it can give others and that they’re not alone and in hope that others will reach out to people who need it the most. Even the smallest gesture can bring great rewards.
I want to get my music out there further but believe that it takes a good team to do that. Harmony Studio studios seem to be exactly what I’m looking for in terms of production, professionalism and studio work for my latest EP that I hope to release next year. I want to find the right platform to record my music that others can relate to and resonate with the message I’m putting across in each song. I want to do this not just for me but for my son to show him that dreams can come true and through hard work and dedication you achieve anything. Also to help others. I’ve spent a long time performing covers, I now feel ready to put my new music out there.’
Hiddern Bittern
Edward Cullen
We’re a shy but noisy band from Folkestone, playing indie punk pop songs about Twilight characters, fertility treatment and awkward office moments. You might catch the odd folky love song, too.
Hidden Bittern is Sonja Todd (guitar/vox), Matthew Cotton (guitar/vox), Megan Jones (bass) and Lois Tozer (drums). Lois also plays in garage band legends The Embrooks.
We only started playing together in 2024, but we’re already making a splash in Folkestone. We’ve played Compass Festival and Riot Gulll’s second birthday bash.
And we’ve recorded our first two tracks, including a musical trailer video for Folkestone Documentary Festival.
Why we want to win: we recently recorded our first songs and we have lots more we want to record! Recording with Nick would be a dream because we trust his expertise. Our band only got together after Sonja went to Folkestone First Timers where she met Nick. She tried her damned hardest to win a recording session at a gig raffle last month – second time lucky.
At gigs we always ask if anyone has seen the Twilight movies, but usually nobody will admit to it. ‘Edward Cullen’ is about the main vampire, written from the perspective of Bella Swan, the heroine. It’s kind of a thirst song because she wants him, but it’s also a disturbed song about how he’s actually 100 years old but stuck in the body of a teenage boy. Just one of the many reasons Twilight is a guilty pleasure. We’ve made an indie punk-pop song out of it.
I actually wrote this song years ago and it was the first one I played for Matt, which got us making music together and then forming a band. Audiences seem to love it. It’s got a very catchy bassline.
James Wyld
Get Me Through
I’m a 42 year old acoustic singer songwriter for over 20 years, influences are from my era really Oasis, Ryan Adams, older bands such as the Eagles, REM, U2, Damien Rice, Nick Cave, older music as well, Dire straits through to the Shadows and the Beatles. Any music with empathy and feeling.
I can write on the piano/keyboards as well, which is how this song came about this summer, I fell on a lovely chord progression and just found a matching melody. I envisage the song to have quite a string instrumental after the first chorus, as a sound to Burt Bachurach style. This song is a soft piano ballad with a lovely feel to it.
I’d love this song to win as I feel it could be a beautiful song if produced right and could go anywhere really. It’s a meaningful song about the people or person who makes you feel happiest and who get you.
Jump back
Give Me a Lifeline
A pop/rock duo with powerful female vocals, catchy hooks & a pinch of 80s magic! Their 1st album was recorded and produced fully remotely in a makeshift home studio during the COVID quarantine of 2020
The song is about seizing freedom and exploring life’s possibilities. “Give me a lifeline” highlights the need for support, while urging one to live fully, dream big, and embrace adventure.
We’d love to get together and record in person in a real studio for the first time and finally finish the 2nd album that has been sitting around partially complete for over a year!
Kirsty King
Life BC (Before child)
I am a fun single mum – with the emphasis on SING! I run Sing & Play, a not-for-profit group for kids 0-5 and their caregivers, combining singing, play, and movement to boost health, learning, and joy!
Life BC (Before Child) is currently a work in progress, exploring the stark differences and challenges encountered before and after entering the life of never-ending nursery rhymes.
For years I have dreamed of producing and preserving my music. Winning would allow me to develop and record my songs with professional resources and experience – truly a dream come true.
Lewis Smith
Angel of Love
Lyric songwriter with a passion for feel good and inspirational messages in music. Lover of all genres.
