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‘Our Brian’ wins prestigious songwriting award

Posted on December 9, 2011

By VINNIE RODI

FORMER Merbein resident and life-long musician, Brian Chapman, has achieved his greatest honour in the industry to date, named the 2011 Australian Songwriter of the Year at the recent National Songwriting Awards.

Held in Sydney, Brian – who now resides in Melbourne playing alongside his band ‘Black Tea House’ – took out the Open Genre Category thanks to his original song ‘Across The Line.’

An event that offers more than $30,000 in total prizes, Brian’s win saw him net $3000, with the talented musician saying he was both thrilled and surprised to receive the prestigious award.

“To be perfectly honest I was shocked to win,” he said. “It’s great recognition for not only myself, but for the band.

“When my name was called out it was the best feeling, and something I’ll treasure for a long time.”

Considered a highly-respected and prestigious contest, the National Songwriting Competition is one of the longest-running songwriting competitions in Australia.

Open to both professional and amateur songwriters who are members of the Australian Songwriter Association, the Australian National Songwriting Contest consists of 13 categories, with all entries judged by music industry experts, and originality and craftsmanship high on the criteria list.

All songs must be unpublished at the time of entry, with entries anonymous to ensure fairness. Songs are ranked from highest to lowest, with those rankings then added together for a final mark.

The top 25 songs in each category are then selected, before a third group of judges determines a top 10.

Winners in each category are then invited to perform at the awards night, with Brian getting the opportunity to perform ‘Across The Line’ to a packed house which included a number of industry professionals.

“That was a real highlight for me,” he said. “Having the opportunity to perform one of my songs on stage in front of all of those high-profile industry professionals was great.

“It’s fantastic exposure for the band, and hopefully it’s a win that we can use to help take ourselves to the next level.”

More than 3000 songs from across Australia were entered in the competition, and while taking out the Open Genre Category was the highlight of the night for Brian, several of his songs also placed well across numerous categories.

This includes coming fifth and sixth in the Open Category section for his songs ‘You Know I’m Right’ and ‘I’m Yours Again,’ and claiming second and sixth place in the Pop/Contemporary Category for ‘Across The Line’ and ‘Rosy Glasses.’

“Those four songs were my only entries,” Brian said. “And for all of them to be recognised is just fantastic.

“It’s certainly an encouraging result.”

Discovering his passion for music at the age of 15, Brian spent his first few years playing at various pubs, clubs and events around Sunraysia.

“Performing, playing music and getting on stage in general has always been an interest of mine,” he said. “I remember writing my first song at the age of 15, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

Brian said while he was still reeling from the win, focus would now turn back to the future of his original band ‘Black Tea House.’

“I’m been living in Melbourne for the past seven years trying to take my music to the next level,” he said.

“This particular band (Black Tea House) has been together for close to two years, and it’s been a roller-coaster ride.

“We’re actually set to go into the studio next January alongside producer, Stuart Stuart, with our hope to record something we can send out to record labels, and hopefully become a signed act.

“We’re also planning on returning to Mildura at some stage to perform, while also getting out and travelling around to other areas.”

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