Merseyrail’s annual Sound Station singing competition came to an end this weekend as the winner was crowned at Moorfields train station.
Southport’s Dan Astles walked away with the prize after starting the process when he sent in his first video during the summer.
The 18-year-old, Liverpool-born singer told JMU Journalism: “It was a really amazing feeling to win. It had been such a long day.
“I had played a set on a train on the way to the final. Then I played in Moorfields, that went really well and I watched all the other acts perform. I felt really honoured to be a part of what was going on.
“I’d just like to thank everyone for the messages of congratulations they’ve sent. I’ve been overwhelmed with the support and it means the world to me.”
Dan has been playing guitar and songwriting since he was 13 and says it has become an integral part of who he is.
YouTube: James O’Hanlon
All 10 finalists performed at the station throughout the day for a panel of judges from Arts Council England, Merseyrail, Sentric Music, Tankfield Studio, Bido Lito! and Getintothis.
Other local singers in the competition included Gazelle, Fay Moore, Katy Mac and Cave Party.
The prize consists of a year of industry support and mentoring, free recording time in Tankfield studios and 12 months’ of free train travel on Merseyrail. Dan hopes this could be the help he needs to release a debut EP.
He told JMU Journalism: “I’ve spent a lot of time honing my craft and I think it’s a really good time to finally release some music, which is really exciting for me.
“It is time to start playing some bigger shows too, more support slots and festival appearances are what I’m aiming for.”
Shaun Ponsonby represented Getintothis on the judging panel. He said: “The calibre of artists was so high, we were deliberating for a very long time. It was a tough decision, but I think we made the right one.
“Astles’ potential is out of this world, and I am sure the prize will come of great use to him.”