Prestigious honour for poignant song written by teenage Louth musician
A song dedicated to people struggling with their mental health has landed a prestigious honour for a young musician from Louth.
Nineteen-year-old Henry Atherton wrote the poignant song, called ‘Complex Climb’, after a friend of his tragically committed suicide.
Now it has been selected in the top 30 of the renowned Song Academy Young Songwriter Competition for 2026.
In its 16th year, the contest is the world’s leading opportunity for young, aspiring songwriters, aged under 23, to get their songs heard by leaders in the industry.
Judged by star names from the world of music, it puts a spotlight on songwriters and the craft of songwriting, attracting talented young people with genuine creative flair.
At the heart of the competition’s ethos is that songwriting can offer therapeutic benefits for young people – and that has certainly been recognised by Henry’s tune.
"It is a message for people struggling with mental health,” he explained. “The song says that you’re never alone and that there is always someone to speak to, whether it’s in person or over the phone.
"The message is that no matter how you’re feeling, the world is a better place with you in it.”
Henry is a graduate of the Access Creative College in Lincoln. Since leaving last year, he has really been making a name for himself, performing at various gigs across Lincolnshire with his guitar and loop pedal.
He has also played at venues around the UK, and was even chosen for the 2025 line-up at the Latitude music festival in Suffolk.
He decided to enter the Young Songwriter Competition after recording his debut album, ‘All We Have Is Now’, which features ‘Complex Climb’.
Henry said: “I chose to submit this song because it means a lot to me personally.
"I wrote it for a good friend, who sadly took her own life. I knew that if I shared the message of the song, it could really help others in a similar situation.
"The song asks them to realise that there is always help available. No matter what, you’re never on your own.”
You can listen to ‘Complex Climb’, via Song Academy, at Sound Cloud (https://on.soundcloud.com/v92j0aC8DKRUqo8pVP).