Congratulations to MOBO-nominated songwriter and pianist JEMIO – the winner of the Lynsey de Paul Prize 2017. The award was established in 2015 to honour the multi-award winning songwriter and artist Lynsey de Paul, in recognition of her passion for helping young women in to the music industry.

JEMIO receives a £2,500 development bursary, while seven runners-up each receive £750.

In addition to this, both the winner and runners-up all receive £500 worth of mentoring support from a music industry experts, to guide them through the next steps of their career.

The runners-up are Lia White, Emma-Jean Thackray, Zoe Wren, Kitty MacFarlane, RAHH, Amy Fitz Doyley and Sera Owen.

The Lynsey de Paul Prize is an opportunity for emerging female singer-songwriters, set up in collaboration with the PRS Foundation, in memory of our beloved board member and much missed friend, Lynsey de Paul, who sadly passed away in 2014.

Lynsey was an award-winning songwriter, producer and presenter who helped pave the way for other women writers in music. Lynsey was the first female songwriter to win an Ivor Novello Award, composed 12 top twenty hit records, and achieved success in a business dominated by male songwriters. As a writer and musician, PRS director, and trustee here at the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund, Lynsey was well placed to address the challenges women face within the music industry.

JEMIO said:

‘I’m so grateful and honoured to have received the Lynsey De Paul prize. The PRS funding has come through just as I’m working towards the creation of my debut EP and has opened opportunities to work with some talented musicians and producers. I know that the final body of work will be one that I will be proud of and I’m excited to share it with the world.’

So far the initiative has supported seven artists to take the next step in their careers, including first and second year winners, Emma McGrath and Elsa Hewitt respectively.