Last Monday (18th December) saw the return of the Isle of Wight’s annual Christmas song competition hosted by Chris Quinton of Acoustic Originals at the Quay Arts centre in Newport.
Nine different acts from across the Island competed with their festive ditties to win the top spot and prize of show tickets, a meal and a drink for two laid on by the venue.
Several well known local acts, such as Small Town Talk, Bethan John, and Kindred Found performed their self penned seasonal songs to a full house and several judges within the audience, but ultimately the winner was Victorian Rapper, Baron Fortitude, with Island-centric songwriter, Steve Love, coming in close second.
Quinton: Only 15 points in it between first and last place
After the show Chris revealed the judging criteria,
“There were a maximum of 150 points available in several categories, which change each year so nobody can write to a brief.
“This year’s categories included jolliness, tenderness and chritmassyness!
“There were only 15 points in it between first and last place.”
Steam Powered Sleigh
The winning song, written by Island comedian, Luc Valvona, for his nineteenth century hip-hop alter ego, was entitled Steam Powered Sleigh and is about improving Santa’s Workshop with the use of Victorian technology.
You can see clips of it on the Baron Fortitude Instagram and YouTube pages.
Acoustic originals
Acoustic originals returns on 5th February and then on the first Monday of every month at the Quay Arts centre, as a platform for artists to play original songs and have them filmed.
All recordings are then uploaded to their Facebook page, where you can also find recordings of all the Christmas entries.
Musical Comedy Awards
Baron Fortitude will be playing across the Island in the new year, and will also be competing in the Musical Comedy Awards in London.
News shared by Luc, in his own words. Ed
