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. One of the winner’s of the September Challenge was 62 year old Rob Mason.

Rob’s songwriting journey began at just 11 years old when his dad answered a newspaper advert that read “guitar free to first caller.” The guitar was barely playable and would only stay in tune for a few minutes, but it was enough to spark something that’s never left him. He even wrote his first song that same week—on a single string.

For many years, life, work, and lack of confidence meant Rob’s songs stayed mostly private. But with the encouragement of his wife and friends, and later the time and freedom that came with early retirement, Rob began leaning into songwriting fully.

Singing lessons were a turning point: he discovered he’d only ever used half his range and learned how to control his voice without changing its unique character. Those lessons, and the songs his teacher introduced him to, shaped his understanding of melody, lyricism, and emotional impact—fuel that continues to transform his own songwriting. His songs often explore how to make sense of a world that feels increasingly unstable, though many, like his winning entry, can also be heard as love songs.

For Rob, songwriting has become a form of therapy, a way to weave meaning and hope into chaos. One of his proudest moments came earlier this year when his track Song for the Times was picked up by BBC Introducing East Midlands, named Song of the Week on BBC Radio Leicester, and led to a live interview. “Quite daunting!” he admits—but an affirmation that his music connects.

Talent Is Timeless has given Rob a sense of community, workshops, and unforgettable opportunities—like singing in the backing choir at Abbey Road Studios for a past contest winner. He says it’s inspiring to know there are so many other songwriters still chasing their passion later in life.

Rob’s advice for songwriters over 50? “Keep learning from other songwriters. Life experience is a real asset in songwriting, so make the most of it—it’s one thing that’s in our favour.”

You can listen to Rob’s winning song here: https://www.talentistimeless.com/aug-25-from-to-new/?contest=video-detail&video_id=66968

And connect with Rob on Talent Is Timeless here: https://www.talentistimeless.com/members/robm-music/