The Other Songs Live event brought the biggest ever live performance-based celebration of songwriters to the London Palladium, featuring incredible performances from the world’s top songwriters and raising £65,000 for two music charities.
Presented in partnership with The Ivors Academy and hosted by Al Webber of Other Songs, proceeds from the sold-out event will go to The BRIT School and The Ivors Academy Trust. Both charities will use the funds to nurture more talented young songwriters and artists, regardless of background.
The star-studded lineup of performers showcased an impressive array of talent. With a combined total of 5 Academy Awards, 10 Grammy Awards, and 28 Ivor Novello wins, the evening was a true celebration of musical excellence.
Renowned songwriters Andrew Lloyd Webber, Guy Garvey, All Saints’ Shaznay Lewis, Eurythmic’s Dave Stewart, London Grammar’s Dot Major, Richard Kerr, Jimmy Napes, Fraser T Smith, Pam Sheyne, Ruth Anne Cunningham and Slumdog Millionaire composer AR Rahman, all graced the stage, captivating the audience with their remarkable performances.
Highlights included Dave Stewart, co-writer of Eurythmic’s iconic ‘Sweet Dreams’, reconstructing the timeless hit, and Rick Nowels delivering mind-blowing performances including ‘White Flag’ and ‘Summertime Sadness’. A.R. Rahman, the acclaimed composer of Slumdog Millionaire, flew in from Mumbai to grace the stage with a mesmerizing showcase of his biggest hits.
The event also shined a spotlight on emerging talent, with standout performances by Seren, Rachel Chinouriri, and Nia Smith.
Adding a touch of industry knowledge to the event, Al Webber conducted an insightful interview with Jody Gerson, CEO of UMPG, providing her invaluable perspective on music publishing and its importance for achieving success as a songwriter, saying: “This is incredible, like nothing I’ve experienced before. This is why I do this. This is why I have this career.”
The Other Songs Live was sponsored by The BPI, WME, Tysers Insurance and Risk Management Solutions, Warner Chappell Music, ATM, MPA, UMPG and ASCAP.
Following the success of this first edition, Al Webber, Co-Founder of The Other Songs, announced the event’s return, saying: “It was a surprisingly successful year one – songwriters sold out The London Palladium, raised £65,000 for music charities and members of the public became obsessed with music publishing! Therefore, I am delighted to announce that we’ll be doing it all over again next year during Ivors Week 2024!”
Cliff Fluet, Chair of The Ivors Academy Trust said: “We are very grateful to The Other Songs, LW Theatres, our sponsors and donors, everyone who bought a ticket and to every amazing songwriter and artist who performed on the night. Your support means that we can create more lifechanging opportunities for songwriters and composers through education and creative development. Celebrating renowned and emerging songwriters and their music is the most fitting way to raise funds to support music creators facing barriers, and I can’t wait to do it again next year.”
Stuart Worden, Principal of The BRIT School said: “This epic event was a beautiful celebration of songwriting and songwriters, with BRIT School students and alumni at the early stages of their creative careers sharing the stage with some of the greatest songwriters of a generation. For The BRIT School to be one of the charity beneficiaries of the show alongside the inspiring Ivors Academy Trust was a huge moment, shining a light on our commitment to nurturing young songwriters and artists, regardless of their backgrounds. #BRITTransforms”
Acclaimed songwriter and producer Fraser T Smith added: “For years I’ve been following everything with The Other Songs and love the fact that you’re shining a spotlight on these incredible songwriters.”
The Other Songs Live was not just a celebration of music, but a platform that fostered appreciation and respect for the writers who create the songs we love. Attendees had the unique opportunity to witness the original creators performing their beloved songs, gaining a deeper understanding of the creative process behind the music they love, all while raising thousands of pounds to foster the next generation of talent.
