THE wait was over on Friday night when the NMG Award winners were announced at a packed red carpet event at Cambridge Corn Exchange. A major event in the city’s musical calendar, rock luminaries Mallory Knox, Lonely the Brave, Radio X’s new music guru, John Kennedy and Syd Barrett’s sister, Rosemary Breen were all on hand to present awards to the region’s emerging music talent, with Pink Floyd themselves sending a message of support for the event.
Now in its fifth year the NMG Awards is a music awards initiative celebrating the achievements and potential of artists based in East Anglia and plays a key role in developing and encouraging young talent on their initial steps towards a career in music.
With nominations in categories from Best Breakthrough Artist to Best Folk, Acoustic or Country Artist, the competition attracted an array of original new music from young artists within a 50 mile radius of Cambridge. Categories were judged by a panel of music industry professionals from the local scene, with one decided by an audience vote.
This year’s new Special Achievement Award – The Syd Barrett Pride of Cambridge Award – was presented by Syd Barrett’s sister, Rosemary Breen to Cambridge indie folk rock band, Fred’s House just before they go on tour to China.
Previous award winners have gone on to win artist development prizes, including slots at the Big Weekend and Secret Garden Party. Breakthrough Artist, Kelly Oliver’s song Rio was featured on BBC Television during the Summer Olympics and Best Folk, Roots or Country Artist winner, Mortal Tides featured on the bill of Cambridge’s first ever City Roots Festival in February.
The NMG Awards were devised by music promoter Tim Willett, the presenter of The New Music Generator which is broadcast on local radio station Cambridge 105: ‘’I am truly blown away by the support the music scene in the East has shown the NMG Awards over the past five years. Friday night was a really special way of celebrating the anniversary in such a prestigious venue and fantastic to kick off our partnership with Cambridge Live on the event going forward. Congratulations to all the winners and huge thanks to everyone involved for making the event so memorable’
Neil Jones, Cambridge Live’s Operations Director said: ‘”It was a truly special evening. The talent in the room was testament to just how strong the region’s musical output currently is. Cambridge Live is pleased to have teamed up with Tim Willett and the NMG Awards to celebrate such fantastic local creative talent”.
NMG Awards winners 2017
Male Solo: Tom Lumley
Female Solo: Ellie Dixon
Indie: Gaffa Tape Sandy
Alternative: The Rose Affair
Acoustic, Country & Folk: SJ & The Flying Pigs
Rock: SEASONS
Pop: Heylate
Urban & Electronic: Cumminz
18 & Under Band: Deep City
Audience Choice: Jake Aldridge
Breakthrough Artist: Maverick
Breakout Artist: Healyum
Syd Barrett Pride of Cambridge: Fred’s House
Studio of the Year: Valhalla Studios
Producer of the Year:Lauren Deakin-Davies
Small Venue of the Year: The Portland Arms