Teenager up for Song of the Year at The John Lennon Songwriter Contest

17 year old Brodie Brown from Stirling goes head-to-head for ‘Song of the Year’ at The John Lennon Songwriter Awards despite life-long physical and mental health battles.

Article Source: Alex Karol
Last Updated: 6 April 2024 15:07

ABOUT BRODIE BROWN:

Brodie Brown’s debut single ‘Monsters’ won the prestigious Grand Prize for ‘Best Rock Song’ in the John Lennon Songwriting Awards in 2023 and is now in the running for ‘Song of the Year’, despite fighting for his life during a psychotic break only one year ago.

The 17 year old from Stirling, Scotland was born with a rare condition called Lymphangioma/Cystic Hygroma, which saw him need over 70 operations on his throat from the moment he was born, throughout his childhood and into his teens.

Spending much of his childhood at Great Ormond Street Hospital, literally fighting to breathe, his family moved down to Kent to be closer and Brodie was unable to attend school. This took an understandable toll on Brodie’s mental health causing a traumatic mental breakdown at the age of just 14 and resulted in being sectioned in a mental hospital.

As Brodie spent his 15th birthday within the facility struggling to cope, famed Glaswegian indie band, The Fratellis (Brodie’s childhood musician heroes), heard about his plight and sent him a bass guitar - now he had a reason to keep fighting.

Brodie had never played an instrument before, but a passion for music soon came as he unveiled it to be a way to express himself - a previously impossible task with just words before.

Brodie’s musical sound twists from Nigerian gospel to punk rock having commissioned gospel and jazz musicians through social media. Brodie’s songs are a rally-cry against the failing kids mental health system and his personal struggles with audible, visual and tactile psychosis.

On being considered for ‘Song of the Year’ at The John Lennon Songwriting Awards, Brodie says -

“I can’t believe it. I just wanted people to know they’re not alone as most of my friends didn’t make it. I’m just lucky to have found my reason.”

Now - despite Brodie’s daily challenges he has been offered a place at WaterBear College of Music to do a degree in songwriting – without having any traditional school qualifications at all.

Founder of the WaterBear College of Music, Bruce Dickenson, says -
“When we heard his music, we knew we had to help, even though he didn’t meet the entry requirements. WaterBear exists to find and nurture raw talent so we worked with our partners at Falmouth University to formally recognise Brodie’s real-world musical achievements, and I am so pleased that we could offer a place on the degree due to the sheer quality of his musical output. This was so important to me, as I too left formal education with very few qualifications having spent my youth in van touring, and I was later able to get myself onto a degree course in the same way as Brodie. Music can change our lives and I see that everyday. Well done Brodie. Where you tread others will follow.”

Since writing ‘Monsters’, Brodie has written and recorded over a dozen more songs and released his debut EP, ‘Just Another Day in Paradise’, available to listen on Spotify - Brodie Brown | Spotify. ‘It’s Never Enough’ also won the ‘Best Break-Up Song’ category at The John Lennon Songwriting Competition.

ABOUT THE JOHN LENNON SONGWRITING CONTEST:
The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is an international songwriting contest that began in 1997 to give songwriters an opportunity to express themselves, and get their music heard. The JLSC is made possible by Yoko Ono Lennon with judges including Flea from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Proceeds from the contest help support the non-profit John Lennon Educational Tour Bus mobile recording studio which is dedicated to providing young people with opportunities to create original music and digital media.

Voting for The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is open now until 30 May 2024. Please vote here: jlsc.com/vote

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project

To mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.

Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters

Pollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches

Stirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).

Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling

People will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts

Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling

Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.

Find out how foster caring in Stirling could work for you at drop in event

A drop-in event to attract new foster carers is being hosted by Stirling Council at the Raploch Campus on Friday, May 16th.

Delight as Wallace High Senior Girls retain Scottish Cup in style

Wallace High Senior Girls are the pride of Stirling after retaining the Scottish Cup in stunning style on Friday night in front of hundreds of delighted fans.

Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK

IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.

Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

Wallace High Girls bid again for Scottish Cup glory

People across Stirling are being urged to cheer on Wallace High Senior Girls on Friday night (9 May) as they bid to retain the Scottish Cup.

David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.

The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors

2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Teenager up for Song of the Year at The John Lennon Songwriter Contest

17 year old Brodie Brown from Stirling goes head-to-head for ‘Song of the Year’ at The John Lennon Songwriter Awards despite life-long physical and mental health battles.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings