For Brad Andrews, winning the UK & EU Folk category of the 2025 Talent Is Timeless contest was a “surprise,” but his winning song, Moving to the Country, has been years in the making. Written long before he and his partner Jane were able to make the leap to rural life, the song captures the anticipation and joy of that long-awaited move—a dream they finally realized in 2022.

“It’s exactly as we imagined it,” Brad says. “It is just wonderful.”

Brad’s journey as a songwriter started later in life. Though he’d always loved music and played in bands, it wasn’t until his forties—encouraged by Jane, his greatest supporter—that he began writing songs of his own. Performing has always been at the heart of his musical life.

“I’ve really enjoyed busking over the years,” he says. “Being able to stand in the street and just play and notice people listening and enjoying the music is kind of magical and never fails to make me happy.”

Like many artists, Brad has faced health challenges that slowed him down, but music remains a steady source of joy and connection. Meeting Jane was a turning point, and through her encouragement and his songwriting, Brad has also met a community of fellow musicians who have become close friends.

Winning at Talent Is Timeless has given Brad a renewed drive to create:

“It’s really encouraging to have won something. It makes me want to write more.”

His advice to other songwriters over 50 is simple yet heartfelt: 

“Don’t ever give up. Just keep writing, and sooner or later the songs will come.”

You can listen to Brad’s winning song here: Moving To The Country

And Connect with Brad on Talent Is Timeless here: Brad Andrews Profile