WHEN singer songwriter Brad Witt heard that his new track, Risk Everything, had made it through to the semi-finals of the UK Songwriting Contest just 24 hours after its launch, it was literally music to his ears.

For although the Bournemouth based star is not quite risking everything as the song title might suggest, he knows more than anyone that there is a great deal riding on its success.

Brad is not only the debut artist of a brand new record label based in Bournemouth called, Write It Down Records, he is also a founding member. Write It Down Records has been set up by local artists and is backed by well known musician, comedian and producer, Matt Black.

For the past few months Brad has been working on the track, Risk Everything, with Matthew Fisher and Alix Robson from ChartHouse Music.

Within one day of its first public play, they were delighted to hear the track had made it through to the semi-finals of the UK Songwriting Contest.

The UK Song writing Contest is one of the world’s most popular, longest running and established song writing events. It works with top British producers and industry professionals and was formed with the aim of “discovering and encouraging new song writing talent and promoting the craft of song writing”.

The song was officially introduced during the launch of the Write It Down Records record label on the beginning of the month at Canvas Loft Bar in Bournemouth.

Brad told The Guide: “Risk Everything is about the journey. It’s not about dreaming of a destination, but being willing to take the steps required to better yourself because giving up just isn’t an option.”

The song will be premiered on various different radios during the month of August both locally and nationally. But what really marks out Write It Down Records from most other labels is its work at a community level. Not only does it provide an opportunity for the unsigned artists to progress, but with the support and backing of the local community, it is also building relationships and supporting local projects and businesses.

Around 25 per cent of all record sales are donated to local charities, with each single released generating donations to a different charity.

Brad explains: “99p gets you a great new song for your music collection, recorded by a local artist.

“But unlike your other music purchases, it also gives you the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting a great cause.

“I really believe we are, changing lives, one song at a time.” Risk Everything is available for pre-order at Amazon or iTunes, and will be released on Friday, August 25.

The charitable portion of the income received will be donated to Dorset Mind, an independent charitable provider of mental health services, helping those with mental health problems and those who care for them since 1947.

The label has so far managed to raise £700 towards its current target of £1,000