Listen to the talented Sunderland singer awarded songwriting grant in memory of Lindisfarne founder Alan Hull

Faye Fantarrow has been announced as the 2021 recipient of the Alan Hull Award by The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. The Sunderland songwriter will receive a grant of £1,000 to support her future songwriting activity.

In memory of Alan Hull, the Newcastle-born songwriter and founder member of North East group Lindisfarne, who died in 1995, the grant is awarded annually to an emerging singer/songwriter or composer based in the region who is under 25.

Faye joins an impressive list of previous winners including The Lake Poets’ Martin Longstaff, Jake Houlsby, Cattle and Cane’s Joe Hammill, Callum Pitt, Kay Greyson and Ditte Elly.

Faye said: “Winning the Alan Hull Award means the absolute world, especially following the harrowing year that was 2020. It’s given me that little nudge I feel I needed, to know that the music I’m creating does hold weight and relevance to others who listen to it. It has also helped me find respect and a deeper love for my music and the whole writing process.”

The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland oversees the award.

Jo Cundall, Senior Advisor, Culture at the Community Foundation, said: “I am always impressed and awed by the talent of the young people in this region, but in a year like no other, I am absolutely blown away by the tenacity and generosity of spirit so many of them have shown. "Whilst they have been locked down and had their education interrupted so many of them have found the pursuit of artistic ambitions to be their lifeline and have sought out new ways to inspire and connect using their shared passions. Faye is such an example of this, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

The awarding panel includes Lindisfarne’s Ray Laidlaw who established the Alan Hull Award at the Community Foundation to support young songwriters in the region.

Ray said: “As ever choosing the winner of the Alan Hull Award was not easy and this year were three outstanding contenders. After much discussion we chose Faye.

"Faye has something special, there is a lightness of touch in the fusion of her melodies and lyrics that really appeals. I think she has a bright future and is a very worthy recipient of the Alan Hull Award.”

Faye is part of the We Make Culture Young Musicians Project, a collective of young people run by Sunderland Culture. The project encourages those aged 12 – 21 to have a go at music, meet like-minded young people and get songwriting support.

Laura Brewis, Producer, Artist Development and Creative Industries at Sunderland Culture, said: “We are thrilled that Faye is the Alan Hull Award winner for 2021. We have been lucky to support Faye through our Young Musicians Project over the last few years, and it is such a proud moment to see her flourishing as an independent artist. We can't wait to see what happens next.”

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