Think peace 20 SONGWRITING CONTEST
September 21, 2020
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the movement supporting Black Lives, FYR launched the Think Peace songwriting contest to continue its work helping aspiring artists spread the message of social justice while we remain socially distanced.
FYR received close to two hundred submissions from youth living in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Kenya, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Songs were voted on by an all-star panel made up of legendary musicians, actors, social justice advocates, and other music industry professionals. Five winners each received a cash prize, production support, promotion, and mentor sessions with some of the best in the business.
Our Contest Winners
For the winners, judges, and team alike, the contest became much more than a songwriting competition; it became opportunity to set an example of how people of different backgrounds can come together around a unifying objective.
“I think having more young people in positions of power could contribute to world peace. Young people have a voice which isn’t really being reflected in the policies implemented. We want to shape our future, but it’s very difficult to do so when we’re not in control of what’s being done now.”
“Often the biggest wars, fights, arguments, rivalries and disagreements are caused by a lack of communication. The more we actually communicate then the more understanding we can give to one another.”
“I think the world is in serious need of justice. The lack of things ‘going right’ over the past few years has left a lot of space for cynicism and anger. When we start seeing meaningful and consistent climate, criminal and social justice, we will finally be able to start healing and find some peace.”
“It is more important than ever that youth have a seat at the global table to help lead - and heal - our world. We are at a breaking point with so many issues now, and I believe our best path forward is with youth leading us towards a more equal and just world. Each song on this album shows that they have what it takes, and we will do whatever we can to support them.”
Each artist and song has something special to share. According to Sarah Scarlata, music director at APM Music and one of the contest judges, “I was moved by the maturity and emotional intelligence of the songs. These songwriters are wise beyond their years and don't let their struggles define them, their struggles have inspired them to rise up and make a difference. That in itself, is truly inspiring to me.”
“I am humbled and honored to have produced a song “Bullets” written by Celeste Butler for Jason Wall and Future Youth Records, Inc. Celeste captures the gravity of our time we live in and paints the way to peace. This is why I chose this great song and it’s message. This proves that our youth have received the baton and are clearly writing future art through music. There hasn’t been this kind of movement since I recorded “We Are The World”! This is our future for World Peace Day and every day after that.”
Nariné Titizian (17) of London, Ontario, Canada saw how people were using conflict to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak and wrote “Game Is Over” to express how competitive we have become even at our own destruction: “I wrote this song at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing the way people treated and interacted with each other when put under stress and pressure like this made me realize how people dealt with the situation with more conflict. This was written from my perspective of how competitive living is in today’s world. Being narrow-minded and self-absorbed isn’t helping anyone move forward. I hope that people who listen to the lyrics in my song can connect and understand my point of view.” The song is an emotional ballad and Nariné delivers a powerful vocal performance. Jason opted to keep production on the song minimal to allow Nariné’s vocal and message to shine. He recruited Morris “Mo” Pleasure to play the piano and orchestrate strings. Mo has worked with some of the greatest singers and entertainers of all time as a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and music director. He was part of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” band, band member and music director for Earth, Wind & Fire, and more recently as Bette Midler’s music director on her Divine Intervention tour.
Special thanks to our amazing judging panel!
