Songwriter, 24, to perform with Jack Savoretti after scooping £1,000 and chance to record at Branson’s home studio following Songs of War contest win

Megan impressed a star-studded panel of judges after penning Dear God, which they said had "heartbreaking, thought-provoking lyrics".

Jack Savoretti will be on stage with the Songs of War competition winner Megan Sola-Guinto was up against more than 500 songwriters who applied for the inaugural Songs of War contest.

It was launched by music agency Soundcheque to inspire musicians to shine a spotlight on supporting children whose lives have been torn apart by war.

Megan said: "I felt — and still feel — strongly about what I wrote. Songs of War fell into my lap, and I had to take the chance of applying.

"When I found out I won, I was beyond thrilled. I can’t really put into words how honoured and excited I am to be able to hopefully positively impact people’s lives through my music by supporting War Child."

She will now perform alongside singers Jack, Lucy, Samuel Jack and James Walsh (Starsailor) at London’s Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday, November 29 in support of War Child UK.

Megan will also receive a £1,000 prize and recording time at Richard Branson’s family home studio after scooping first place.

As well as this, Megan will get a one-year free membership to SYNCR for paid opportunities in Media/Film /TV and one-to-one mental wellbeing coaching sessions courtesy of Music for Mental
Wealth, making this the first competition of its kind to consider and support the mental wellbeing of musicians.

It's after she touched the hearts of music industry heavyweights including Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Joss Stone, Mike Rutherford (Genesis), Jeremy Vine, Eddy Temple-Morris, Sunta Templeton (Radio X), Nicky Bignell (Head of Music BBC) and Crispin Hunt (BASCA Chairman) with her special song.

Talking about Songs of War, singer Joss Stone said: "If music can bring some awareness to something as important as War Child's work, then sing your bloody hearts out people.

"If your song can help current situations, even if it's just the tiniest bit, then pick up your guitar and play."

“The quality of songs was high across the board," said Chair of the Songwriter Committee Board Director Helienne Lindvall.

"But ‘Dear God’ by Grey Areas was outstanding – with heartbreaking, thought-provoking lyrics performed with such emotion and conviction that it stops you in your tracks.”


Dear God will be introduced by war photographer and author of Under the Wire, Paul Conroy who wrote the war-themed song ‘Take Good Care’ for Joss Stone and Dave Stewart. He provided his war photography for the competition.

Paul said: “I use music as a way to relax and let the creative juices flow when I’m not in the field.

"For me there have always been two aspects to music:- making it, and then, getting it heard.

"This competition offers anybody with music in their soul an amazing opportunity to get their music heard by an incredible panel of judges with an equal passion for music.”

The winner of Songs of War competition joins the list of musicians such as Coldplay, Sam Smith and Florence + The Machine as a War Child artist performing and raising money for War Child UK's crucial work.

Lucy Spraggan said: "I’m really happy to have been asked to play in support of War Child this week, supporting their great work in areas of conflict across the world.

"It’s a fabulous charity and I’m glad to be able to play a small part in their fundraising. I hope to see lots of people there supporting us.”

Songs of War has been organised by Soundcheque Founder Laura Westcott and sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe London in partnership with BASCA, SYNCR Music and Virgin Radio.

  • For more information on the competition, click here and to buy tickets to Thursday's event visit EventBrite.

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