Teenage Ticehurst singer Eliza Mace receives mentoring from rock star Ace after Global Youth Awards success

Ace, guitarist from Skunk Anansie

TICEHURST, EAST SUSSEX – Rising local talent Eliza Mace, a teenage singer-songwriter from Ticehurst, has attracted the attention of the international music industry after her debut single earned recognition in the Global Youth Awards Songwriting Category. Her entry impressed judge Ace, guitarist from UK rock band Skunk Anansie, leading to an exclusive one-to-one mentoring session that Eliza describes as “career-changing.”

From hairbrush performances to the global youth stage

Eliza began her vocal journey less than a year ago, working with local singing tutor Laura Westcott at Braylsham Castle, Broad Oak. Prior to that, she had never performed for an audience.

“I started singing with Laura this year and up until then I’d only ever sung in front of my hairbrush! Laura forms this very special safe space during our lessons which allows you to explore new ways of singing and performing without any feelings of judgment.”

Through confidence-building coaching, Eliza soon overcame performance anxiety and made her live debut in November. Laura also introduced her to music producer Alex Denholm, who helped create Eliza’s first single—the track she later submitted to the Global Youth Awards.

Although she didn’t win, Eliza was invited to perform live at the awards, a milestone she describes as “an honour.”

“Without Laura, none of this would have ever happened. She’s an absolute fire cracker and I am very grateful we fell into each other’s cosmos.”

Rock legend Ace praises Eliza’s talent and ambition

Ace—guitarist for Skunk Anansie, the Brit-rock giants who sold over 6 million records and toured arenas across Europe throughout the 1990s—was among the judges who voted for Eliza’s song.

He later met with her for a one-hour mentoring session, offering guidance on building a career as a professional songwriter and musician.

“I was really impressed by Eliza’s songcraft and artistry from her entry. Upon meeting her afterwards I was also equally impressed with her willingness and drive to progress… I wish her lots of luck, inspiration and good times for the journey ahead.”

Ace is currently Associate Professor of Music Industry and Head of Industry and Brand Partnerships at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP). He has previously held senior roles at ACM and taught at BIMM, making his support especially noteworthy for a young emerging artist.

Local tutor Laura Westcott continues her mission: “sing with confidence”

Laura Westcott, founder of Music for Mental Wealth, works with young people across Wealden to help them build confidence through singing and performance. Community members can support her work through the Wealden Community Lottery, with proceeds helping more local residents access her sessions.

Support Laura’s “Sing With Confidence” initiative:
https://www.wealdencommunitylottery.co.uk/support/music-for-mental-wealth

Enquiries: l@laura-westcott.com