Father-and-son duo Synth & Son have emerged as Finalists in the Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D Song Contest, bringing a story of shared ambition, musical inheritance and creative discovery.
For them, the Contest was a chance to connect with fellow Acts and lay the groundwork for their first studio album.
What does the Contest mean to you?
Speaking to us directly, the father says the project began as a way to pass his musical torch to his son: encouraging him not only to showcase himself as a multi-instrumentalist in his own right, but to step forward as a vocalist. Their blend of experience and synthpop energy helped define their identity from the outset, and their performance in Round 1 of the Knockouts Stage carried them into the Finalists’ circle.
This Contest has meant a great deal to us. It’s given us a platform to share our music, but just as importantly, it’s introduced us to other Acts we’d love to work with. We came here hoping to build something lasting, and that is exactly what it feels like this experience has started.
Tell us about your version of the song.
Asked about their entry, the duo describe a process built around careful production and a collaborative approach in the studio. They intended to balance the father’s instinct for arrangement with the son’s performance flair.
We wanted the song to feel alive. The song's message is serious, so we wanted to produce something that people could enjoy, but also work in - but not overwork - the essence of the lyrics. The instruments had a real role in telling the story.
If not you, which Finalist would you like to see win?
With the Finals packed with strong Acts, Synth & Son say they would be happy to see any of the other Finalists succeed — but if they had to choose, they would lean toward an Act that best captured the Contest’s message of resilience and artistic honesty.
It’s a strong Final, and every one of the Finalists has earned their place. We’d like to see the winner be someone who truly represents the heart of the Contest.
Which of the other Finalists stood out to you?
Among the other Finalists, the duo singled out the Acts that brought distinct identity and memorable presence to the Stage.
They specifically named Axel King (and The Roses), Bryknii, High School Dropout, Soline Bellefort and Westbound as making a strong impression during the competition, each contributing something different to the Contest’s atmosphere.
Collaboration is the real prize.
While a Grand Win or runner-up finish would be a welcome achievement, Synth & Son say the real reward would be the chance to leave the Contest with new creative partnerships.
We primarily entered to find other Acts to collaborate with. That’s the next step for us. We’re ready to begin work on our first studio album, and we’d love that project to grow out of the connections we’ve made here.
When asked who they would most like to collaborate with, the duo did not hesitate: while open to working with any of the entrants who share their energy and commitment, they are especially drawn to those with strong instrumental instincts and a collaborative mindset.
If we had to define the kind of Act we’d love to collaborate with, it would be someone who brings their own sound, but is open to building something new together. That’s where the magic happens.
What's next after this Contest?
For Synth & Son, the future is already taking shape. Whether they leave the Contest as Grand Winners, runners-up or simply as two artists who made valuable new connections, they intend to move straight into album planning and collaboration.
As the Song Contest reaches its conclusion, Synth & Son stand as a reminder of what the Contest is designed to do: spotlight talent, foster goodwill and create real opportunities for artists to grow together.
Their message to fans and fellow music lovers is simple: the journey is far from over.
About the Contest
Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D is a collaboration between CATAWOL Records and the MODE Family, in the form of a song contest. 32 of the label’s most talented Acts compete to create the campaign’s official anthem, raising awareness of bullying in hobby spaces.
CATAWOL Records is proud to support the Finalists as they share their voices on a larger stage, while celebrating creativity, resilience, and community.