Begin2Sing and win a recording session!
Following the successful release of Darwen’s original single Begin2Sing, here’s your opportunity to record your own version – and win a recording session with Darwen School of Music, and maybe even release your own single!
A ‘karaoke mix’ of the song is available, alongside the full Begin2Sing song, on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music.
Now everyone is encouraged to record their own version of the song over the instrumental track, to enter into an exciting competition.
When Paul Stuart Davies mastered the track, his plan was always to encourage local people to record their own versions of the song, karaoke-style.
Paul explained:
“I want to get as many people as possible joining in with Begin2Sing. By recording their own version of the song, we can celebrate our town far and wide.
“I can’t wait to hear everyone’s versions. The song not only celebrates our Darwen community, but also celebrates the love of singing. Lifting our voices makes us feel good and gives us confidence.
“Anyone entering the competition can learn the song from the original version, and then use the karaoke mix – the second track of the release – to show us what you can do with it!”
Begin2Sing is a pop-soul anthem that celebrates the spirit of the Darwen community. Written by Paul who is the co-founder of Darwen School of Music, the track features the voices of around 500 people who come from Darwen or have links to the town.
Begin2Sing was performed live at Christmas lights switch-on events in both Darwen and Blackburn town centres – to an overwhelmingly positive reaction from audiences.
On release day in November, the song charted at 23 in the iTunes Pop Chart, due to the high number of downloads, and is currently in the semi-final stages of the UK Songwriting Contest, having received a maximum five stars from the judges.
The song came about through Paul’s community project Begin2Sing, which has seen him give free vocal tuition to dozens of Darreners with little or no previous singing experience.
The Begin2Sing project has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, the Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Development, commented:
“The response to Begin2Sing has been fantastic – audiences reacted really warmly to the group performances at Christmas lights switch-on events in our two towns.
“Paul started Begin2Sing to share his love of singing, and to encourage local people to use it as a means to boost their wellbeing and connect with others. By sharing this competition, he’s going to reach even more people with the positivity of Begin2Sing – and that can only be a good thing.”
To enter the Begin2Sing competition:
You must submit your video of the Begin2Sing track on Facebook, tagging @Begin2Sing. Parents / carers should support under 13s to submit their entries
The deadline for all submissions is 31 January 2026.
Full song lyrics are available on the Darwen town centre website, and on Begin2Sing social media.
The competition will be judged by Paul Stuart Davies, and the winner announced on Begin2Sing social media channels on Sunday 1 February.
The prize is an in-person recording session at Darwen School of Music with Paul, who will be on hand to coach you through the session, play piano for you and mix and master the track. The session will be arranged at the mutual convenience of the winner and Darwen School of Music before spring 2026.
Find out more about Begin2Sing or visit www.facebook.com/begin2singdarwen.
Begin2Sing lyrics
I’m finding my voice, drowning out the noise
It’s taken time, but I realise; I’m a fighter by choice
I love this little town, and the peace that I have found
I’m rising like a tower, maybe now I’ll stick around
And I know where to go if ever I’m alone…
(oh… oh… oh…)
It’s time I live my life, outrun the night, see what the new day brings
(oh… oh… oh…)
I open up my eyes, and in the skies the birds begin to sing
When your gravity’s gone, and you’re left with no one
Just trying to keep your balance is what’s making you strong
So I sit here for a while, and I can see for miles
I know the scars that shape me have saved me somehow
Now I know where to go, whenever I’m alone…
(oh… oh… oh…)
It’s time I live my life, outrun the night, see what the new day brings
(oh… oh… oh…)
I open up my eyes, and in the skies the birds begin to sing
It’s been a long time since I felt that I could fly
But like the falcon, I now feel that I can spread my wings and take to the sky
(oh… oh… oh…)
It’s time I live my life, outrun the night, see what the new day brings
(oh… oh… oh…)
I open up my eyes, and in the skies the birds begin to sing
