A photograph of Bill Ryder-Jones featured in a Birkenhead exhibition last year has inspired a song that has gone on to be shortlisted in a major songwriting competition.
Bootle-based photographer Michelle Marshall took the black and white snap of Wirral’s Bill Ryder-Jones at Birkenhead venue Future Yard last summer at his Yawn Again all-dayer. The image was later on display at Hamilton Vault’s ‘Through The Lens’ event during September, where Mike Ryan saw it and was inspired to write the song ‘The Lemon Trees By The Sea’, which has won a place in the final of Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2024.
Mike said:
‘I was lucky enough to be at this festival to watch Bill’s set. I was struck by how relaxed and happy he was on stage. He was really in the moment.
I have been a fan of Bill’s work for a long time and know about his mental health struggles. There have been many times when performing has been very challenging for him, so it was wonderful to see him looking so well and enjoying himself. This photo of him smiling captures this feeling perfectly. The Lemon Trees By The Sea is almost like a thank you to Bill for his incredible art and how much it has inspired my own work. I wouldn’t be the songwriter I am without him’
For the competition, songwriters were invited to submit brand new songs inspired by works of art on display across Liverpool City Region.
Michelle Marshall’s work is regularly published and featured in numerous articles and interviews with artists such as former Everton footballer Ronny Goodlass, Peter Doherty from The Libertines, Hamish Hawk, Ronan Keating and former Beatles drummer Pete Best.
She regularly photographs for venues and organisations across Merseyside including Africa Oye, Mellowtone Records, the Jockey Club and The British Music Experience Museum.
Michelle says:
‘A photograph tells a story, but music gives it a voice. That one art form can create art in a different genre is magical. As a music photographer, I’m honoured that my image of Bill gave Mike Ryan an idea to write a new song. Good luck Mike! To have that song now in the final of the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge is really special and I can’t wait to hear it on Saturday.’
The Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2024 Showcase Final takes place at LEAF on Bold Street on Saturday 8 February 2025. At the end of the evening, the Judges’ Award Winner will be announced, and the Audience Favourite will be revealed.
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