Angel of love / a message from above how the love inside can set you free.
I want to get my song in the ears of as many people as possible. Ultimately the goal is to collocate with musicians /producers and get my songs on the radio!
Matt Horrox
You And Me
Matt lives in Folkestone, performing as Grayskull. He writes mainly on guitar and is influenced by indy, folk and alt rock groups in particular – including REM, Counting Crows and Crowded House.
“You and Me” is about having a special connection with someone, and despite the chaos and challenges thrown at you, all you really need is each other.
“You and Me” deserves to be recorded with additional instrumental layers overlaid. After decades of not having ever recorded any of my work, I am finally ready to go for it!
Mike Hodgson
Evermore
I started playing guitar when I was in school and have been in a series of bands and duos over the years, with a signing to a small label in Brighton. After studying at The London College of Music, life got in the way and the day job took over but I’m now getting back into my passion for music, performing at open mic and jam nights, with the occasional gig.
Love isn’t always straightforward. Over the years you drift apart but it’s hard to accept and move on. If it’s meant to be, it will work itself out
Why I’d like to win? I’d love to get more of my music and performances out there!
NC3
The Anniversary
NC3 – comprises old friends Tony Henry and Dave Kickham, recently joined by Nigelinblack on the bass. We play a mix of original songs written by Tony and/or Dave along with a number of Velvet Underground covers. Just started on our performing journey, having played at the Community Network, Music Workshop and FolkLore recently.
The Anniversary – is the first joint composition of Dave (lyrics) and Tony (melody & chords). It is a melancholic song about loss. The lyrics written in a detached way; a 3rd party documenting a very personal ritual observed by mourners when reflecting on the anniversary of a tragedy. Mourners unable, or unwilling, to move on.
We want to win – 44 years ago Tony & Dave were in a band called The Naked Crazies (they were neither naked nor crazy) and on the eve of their first ever gig, they split up. Despite work & family life in the intervening years they remained in touch and have now resurrected as NC2 (now 3). Having one of their songs professionally recorded will be a great culmination of their story.
Nemo
Bright Eyes
Nemo’s first love is music. They came to music late when they decided to give it a go and bought a cheap keyboard on ebay in 2018. With no prior musical background, they have learnt to play, compose and perform both solo and in bands.
After moving to Folkestone on the south coast in 2022, Nemo wanted to share their belief that music is for everyone no matter their age, experience or barriers that they may have. Nemo set up Folkestone First Timers to encourage others to take the same path. This social enterprise has successfully encouraged many in Folkestone to take that step. Since launching it has launched many new bands and performers have appeared in venues across the local area. It has created a sense of community between musicians, venues and those wanting to learn building lasting friendships along the way.
Nemo is now taking the next step with their music and will shortly be taking a music industry course on vocal and music production.
This song is about the healing nature of nature and mountains in particular. Betweenus, my partner and I have shared many adventures in the mountains. The sheer majesty and rawness of nature at altitude is something that just restores your health both physically and spiritually. I wrote this song in Switzerland after a long hike when my partner turned around and their eyes shone with health and vitality.
I feel this song has more to give and I would love to be able to work with the fantastic team at Harmony House studios to make it something really special.
Steve Chamberlain
Demons
Hi, my name is Steven, I’m 36 and I’m from Maidstone, Kent. I’ve always had a hand in music, often heavier in my younger years but nowadays, I’ve found more joy in my acoustic guitar and singing, which I only began in September of this year after popping along to Open Mics for 9 months and building up the courage to do so. Now I’ve started, I can’t stop!
“Demons” was written during a small low period, when I tried to manifest how these feelings would be physically, I imagined horror films and their lead characters, and how they’re often not the monsters they’re made out to be. The chorus came along as I felt a bit higher and more hopeful and the song ends with a cautious mood that it could all come back.
