Recompose - Alev Lenz - ‘3' - Winner Announce:
Firstly we would like to say a big thank you to all of the composers who took part in the first ever Recompose competition. It’s been such a joy to listen to Alev’s songs in so many new contexts that span so many genres.
Amongst over one hundred incredible submissions the following three pieces stood out for their sophisticated, distinct and confident reimagining of the original song.
Each piece is a coherent world within which the composers' creative thought was fully realised and composed from start to finish.
Each composer has clearly stated their style and a point of view. The song was understood and the composers found an authentic answer to it.
WINNER: Nyokabi Kariuki - Song: Fishermen
Nyokabi’s work is unforgettable. It is cold and wet. It represents water. Maybe the threat of the fishermen or the knowledge of the ocean creatures? It is not safe, it is a unique voice and sets the stage for a new interpretation of the music; a new medium it could live in, through Nyokabi, a new room she has opened and welcomes us all into. Dive in at the deep end, learn to swim again.
RUNNER-UP: Amy Langley - Song: Cigarettes & Blow
Amy’s cello goes straight to the heart, it throws you into the depths of her sensuality. It is so hard to essentially re-play a song and still make it your own. Where she adds notes, harmonises, adds piano and where she doesn't, where it swells and where it goes silent is desperately delicate - supported by her incredible playing and profound respect towards the original song.
RUNNER-UP: Jordan Summers - Song: It’s Been a While
Effortlessly Jordan weaves in new instrumental elements into his recomposition, he imagines and builds worlds within a song that was originally just a vocal melody. The sonic world he has created makes you want to listen to the track over and over again. It is enchanting and enveloping.