‘BERSERK’ LANDS TOP SONGWRITING PRIZE

Gemma Bradley has lifted the top prize at last weekend’s prestigious Christie Hennessey song writing competition in Kerry.

‘Berserk’, the debut song by the 22-year-old contemporary R&B student of modern music at the BIMM Institute in Dublin was awarded the top prize of €1000 at the IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation) sponsored event which has given the young songwriter a huge boost.

Speaking today Gemma said: “I am so thrilled to be named the winner of this year’s Christie Hennessy competition. I still can’t believe it. Thanks so much to all of the judges for selecting me. It’s been such a surreal experience.”

Christie Hennessy, a Tralee native, began his music career at a young age when he moved to London, playing in clubs by night and working on building sites during the day. He started writing songs at the age of 23 and went on to release numerous platinum selling albums.

Born in England and raised in the Sperrin Mountains in County Derry, Gemma’s song-writing artistry has developed at break-neck-speed since childhood. After working with folk musicians throughout her youth, Gemma understands how fantastical and engaging stories can unfold in a few verses.

At the age of fifteen, Gemma’s talents caught the eye of promoter Paddy Glasgow who then booked the young singer for her first major festival slot. Gemma has since been featured on the Other Voices programme and was a contender at the Big Music Project in London. She is also part of ‘Scratch My Progress’, a 9 month programme run through the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast which provides mentoring and industry support.

This week Gemma releases the follow up to her award winning debut song ‘Hollow Heartbeat’. The emotional, passionate and beautifully written song is suffused with the signature sounds associated with Gemma’s work.

Gemma will be appearing at the following over the next few weeks:

‪14th November‪ – Oh Yeah (Belfast)

18thNovember – Warke’s (Atlantic Sessions – Portstewart)

27thNovember – Black Box (Belfast)

‪29th November‪ – American Madness (Belfast)

For further information, please contact Rising PR on 028 8676 2946 or promo@risingpr.com.