Youth Music, in association with Hal Leonard Europe, has revealed the nominees for the Youth Music Awards 2023. The event, scheduled for October 18th at Troxy, London, aims to showcase the talents of the next generation of musicians. Nominees include Sarah Angel and GOMID from Manchester’s Reform Radio C.I.C, highlighting the diversity and creativity of young artists. The awards emphasize inclusivity and innovation in the music industry, encouraging equal access for youth and promoting diversity in festivals and awards ceremonies. Categories span Original Track Award (Group), Young Leader Award, Social Action Award, and Inspirational Music Leader Award, among others.
Youth Music, the UK’s leading young people’s music charity, has announced the nominees for the Youth Music Awards in association with Hal Leonard Europe, which will showcase the next generation of musical talent on Wednesday 18th October 2023 at Troxy, London.
Two of this year’s Youth Music Awards nominees, Sarah Angel and GOMID, are part of Reform Radio C.I.C, a Manchester based radio station and arts organisation that uses their platform to engage young people looking for new opportunities.
GOMID, Original Track Award (Group) nominees, are a rap-duo made up of Nigerian vocalist Iyunoluwanimi Yemi-Shodimu and Mancunian electronic producer Samuel Francis Giles Scott. The single ‘No One’ reflects on lyunoluwanimi’s Yoruba heritage and draws from its ancient mythologies.
Sarah Angel, a multi-hyphenate singer-songwriter-artist and model, has been nominated for the Music Video Award (Public Vote) for her single ‘Wistful Tenderness’. The video recalls the ethereality of romantic fantasy, reminiscent of Netflix’s Bridgerton and Taylor Swift’s Love Story, through an upbeat dance-y musicality.
The awards represent a more diverse, inclusive and creative music industry, by platforming young people facing the biggest barriers to accessing music. Last year’s winners have achieved significant success since the awards, including Leeds band English Teacher, who won the Rising Star Award (Artist) and recently released a new single with Island Records and secured a slot at this year’s Glastonbury. In addition, artist, songwriter and producer Sans Soucis, 2022 winner, has since gone on to sign a deal with Decca Records, and openfor Rina Sawayama.
Fleur East, singer-songwriter and Hits Radio UK presenter, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Chicken Shop Date star and youth services advocate and Joy Crookes, singer and Brit nominated Rising Star, were among the judges reviewing the awards. Categories include Original Track Award (Group), Young Leader Award, Social Action Award, and Inspirational Music Leader Award, backed by sponsors including Spotify, TikTok and Ticketmaster.
Youth Music CEO, Matt Griffiths, says: “It’s so exciting to see the people and projects innovating within the grassroots music scene. Our judges were blown away by the level of talent and inspirational stories amongst this year’s nominees. The Youth Music Awards continues to showcase what a more diverse future of music could look like, and we want the whole industry to Take Note”.
Fleur East, singer-songwriter, Hits Radio UK presenter and Youth Music Awards judge, says: “Such amazing talent in each of these categories, I thoroughly enjoyed discovering new talent and adding new artists to my playlist. It’s great to be part of a unique event which is clearly building a more diverse music industry of the future.”
This year’s Youth Music Awards invites the industry to ‘Take Note’ of how to promote diversity and inclusion in music, as music festivals and awards ceremonies continually lack diversity. By equalising access for young people, we can strengthen the future of British music and help young people across the country make, learn, and earn through music.
The 2023 Youth Music Awards will take place at Troxy on Wednesday 18th October, full details can be found at https://youthmusic.org.uk/
