Jarrow teenager to record with The Libertine’s Gary Powell after national music competition win
A Year 9 pupil at Boldon School has secured first place in a national music competition.
Boldon School is celebrating after one of its Year 9 pupils won a top national music competition in London.
Ben Richardson, from Jarrow, was selected as one of 12 finalists to take part in the competition, which was organised by Restore the Music.
Earlier this year, the 14-year-old travelled to the capital’s Denmark Street, which is famous for its legendary guitar shops and deep roots in British music, where he performed for a judging panel - and won.
The judges told Ben that they were “blown away” by his lyrics, voice, and maturity - with the Jarrow teenager being the only solo artist in the competition.
Speaking ahead of the competition, he said: “It is massive and it means a lot to be involved in such a big competition.
“The school has been really good with providing me with equipment so I can do gigs, as well as helping me to rehearse or take part in school concerts.
“They’re the only reason that I’m taking part in this competition so it means a lot.”
As a result of Ben winning the ‘Young Composer's Award’, Boldon School will receive a £1,000 Amazon voucher to purchase instruments for the school.
Ben will also spend a day at Gary Powell’s, of The Libertines, Newcastle-based partnership studio where will be have his single recorded and produced by Gary.
You can find out more about Restore the Music at: https://restorethemusicuk.com/.