Song Writing Contest Winners 2023

First Place:  John Fellner

Song Title:  “Thunder”

Listen to the winning song: “Thunder”

“I’m incredibly honoured and full of gratitude to discover that I am the winner of Aeolian’s second annual songwriting contest. As a Londoner, The Aeolian holds such a special place in my heart, and to be recognized in this manner is so very special. I would also like to acknowledge all the other prize winners and songwriters who entered this contest. There’s so much great talent in this city, and opportunities like this allow the community to experience and support these artists that work so hard.”

John Fellner is a multi-talented artist from Toronto, Canada who is known for his work as a producer, writer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his work with UMC/Motown signee Emanuel, for whom he produced and wrote the critically acclaimed album Alt Therapy. The album was a nominee for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year at the Juno Awards 2022 and had several major TV show syncs, including “Need You” and “Pillows” on HBO Harlem, Issa Rae’s show Insecure, and Diggstown.

John’s career has been marked by his ability to work with a wide range of artists, and he has recently collaborated with a number of artists and producers including Akeel, Kevin Kofo, Loony, Lavi$h, Liza Yohannes, Nikki Grier, Ezi, No Guidnce, Saint Harison, Susan Carol, Harmony Samuels, and Jon Vinyl. He produced and co-wrote the latest project Palisade of Jon Vinyl, which was a huge success.

John’s unique sound and ability to craft hit songs have earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after producers in the industry. His work on Alt Therapy by Emanuel and his other projects have solidified his position as a major player in the R&B and Soul scene. He continues to work with a wide range of artists and is always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the music industry.

 

Second Place:  Justin Maki

Song Title:  “Tear drops from a phoenix”

Listen to: “Tear Drops from a Phoenix”

“I feel very honoured and grateful to receive such a prestigious award. As an internationally designated music city, the competition in London, Ontario is tough: we have so many fantastic writer’s here, so it’s encouraging to know that I write material that measures up. Thank you to the Aeolian Hall and all those involved in facilitating this competition. I will use this win as further confirmation that I should keep going. Also, a huge shout-out to David Carruther’s who inspired the song idea.”

Justin has played over 1,000 gigs from Halifax, to Prince George, to Mexico, to the Netherlands and has shared the stage with The Sheepdogs, Measha Brueggergosman, Neon Dreams, and Olivia Lunny. From bars to concert halls, backyard parties, weddings, and festivals, Justin has been entertaining 100,000s for the last 19 years. He has worked with such accomplished producers as, Matthew Johnston (produced Shad and Chad Price) and Mark Howard (produced Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, U2, and Neil Young) and also won Western University’s Battle of the Bands in 2015, as well as Western Voice in 2016.

Justin’s latest releases include 2 collaborations with Ontario rappers, Big Lou and Dallas Waldo, on “Time Witchu” and “Find Your Flow”, respectively. Justin’s debut album, “New Flame”(June, 2022), is a diverse concept album that traverses the different stages of a romantic relationship from first spark to last billow of smoke. Justin also co-produced, co-wrote, and performed on the new Patrick & Daniels’ record, “Good Vibes LP” (January, 2023), the title track of which won “International Male Music Video Of The Year” from the ISSA. Otherwise, touring has been Justin’s main focus in 2023 – Mexico to Halifax, Nashville to Rotterdamn, and Toronto to Alberta. Justin is currently incubating in the winter, leaving space for new material to emerge. He is actually on a journey to writing 100 songs for his next record and presently sits at song #91!

As Justin continues to cover more ground, he spreads the joy of music, one new fan at a time. Follow him on social media @justinmakimusic to trace his journey as it unfolds and check out his music on all streaming and downloading platforms.

Third Place: Galaëll (Roxanne Chartrand)

Song Title:  “Our home”

Listen to: Our Home

“It’s a beautiful confirmation, to be heard on causes that are so close to me and be given helpful support to share it with the world. I am extremely grateful!”

“An instinctive singer-songwriter inspired by nature and sounds from around the
world, Galaëll uses music with a humanitarian intention. Her mission, carried by a
diverse, ethereal sound, is to remind her listeners to love themselves a little more
and to recognize their infinite potential as creators of their own reality. A
self-appointed healer for our planet, she strives to underline and celebrate the
beauty found in each individual, as well as all forms of life.”