Tom Butler

The 25 year old talent, who represented the London borough of Wandsworth, was announced winner of the PRS for Music-sponsored award at a ceremony at Westfield Stratford City yesterday (Sunday).

His acoustic folk-inspired song Boats wowed the panel of judges for its originality and poetic lyrics.

He has won the opportunity to play live in the PRS for Music VIP tent at Glastonbury Festival 2015 plus two tickets to attend the whole event.

PRS Chairman Guy Fletcher, who helped judge the category, said: ‘Tom’s winning song was well developed and nuanced but, above all, it was original. Lyrically, his metaphors and imagery were insightful and refreshing.

‘He combined these with subtle, clever melodies and a genuine performance to create an arresting song. It has been exciting to see all of these young songwriters honing their craft as part of this competition. We hope to see a lot more of their work performed on London stages in the future.’ - PRS for Music Online Magazine

Tom Butler from Wandsworth is the overall winner of the Gigs Songwriting Prize, sponsored by PRS for Music. - PRS for Music

Tom Butler from Wandsworth is the overall winner of the Gigs Songwriting Prize, sponsored by PRS for Music. - Greater London Authority

A five month search for rising musical talent will reach its climax on Sunday 7 September when 18 acts take to the stage for the Grand Final of Gigs Big Busk, the UK's biggest street music competition.

The young musicians and singers have emerged as the frontrunners in a contest that originally attracted more than 500 entries, with 200 acts being selected to perform live at around 20 busy London locations during the summer. Music fans, shoppers and A&R executives looking for new talent are now being urged to head to Westfield Stratford City this Sunday, to hear the 18 musical acts play as they bid for top honours in Gigs 2014. - Greater London Authority

"Tom Butler grew up in a musically conscious family in Seattle, Washington. His exposure to a variety of genres and artists inspired him to start a career in music which started in Salt Lake City and eventually took him to London. In May he released his EP On The Line including his song “Boats.” - American Songwriter

Legendary producer Robin Millar joined Tony to discuss his career and pick out some of his favourite tracks. Also American folk singer/guitarist Tom Butler came in to play a few songs and enjoy the Six Degrees of Celebration feature. - Soho Radio London

Tom Butler featured on CCR 94.6FM - CCR 94.6FM

I first saw tom at The Bedford in London with an audience of about 20 people. In one set he had me stomping my feet and then in floods of tears to a song he’d written for his Dad on Father’s Day. Anyone that can draw that emotion is special. I went to check in on another gig a few months later before booking him and his audience had grown so quickly that the room was full and everyone was singing his songs. Again, he brought me to tears and again, the next song I was clapping and dancing. He is only going to get bigger and bigger so watch out for him. - Katherine Goodenough