Since only starting to sing publicly in September, I’ve started to write as I did back in my teens. With more lived experience, the songs mean a lot to me and I’d like to record them for posterity, something to show the grand-kids.
Tash Henson
The Holder and the Held
Hello, I’m Tash and I live in Folkestone 👋 I have always loved music, having played mainly classical guitar and piano as a child, but have recently ventured into singing and songwriting and exploring a more acoustic style. I am inspired by singers such as Joni Mitchell, Gillian Welch and bands like boygenius.
I would love to win this competition as my dream is to embed myself more in the incredible music community in Folkestone, perhaps playing some of my owns songs at local venues one day.
This song is called ‘The Holder and The Held’ and is about learning to harness our past experiences, whether good or bad, to shape who we are, and how important self-compassion is to this process. I hope you enjoy it!
The Supermicks
Time On Me
We are a 5-piece rock band from Kent. Playing upbeat bluesy rock with influences from bands like Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon to Chris Stapleton and the Beatles. We write original music and have released two singles, ‘HomeTown’ and ‘We Don’t Need Work’ as well as a 4 track EP ‘Found Me’. Our sound delivers heavy guitar riffs, thumping bass lines and energetic drum beats, with bluesy melodies and catchy song lyrics. We have been compared to the post-grunge 90s band Puddle of Mudd as well as Tom Petty and Bad Company.
Having just toured the UK with Collateral we are at a really exciting stage of our musical journey. We have new material underway and hopefully an album in the pipeline
Time On Me is an uplifting rock anthem with a punchy, energetic vibe. Wayne delivers raw and raspy rock vocals that exude energy and passion. The guitars add layers of grit and melody, building heavy riffs and catchy power chords that give the song its signature rock edge. Featuring driving bass, powerful drums and a rhythm section that sets an intense foundation.
The overall feel combining anthemic choruses and high-energy rock with a mix of melodic hooks and full-throttle performance.
We would love to win because this opportunity would be a significant step in furthering our musical journey. Having the chance to professionally record up to 6 tracks with expert guidance from the studio’s team would be an invaluable experience.
This session would provide us with the resources and support to bring our musical vision to life. The professional recording, mixing, and mastering services would allow us to refine our sound and ensure our tracks are of the highest quality, ready to share with the world.
Winning this competition would not only help us take our music to the next level but also inspire us to continue creating and sharing our art. We are excited about the possibility of working with Harmony House Studios, and believe this experience will shape our growth as an artist in ways that go beyond just the technical aspects of recording.
Tom Gardner
Every Cloud
The way I see it, Patrick stays home and writes the songs while Tom goes out and sings them. If ever there’s a slip up, think of it as Patrick saying “Hi”.
I don’t have much time for “Bio”s. The present is what’s important. I was once an aspiring composer. I entered competitions. I wrote symphonies. Does that help explain what I do now? I was once a primary teacher – a square peg crushed into the machinery of education. I marked books. I wrote nativity plays. Has that made me into who I am today? And what will my “Bio” read in 5 or 10 years’ time anyway? It just doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is standing in the eye of the storm, right now……
Why
……And sharing that moment with others. Knowing they laugh and cry with me, share my angers and my prayer for peace.
Sometimes I am asked “Where can I find your stuff? What are you on?” I say it’s nowhere, and it’s not on anything. All we have together is the here and now. And I too am nowhere other than the present.
Yet, it would be fair to offer these fellow-travellers some record of what they heard, if only one could capture that shared moment. (Although I would rather have one living, flawed note than a glossy photo of correct, dead ones.) So one day I will record and offer my “stuff”. Maybe this will be a forward step.
The Song is called “Every Cloud”. It was going to be a list song: all the cliches (every cloud has a silver lining), with my sarcastic commentary. But when I was working on it my heart was drawn into the naive positivity of the sayings (every rainbow has a pot of gold). So it became a simple song of blessing which every singer needs and every audience too. The guitar is tuned in D but the song is in G and the flute (along with my newly acquired FX pedals) adds further richness.