The winners of the 2025 Tune into Nature Music Prize, a national music competition celebrating nature and inspiring hope, have been announced. Founded by Prof. Miles Richardson from the University of Derby, this unique competition aims to promote a stronger relationship with nature among young musicians aged 18-30. The competition welcomed entries from unsigned musicians and singer-songwriters whose original work showcases a genuine collaboration with nature, incorporating sounds from the natural world.
Among the entries, two participants stood out to the judges, who decided to award them jointly. The first winning track, titled Dawn, was created by Josephine Illingworth who collected sounds during her time alone in mountain huts across the Dolomites. The lyrics of the song were inspired by entries left in the guestbooks of these huts. The second winning track, Nightingale, by Wildforms (Dan Cippico) transformed the enchanting song of a nightingale into a drum and bass track.
In addition to the winners, nine other artists were shortlisted in various genres including hip-hop, rock, pop, jazz, folk, and classical. The BBC supported the judging process with expertise from its music teams and presenters, showcasing the final tracks on various BBC Radio networks. This creative initiative addresses the decline of nature connection among teenagers and the decreasing references to nature in contemporary music since the 1950s.
Prof. Richardson emphasized the importance of a close relationship with nature for mental wellbeing, highlighting the role of young people in caring for the environment. He stressed the significance of fostering hope and forming a new bond with nature as part of the solution to climate and biodiversity crises. The Tune into Nature Music Prize exemplifies this approach by offering music that celebrates and inspires hope through our connection with the natural world
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