Challenge Champion: Huw James

At Talent Is Timeless, we run Monthly Songwriting Challenges to help keep our members writing, sharing, and connecting. Each month, we spotlight some of the incredible songwriters who placed in these challenges — inviting them to share a bit more about their lives, their creative journeys, and the stories behind their songs.

This month, we’re featuring Huw James, a 67-year-old songwriter from South Wales, UK, who joined Talent Is Timeless back in October 2021.

Huw’s love of songwriting reaches all the way back to his late teens. He performed some of his early compositions with local covers bands, finding joy in mixing his own songs with the popular tunes of the day. But in his mid to late 20s, things shifted. “I became disillusioned with the music scene and hung up my guitar,” he shares. That break stretched on for about ten years, fueled by creeping self-doubt and a feeling that music was moving toward an electronic style he didn’t connect with.

The passion never disappeared completely, though. Years later, during a 25-year stint with a successful cover band, Huw found his spark again. He began writing new material and even worked it into the band’s sets. “It feels great when band members are willing to learn and perform my stuff,” he says. “And I think the most pleasure is when members of the general public come up and say things like, ‘I really loved that set.’”

Then life threw another twist. An injury to his shoulder and back meant he could no longer keep up with the demands of that band. But it opened the door to a more acoustic style of writing and performing — something that fits perfectly with his thoughtful approach to songwriting today.

The song that earned him recognition in the Monthly Songwriting Challenge is a fictional piece that looks at the complex feelings of returning to your hometown after many years away. “Although it appears to be written from the perspective of a member of the armed forces, it can hopefully be related to other members of society,” Huw explains. “The wars mentioned don’t necessarily have to be those of armed conflict.”

Since joining Talent Is Timeless, Huw has found a huge boost in support, confidence, and opportunity. “Immensely,” he says. “Right from the start, other members would be there helping each other with positive feedback and constructive criticism — and that is still the case. It really is a positive movement.”

He also shares a quirky insight into his creative process: “I may not be alone in this, but I think my better songs all were written in a short space of time. Yes, there may well be later tweaks, but getting the basics done quickly seems to work for me.”

For songwriters over 50 who might still be hesitating, Huw’s advice is simple and heartfelt: “Do it. Have faith in your own abilities. Some of the greatest songs of all time are three-chord tricks, so if that’s what you have, that’s awesome. By writing a song — never mind how simple or complex it is — you are a winner.”

Huw’s journey is a powerful reminder that even after decades, we can still uncover new voices within ourselves. Sometimes the very challenges that seem to hold us back end up guiding us to something more honest, more personal, and more lasting.

You can listen to Huw’s Winning Song here: https://youtu.be/xbcK_5KyIKE?si=CYMbt1KcTdVoT7PK

And connect with Huw on Talent Is Timeless here: https://www.talentistimeless.com/members/huw-james/profile/