Last night saw the final of Sky1′s Must Be The Music, won by Emma’s Imagination. For those of you unfamiliar with the show, it gave real music acts the chance to get their music heard by a wider audience, and their songs on iTunes, with all profits going to the performers. Just having the voice wasn’t enough, songwriting ability was also hugely important. There is no doubting that the girl who won is hugely talented; she has written some absolutely beautiful songs and, given the right opportunities, she can have a huge career. My hope is that the same opportunities are also given to Missing Andy, who made the final three.
Missing Andy have a polished sound and style. More importantly though, they know how to write an anthem in a way so few bands do nowadays. Both songs they sung were rousing with huge choruses, but it is The Way We’re Made (Made In England) that I think will strike a chord with so many. With gritty vocals and even grittier lyrics, they produce a sound born and bread in working class Britain, and for so many will provoke memories of childhood. Evocative and unashamed of their upbringing, they are different to anything around at the moment; singing from experience. The Way We’re Made tells of the real England, from games of Knock Down Ginger to 7/7 and so many subjects people don’t want to talk about. What makes it such an anthem though, is how it provides hope and pride, in spite of all of this. It speaks of standing tall, and loving the country you are from, and in a way that will tug on the heartstring of almost everyone who has lived and grown in England. It even recognizes how ‘sad’ it is that the only time the country is united is during football tournaments, and how people are content to sit back and let all that is unjust and unfair happen because it’s easier than fighting. This, therefore, is more than a song, it’s a call to action. The catchy chorus hooks you on to more than the song, it includes you in the message. If they make it, as I really hope they do, I have a feeling that the song performed live, sung by thousands of people will be incredibly overwhelming. It’s also a shame no one found this before the world cup, would have made a fantastic football song!
And for those who are interested in something a bit more easy on the ear, below is the winner of Must Be The Music, Emma’s Imagination with her song ‘This Day’; you will be lost in her world as you listen.
And as a final note, a huge congratulations to Sky1 for making a music talent show that, in my opinion, put X Factor in it’s place. I admit I am still watching X Factor, but it is does not come close to Must Be The Music’s ethics of real musical talent, and having the voice alone simply wasn’t enough. With talented judges and finalists, and giving acts the chance to start making money from their music straight away, Must Be The Music will surely return next year with as much success.
Related Articles
- Emma’s Imagination Wins Must Be The Music (news.sky.com)
- Emma’s Imagination wins Sky show (bbc.co.uk)
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