The NMG Awards 2025
The air crackled with anticipation, a vibrant energy filling The Apex as the local music community gathered for the 12th annual New Music Generator Awards.
With a record number of audience members, artists and sponsors, it was more than just a night of celebration, it was a testament to the thriving, collaborative spirit that defines our region’s grass roots music scene.
The evening was a kaleidoscope of fashion, talent, and heartfelt camaraderie, with artists, producers, and fans alike coming together. It was a night that underscored a simple but powerful truth: this scene is about far more than individual success – it’s a collective journey. The ceremony kicked off with a palpable sense of excitement, and the early awards and presenters set a high bar for the rest of the night. The host for the night is the quietly collected Tim Willett, the founder of NMG Awards and host of The Music Generator Radio show on Cambridge Radio.
The NMG Awards are presented to winners of a range of categories, some which have been decided by a panel of judges whilst others are determined by a public vote.
The Artist Development Prizes are where the industry comes together to provide much needed support for acts to grow. Prizes include studio space, venue hire, slots at festivals and venues, merch bundles, tour van hire and recording sessions.
Between the prize giving, presentations and speeches there was a great mix of live music to entertain everyone and which showcased the talents of the region. The performances served as a powerful interlude, a live wire of energy that re-energized the crowd and highlighted why the local scene is so varied and vibrant.
Live Performers: Chest / Fraser Morgan / Passion Parade / Sebbuku / Evy Frearson / Voyage / Helix / Ross Stewart
Judges:
Gary Brown / Neil Jones / Joe Weaver / Seymour Quigley / Rebecca May / Melody Causton / Ned Newman
Sponsors & Supporters:
Here We Aren’t / Vision Express / Grapevine / Shy Cat Publicity / The Hunter Club Arts Centre / East Anglian Festival Network / Blanchflower Guitars / Clean Records Limited / Green Eyes Green Recording Studio / Bandmade Merch Co / The Plough, Shepreth / Dead Reynolds / Vertical Rooms Recording Studio / The Portland Arms / Cambridge Radio / Punch Studios
Full list of Award Winners:
Heavy
Winner: FLEAS
Festival of the Year
Winner: First Light Festival
Urban
Winner: $ebbuku
Electronic & Experimental
Winner: Apteekii
Alternative
Winner: Jaded Teeth
Venue of the Year
Winner: The Portland Arms
Folk & Americana
Winner: Imlac
Pop
Winner: Macie Nyah
Producer of the Year
Winner: Eleanor Harris
18 & Under
Winner: Mirada
Indie
Winner: Chest
Breakthrough Artist
Winner: Ross Stewart
Audience Choice
Winner: Fraser Morgan
Breakout Artist
Winner: Passion Parade
Female Solo
Winner: Evy Frearson
Rock
Winner: A Different Kitchen
New Band
Winner: Arcane Moon
Artist Development Prize Winners:
Sakara / Gabby Rivers / Elliot Porter / Jaded Teeth / Moonlight Academy / The Dutchhouse / Read The Room / Ross Stewart / Tiny Vessels / Dan Sutton / George Bone / Jess Davey / Claudia Kate / Elba Rose / Running Club / Helix / Matty Whelan / Myopia / Sunmachine / Ikarus
In the end, the NMG Awards are more than just a list of winners. It is a celebration of a living, breathing ecosystem of sound. It was an event that proved the local music scene is not just surviving but thriving, propelled forward by a deep sense of community and an unyielding commitment to art. As the night wound down, the feeling wasn’t one of finality, but of anticipation for the year to come. The message was clear: our music scene is stronger than ever, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
