Emma Quinn triumphs in songwriting competition

Songwriting student Emma Quinn (AKA Lockwood) finished off 2018 on a high after being crowned the winner of BIMM institute Dublin and Hot Press Magazine’s songwriting competition in late December.

Emma’s original song, ‘Instead Of Demons’, was victorious in the contest which ran in association with Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm and Lyons Tea, who had joined forces with the BIMM Institute Dublin to run the special event.

Students taking part in the challenge were asked to compose an original song with the central theme of ‘Now We’re Talking’ – a focus which aimed to address mental health issues.

“I’ve written a few songs around the topic of mental health over the years as it’s something I’m extremely passionate about and believe more attention should be drawn to.” Said Emma, who is currently studying a BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music at BIMM Dublin.

“At the time of the competition a close friend was having a hard time, so I tried to write as if I were speaking to him and felt it helped to make the song more relatable.”

Previously, Emma’s songwriting and vocal style has gravitated towards dark, dramatic folk pop, but the young artist decided to step into new creative territory for the competition, as she explains.

“I had actually never written a rap before! I usually write pop music, but a friend of mine had me listening to a lot of rap at the time. I felt that since I had so much I wanted to say, that rap would be a good way to get my point across.”

We’re incredibly pleased that Emma’s work for the competition has been recognised and appreciated by one of Dublin’s longest-standing music press outlets and wish her the best of luck with her debut single, which will soon be recorded and released under her Lockwood monicker.

In the meantime, you can stay updated with her music via her social media channels.

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