“You have to be honest and true about what you’re writing,” says BRIT Award winner Emeli Sandé (pictured), “and then that way it resonates with people.”
The Scottish singer-songwriter’s heartfelt songs have certainly resonated with lots of people over the past 12 months. At this week’s 2013 BRIT Awards ceremony in London, she won the coveted Best Album prize for Our Version of Events.
The 25-year-old, who received a major boost by appearing at the 2012 Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, also picked up the Best British Female award. She had gone into the event with four nominations in total, including two in the Best Single category.
“I think I’m a very unlikely pop star,” an emotional Sandé said in a humble acceptance speech after receiving the Best Album prize. “This is an album I wrote because I didn’t have the confidence to say these things in person.
“For me, that so many people have connected with this album and found strength in these words makes me feel incredible and it doesn’t make me feel as lonely.”
She capped her success at the BRIT Awards by closing the ceremony with a medley of her singles ‘Clown’ and ‘Next to Me’.
Backstage, she added that she felt her decision to leave medical school to pursue music had finally “paid off”.
“I was an underdog,” she said, “Nobody wanted to sign me.
“When people don’t believe in you, you want to prove them wrong. I want to encourage any underdog to achieve their dreams.”
Emeli Sandé’s success should certainly be an inspiration to all struggling singer-songwriters who are determined to make it. In a pointed remark, she once said: “My song ‘Clown’ was written when I couldn’t find anyone who believed in me as an artist. Maybe those labels will think twice next time a young songwriter comes along.”
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SONGWRITING: THE HIT FORMULA 
John P
This is so true. Be true to yourself and songwriting efforts. The fake it until you make it mentality will eventually catch up. Integrity in your song and its message will go a long way in becoming an authentic music artist. Thank you for the songwriting inspiration