Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Rania’s original work 'Keep Them In’ won second prize in the Release the Song category of Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) composition competition, RELEASE 2026.
Rania, from Junior Guildhall, says: “This song, featuring Millie Nourse, explores the roller coaster of hidden emotions that accompany heartbreak and loss. Through intimate lyrics and cinematic production, the piece follows an emotional journey of vulnerability, anguish and internal conflict. This piece combines orchestral writing and electronic production to add texture and accentuate the struggle of hiding those difficult emotions. It opens with dramatic piano lines contrasted with soft, delicate guitar arpeggios, setting a tortured, fragile tone. Breath-like vocals and layered strings gradually build emotional intensity, highlighting the struggles of restrained feelings. The lyrics focus on comparisons with the “perfect girl”, reflecting themes of insecurity, longing, and identity. As the song develops, fuller drums, swelling strings, and vocal layering mirror growing emotional tension before reaching a climactic moment of heartbreak. In the final chorus, the repeated lyrics shift towards a sense of acceptance and moving on.”
The category judge for Release the Song was Matthew Sheeran, composer, orchestrator, and arranger.
Find out more about GYA here: gsmd.ac.uk/study-with-guildhall/children-and-young-people/guildhall-young-artists
Rania’s original work 'Keep Them In’ won second prize in the Release the Song category of Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) composition competition, RELEASE 2026.
Rania, from Junior Guildhall, says: “This song, featuring Millie Nourse, explores the roller coaster of hidden emotions that accompany heartbreak and loss. Through intimate lyrics and cinematic production, the piece follows an emotional journey of vulnerability, anguish and internal conflict. This piece combines orchestral writing and electronic production to add texture and accentuate the struggle of hiding those difficult emotions. It opens with dramatic piano lines contrasted with soft, delicate guitar arpeggios, setting a tortured, fragile tone. Breath-like vocals and layered strings gradually build emotional intensity, highlighting the struggles of restrained feelings. The lyrics focus on comparisons with the “perfect girl”, reflecting themes of insecurity, longing, and identity. As the song develops, fuller drums, swelling strings, and vocal layering mirror growing emotional tension before reaching a climactic moment of heartbreak. In the final chorus, the repeated lyrics shift towards a sense of acceptance and moving on.”
The category judge for Release the Song was Matthew Sheeran, composer, orchestrator, and arranger.
Find out more about GYA here: gsmd.ac.uk/study-with-guildhall/children-and-young-people/guildhall-young-artists
