The Original Track Award (Solo) sponsored by Levi’s®
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For a track written and recorded by a solo artist from a Youth Music funded project. All musical elements need to be original but can include a sample if this has been cleared.
WINNER
Sarah Isabella – Intuition
Youth Music NextGen Fund, London
Sarah Isabella’s velvety vocals and conversational lyricism marries a sound that travels between ambient soul, alt RnB and jazz. “Intuition” sees a collaboration with producer Tolu Shorts and was written during a period of turmoil for Isabella. The song is deeply meaningful to Isabella as it marks a pivotal step toward the artist she wanted to become.
Claudia Fenoglio - Girlfriends on TV
Music Local, Yorkshire & The Humber
Indie- pop singer-songwriter Claudia is based in Leeds, making music that captures the bittersweet details of queer love in the modern age. "Girlfriends on TV" is Claudia’s coming-out anthem, written during a period of self-discovery. As she explored LGBTQ+ media and learned about her new community, the song reflects the mix of anxiety and excitement in embracing one’s identity.
- Pronouns she/her
Cures and Curses – Harder Drugs
Liverpool Sound City, North West
Cures and Curses’ (real name Aaron Akpojaro) sound cuts an alternative edge with an unapologetic mainstream polish. “Harder Drugs” is a hard-hitting rock anthem that traces the lines between personal and political, capturing the frustration of young people feeling like their prospects are slipping away. It reflects a generation facing a bleak future, critiquing social and economic barriers, and expressing a deep yearning for escapism during challenging times.
- Pronouns he/him
LVRA – Anxiety
Sound of Young Scotland Award / Youth Music NextGen Fund, Scotland
Anthemic and experimental, Edinburgh-born LVRA’s music has become one of the most singular voices in progressive electronic music. Written and produced by LVRA, real name Rachel Lu, “Anxiety” speaks about the experience of being an overthinker. The song was created from LVRA’s desire to live and accept that part of themselves.
- Pronouns she/they
Meduulla – Limbo feat. The Mouse Outfit
NextGen Fund, North West
Zimbabwean-born, Manchester-based rapper, poet and DJ Meduulla marries her modern flows and witty lyrics with jazz-inspired hip-hop instrumentals to create music that reflects the present day whilst carrying a nostalgic air. As a first generation immigrant, the song discusses the conflict of loving both your place of birth and place of residence when the two places have a complex history.
- Pronouns (she/her)