In October 2019 we hosted the first ever Youth Music Awards, in association with Hal Leonard Europe.
The Youth Music Awards celebrate the achievements of young people taking part in the projects we fund, who are making music in all genres, all over the country, every day. They also recognise the organisations and music leaders that are tirelessly working on the frontline, going above and beyond to help the next generation of young musicians progress personally, socially and musically.
The winning tracks were selected by a panel of industry judges including AJ Tracey, Rag'n'Bone Man, Edith Bowman, Chris Price, George the Poet and many more.
Listen below to the tracks that won on the night.
Taz – Different Perspective
Lyricist Award sponsored by BandLab
Taz (18) lives in north Cambridge, recently declared the UK’s most unequal city. Currently studying at 6th Form College, Taz started attending Romsey Mill’s music programme four years ago. She’s passionate about rap, outspoken and eager to learn; and wrote two songs for Romsey Mill’s debut album, released this year.
Taz's nominator says, “This song reflects Taz's personal take on many of her own life experiences and issues she faces, such as frustration and anger at living in a city of great inequality, particularly in terms of education and opportunity; the expectations on her as a young woman living in a Muslim family; difficulties of being moved to a different school; and awkwardness and embarrassment of going to friends’ homes that seem much bigger and nicer than her own. In doing so, Taz highlights the side of a city that many people don't see, or even realise exists. Despite this, Taz's confidence in her own ability to achieve and overcome is the abiding theme of the song.”
Mae Monypenny
Live Performance Award sponsored by Marshall
Mae Monypenny is a singer and songwriter based in the East Midlands. With a reputation for spell-binding live performances, Mae uses nothing but her voice, a mic and a loop station to build and twist covers of well known songs into captivating new soundscapes that are entirely her own.
With the release of her debut original recordings on the horizon, as part of the Circle Of Light album, it won’t be long before the wider world has a chance to fall in love with this uniquely talented young woman, her beguiling music and the incredible voice she commands.
Fred Fredas – Runnin
Music Video Award sponsored by AVID
Sound Connections, Wired for Music (London)
24 year old Fred Fredas is an Artist/Songwriter/Musician from South London. His masterful - poetic flow & hard-hitting lyrics, mixed with a clear love for soulful instrumentals; produces thought provoking, endlessly playable music. It is not hard to detect both American and British influence in Fredas’ work. An astute and observant storyteller, he harnesses the immediacy of grime with the undeniable sheen of modern Hip-Hop.
Circles by VCR
Original Track Award sponsored by TikTok
VCR are an alternative Indie band based in Portsmouth. Their nominator says, “Over the past 6 months, the guys have been working hard, supported by UVG director Charlie Fletcher to develop their sound combining Josh’s powerful vocal/singer-songwriter influences with Sam’s metal-tinged guitar riffs.”
T.Roadz
Outstanding Act Award sponsored by Trinity College London
Tyreece aka T.Roadz (14) regularly attends The Pump’s drop-in and artist development sessions to practice, record music and to socialise with his friends. T.Roadz is one of the UK’s brightest music talents. He has been featured and performed on some of the biggest music platforms including BBC 1Xtra, SBTV, Link Up TV and the prestigious grime competition Lord of The Mics to name a few. He is currently recording his new EP.
Devesh Sodha
Music Producer Award sponsored by Steinberg
Devesh took part in Music Pathways, a programme that looked at creating popular Asian music compositions by fusing classical Indian instrumentation with western instruments and to develop leadership in the music industry. The impact of the workshops has brought a profound change in his creativity and he began to innovate. Since Music Pathways, Devesh’s music has been featured in multiple mediums including the feature film, Outlawed (2018) which was nominated for Best Score for a Feature at the Hollywood Dreamz Film Festival 2018; promotional campaigns for Allied (2016), Far Cry Primal (2015), Star Trek Discovery (2017), Michigan Football (2014), Oregon State University (2013) and La Llorona (2019); television shows and animation.
Youth Music Awards 2021
Nominations open now
Have you participated in a Youth Music Project in the last five years? Celebrate your music, personal or social achievements and apply for the Youth Music Awards 2021!