Patrick Stacey, a graduate from the University’s School of Management, has reached the semi-finals in two categories of the prestigious UK Song Writing Contest (UKSC) 2009.
Patrick, along with his collaborator, Atman, an award-winning flautist from Singapore who has worked with many popular Asian artists, beat competition from more than 6,200 contest entries to reach the semi-final stage for the second year running.
The duo entered the competition with their track Free and an instrumental track called Sioux. Free also featured Julian Sims, a computing services supporter at the University, as lead guitarist.
The due call themselves Diphthong Sound Club evoking life in the clubs of Singapore where the two met and established their ethnic lounge collaboration.
Patrick said: “I’m thrilled to get as far as I did last year, but next year we really want to make the finals. Could it be third time lucky?”
Patrick, who studied Computer Game Design Management, hopes to build on his success with Atman when they enter the US based International Song Writing Competition later this year.
New material for Diphthong Sound Club album is planned to be released on itunes before Christmas.
The UKSC is now in its seventh year. It was formed in 2002 with The BRIT Trust (of BRIT AWARDS fame) to encourage and promote the art of song writing. The contest is supported by some of the most highly respected names in music including: BBC Radio; Music Aid; the BRIT School; The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers; The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters and many other leading music industry professionals, organisations and companies.