Brit-nominated singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner helped Norwood to raise £20,000 at its annual YN Media fundraising event last night. Newton, the winner of the Critics’ Choice Award at the 2010 Brits, was guest of honour at YN Unplugged at the London Film Museum. He was interviewed by Radio 1 entertainment presenter Natalie Jamieson before taking to the stage for an exclusive live performance for the 200 guests, many of whom were young professionals from the media industries.
The evening provided a fantastic opportunity for YN supporters to network while raising vital funds for Norwood, a leading UK charity which supports people with learning disabilities and children and families in need. It also featured a free bar, canapés, and a number of raffle and auction prizes, including an iPad 2, PS3, private box tickets to see a show at the O2 Arena, and signed sporting memorabilia.
During the interview, Newton spoke about his career and musical inspirations as well as more general topics, including illegal file sharing and whether the dominance of X Factor is damaging the music industry. He told the audience: “If you can come through the X Factor and survive, then fair play to you. Will Young, for instance, has done some fantastic stuff live. But it's hard to judge what impact it’s had. The whole industry is in a strange place. Whether it’s helping it or destroying it, nobody really knows.”
His live set included recent hits, including Dream Catch Me, as well as cover versions of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Massive Attack’s Teardrops.
Following the event, he said: “Norwood does a lot of amazing things. It’s brilliant if all I have to do to help is be here and sing. Tonight has been wicked and I've really enjoyed it.”
Lisa Mandell, Chair of the YN Media Committee, said: “We are extremely grateful to Newton and Natalie for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend last night’s event. Through their support, we have been able to raise a huge sum for the people with learning disabilities, and children and families in need, who rely on the services provided by this incredible organisation. I would also like to thank our guests, who I’m sure all had a brilliant time, and the rest of the YN Media Committee for making this event such a success.”
