Will Massie, a 12 year old pupil at Teddington School, has been bathing in the glory of his triumph since he was 'crowned' Young Songwriter of the Year as exclusively revealed by Teddington Nub News.

Part of his prize is a half-day recording session with a top music producer in London.

Here, he talks candidly about what the recognition means to him. His song 'NO PLACE' scooped the award in the 8-12 category.

Q: How do you feel, now you've had time to reflect, about winning Young Songwriter of the Year?

"When it was announced on the @songaccademy livestream that I'd won I honestly could not believe it! My mum said that for the first time in my life I was actually speechless!! It's a great honour and even if I hadn't have won it would still have been an amazing experience. It has given me the inspiration and confidence to work even harder at my music and songwriting.

"So many people sent messages congratulating me and saying 'well done'. I got a great compliment from Ruby Turner who I have seen live and met a couple of times. She said 'well done William that's just great. Wonderful piece of music you have created. Be proud of yourself.' Also, a friend of my dad's knows Julian Lennon and he said he would send it to him to listen too as well!"

Q: What types of music do you like to listen to? Is this how you get inspiration?

"For the last few years I've enjoyed listening to pop or dance music and will often hear something in a song I really like and then I'll run straight to my laptop to see if it will fit in one of the songs I am working on. It may be a drum rhythm or pattern, a rise sample or maybe a sick synth but it all helps me to create my music."

Q: Do you have a favourite artist or song and is it just current pop music you listen to?

"I don't really have a favourite artist or song but I do like to listen to a wide variety of genres of music from rock right through to classical pieces. It's all really good for getting ideas for writing. Melodically, rhythmically and harmonically. When I was younger, I would dance to Michael Jackson tracks and the songs of Ray Charles were particular favourites of mine when I was really, really young when they played and I sang in the car.

"I've always been exposed to various musical influences as I've grown up because both my mum and dad love music and listen to all sorts of styles all the time."

Q:How has your songwriting developed and what ambitions do you have for your music?

"I listened back to some of my old music the other day and realised how much I've developed. Musically and with the lyrics of course but also with my recording ability. The more I understand about recording technique and the more I develop as a musician and singer the more I can achieve in the writing and production of my songs.

"Hopefully, I will be able to keep on improving my techniques and abilities and my writing and music will benefit. Someday I hope to be able to work in the music industry whether it's as a musician, songwriter, producer or even have my own band."

"I'm also part of Powerjam based in Twickenham which helps young people to develop their music and also experience playing live – I've played with my band (Nobody For President) at Strawberry Hill House Summer Festival, Kingston International music festival and at the Eel Pie Club in Twickenham which was really exciting knowing who has played there previously. Powerjam has also allowed us to release songs and get involved in the whole recording experience which has also been great – check out all their songs HERE

Q:What are your immediate plans? Are you working on new songs and is 'No Place' available to the public?

"I try to spend as much time as I can on my music and have 3 or 4 new songs in progress at the moment. Hopefully I'll have several new tracks completed before I go back to school in September.

"No Place is available and can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and many other streaming platforms and is also available to buy on iTunes etc.

"I hope to be releasing more tracks over the Summer when they are complete and if you want to keep up to date with my music you can follow me on my Instagram @willmassie1 and all my tracks are also on Soundcloud and Spotify"