“Who are you to make me feel hollow? Who are you to tell me that I can’t be who I want to be?” Those lyrics appear in ‘Hollow’, a song by aspiring Ipswich singer-songwriter Macauley Elvin, who lives with Asperger Syndrome. It is being released on iTunes next week for an autistic charity.
Years of being bullied at school for being autistic inspired the words of the song two years ago.
Next Monday, the song is being released on iTunes – and could enter the Official Singles Charts – thanks to Anna Kennedy Online, a national autism charity which is using the song to front its anti-bullying week-long campaign named ‘Give Us A Break’.
Macauley, a charming 20-year-old with a clear passion and talent for performing, has promoted the song and campaign with boy band Blue, and on Sky talk show The Chrissy B Show.
The former Castle Hill Primary School and Westbourne Academy student smiles gleefully when reminded he is releasing his first official song next week.
“I’m just happy for people to buy it to show support,” he said. “I want people to listen to the song and feel how people feel when they’ve been bullied. No matter whether you’ve got autism or a disability, just live your dream.
“There was a time when I never wanted to go to school because I was bullied every single day. It was complete and utter torture towards me and my friends. They did this thing that, when you touched someone, you have got it (autism). It was really upsetting.
“When I moved to another class, it got worse. They always picked fights with me. They didn’t want to learn. But I wanted to get qualifications to get where I am.”
What would he say now to his bullies? “Look at me now – and what are you doing?’”
All proceeds from the song, which costs 99p, will be donated to Anna Kennedy Online. Autism ambassador Anna Kennedy OBE said: “Bullying can make any child’s life unbearable. Families contact our charity saying their children are being bullied in schools because of their autism, and increasingly online.”
Macauley, of Chaucer Road, who has also landed a scholarship at Pineapple Dance Studios in London and a West End leading role this Christmas, added: “I’ve just always wanted to perform.”
Is he the next Ed Sheeran? “I would be the next Sam Smith of Ipswich,” he said. “My voice is more suited to his. There is only one Ed, but I would definitely join his boy band!”
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