The Tune into Nature Music Prize is back from hibernation and receiving entries. With a first prize of £500, the prize aims to encourage submissions of original music from young musicians aged 18 to 30 that celebrate the human-nature relationship and showcase the inclusion of sounds of the natural world. Organisers hope the tunes will highlight the need for a new, stronger relationship with nature whilst providing vital support for young creative talent.

You can find out all you need to know about the prize, new partners, opportunities for winners and judges on the new website: https://www.tuneintonaturemusicprize.info/

The winner will have the option of their track being released on NATURE’s profile across major streaming platforms as part of the Sounds Right initiative, benefiting from significant promotion and marketing, and featured on a special playlist to raise funds for nature restoration and protection. Winners may also get the chance of air play on BBC Radio.

Judges for the prize include musicians and artists including Cosmo Sheldrake, Madame Gandhi, Andrew Fearn (Sleaford Mods), Jason Singh, Jinny Lyon, Melissa Harrison and Sam Lee, and BBC presenters Sian Eleri and Elizabeth Alker.

Nature connection dips during teenage years and takes more than a decade to recover. Research also shows that references to nature in contemporary music have decreased consistently since the 1950s. This research provides a basis for the prize. Plus, a close connection with nature is good for personal wellbeing and motivates greater care for the natural world.

From Louis Armstrong to Louis VI, a Tune into Nature play list on Spotify provides inspiration, with lyrics and sounds that celebrate the natural world. The playlist also include previous winners Ceitidh Mac, Girl Next Door  and Caslean.

Finally, the Tune Into Nature Music Prize  is a collaboration, we’re on the look out for organisations who can help amplify the message. If you can help, get in touch.