Howard Timberlake
Reading, England, United Kingdom | SELF
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Whitchurch Hill composer Howard Timberlake was thrilled at the success of his songs in the UK Songwriting Contest
When Reading singer-songwriter Howard Timberlake entered three of his songs into a respected international songwriting competition, he wasn’t sure they would go that far.
But now, the results are out and not one but two of his songs have achieved coveted semi-final positions.
The UK Songwriting Contest, associated with BBC Radio and the BRIT Trust (of BRIT Awards fame), is respected worldwide and has attracted more than 6,000 entries this year. Its panel of judges are drawn from an impressive array of music industry institutions.
Two of Howard’s songs, Eye Ballet and Red Lace and Wine both achieved semi-final positions while the third, Road to Casablanca, was commended, just falling short of a semi-final spot.
Howard, 29, who currently lives in Whitchurch Hill, has taught himself to play a number of instruments including the guitar, flute and drums.
His music is played by ear due to a form of dyslexia, which greatly limits his music-reading skills.
He is also a co-founder of Goring-on-Thames’ highly popular Unplugged acoustic nights which have seen the likes of Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span) grace its stage.
Semi-finalists of the UK Songwriting Contest often share the same industry exposure as finalists and the fantastic chance to forge future career paths.
This is an important confidence boost for Howard who has big ideas for the future.
He said: “This is hopefully a brilliant stepping stone on to greater things. All budding songwriters like me need to just keep plugging away and something good will come of it.
"It’s fame I’m after – not for me but for my songs! This is the difference between sitting at home wondering if they are good enough and knowing they are.”
Howard currently appears as the lead role in the ex-Broadway musical The Pajama Game at the Hexagon in Reading, until this Saturday. For tickets, call (0118) 960 6060. - Reading Post/Get Bracknell (Linda Serck)
Discography
In Between Waves - released December 2011.
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Bio
I began writing songs in 2003 while teaching myself how to play the guitar. Since then my musical exploits have been numerous along with becoming a busy songwriter. During this early period I spent time co-founding the hugely successful and eclectic ‘Goring Unplugged’ live music nights in Goring-on-Thames.
My musical influences originate from rock, folk and progressive artists from the 60s and 70s (I blame my parents record collection). During 2009 and 2010 two pairs of my songs finished in semi-final positions in the UK Songwriting Contest (sponsored by BBC Radio and the BRIT Trust). This resulted in wide local media coverage.
Until 2010 I was the lead singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist with popular Oxford rock band Whisky Blitz. Since then I have been knuckling down to write more solo material.
In December 2011, I released a new album called 'In Between Waves' - soon to be backed by plenty of gigs in 2012 with a superb new backing band!
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