The 15th NMG Awards ceremony took place at The Apex and it was an incredible night! The NMG (New Music Generator) Awards are to celebrate, acknowledge and showcase the amazing emerging musical artists from across East Anglia. All of whom have been played on The New Music Generator flagship show (NMG) hosted by Tim Willett, every Wednesday evening from 7pm (subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMusicGenerator
I’ve been attending the NMG Awards for a few years now and it is a highlight of the year, however this year was completely buzzing. The energy and atmosphere were through the roof all night. There was something special in the air.
Doors opened early for people to grab drinks, catch up with each other and get their red carpet photos taken by the wonderful Haggle Photos. People had dressed up for the occasion and were ready for the evening ahead.
The first live performance of the night was from Lost Robbins which helped bring everyone into the auditorium. Not only was it a signal for people to sit down, Lost Robbins had the duty of setting the energy for the night, and boy did they! Their performance was spirited, exciting and completely proved not only why they won the Breakout award but why they are getting a huge following for their music.
The format of the night follows the same pattern of a mix of presenting awards interspersed with live performances and of course thanking the sponsors, who without their support things like these events cannot happen. The judges worked tirelessly in the few weeks in the run up going through all the submissions and attempting to narrow the categories down to the top 5 shortlist.
So let’s take a look at what happened:
AWARD WINNERS:
Indie: Bag of Cans
Pop: FFINIX
Female Solo: SJ Mortimer
Male Solo: George Bone
Rock: A Different Kitchen
Alternative: Dog At The Opera
Rap: Tone Blanco
18 & Under: Mirada
Heavy: Bangkitan
Electronic & Experimental: Fred Close Folk & Americana: Ross Stewart
New Band: The Disagreement
Breakthrough Artist: Lost Robbins
Breakout Artist: Chest
Audience Choice: Jamie Wiltshire
Audience Voted Awards:
Venue of the Year: The Portland Arms
Producer of the Year: Jake Day
Video of the Year: The Frestonians
Festival of the Year: Strawberry Fair
The live performances were a great mix and a couple of the performances were a combined effort from more than one artist, which was a great idea:
Lost Robbins
Hollow Waves
George Bone
Mullholland Jive
Mirada
The Contrives & The Disagreements
Seasonz & guests who were Maxwell & Dominyka
Headcheck
Fleas
What’s so good with The NMG Awards are the Artists Development Prizes, where all the prizes are useful for emerging artists who have tight budgets to get their music out there. Prizes included things like merch bundle, van hire, publicity shoot, studio time, headline gig, gig & festival slots and more.
Winners:
Sam Milne & The Tyrants, Read The Room, Gabby Rivers, Lost Robbins, Isla May, Crying in Colour, The Contrives, The Fifth Flaw, Ross Stewart, Hollow Waves, Conra, Pink Serene, Like Optimists, Kinlis, A Different Kitchen, Accidental Fortune, BlankTalk.
In a complete surprise to host and founder Tim Willett, the night included a special honour: the NMG Legacy Award. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the awards, the tribute recognised Tim’s decade-and-a-half of championing independent artists. In a wonderful moment, a video compilation of recorded messages from acts he has promoted over the years played on the screen, leaving Tim struggling to keep his composure. There was a standing ovation.
As always we must genuinely thank the sponsors:
Here We Aren’t, Grapevine, East Anglian Festival Network, The Plough – Shepreth, The Portland Arms, Neon Street Touring, Cambridge Wine Royston, Hamford Studio, Hunter Club Arts Centre, ShyCat, Bandmade Merch, OffBeat Tickets, Sugar Tours, Buntingford Brewery, Behind The Music
The whole awards night was live streamed and if you want to watch and see what the regions grassroots music has to offer you can watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/5MMFS0I1jY4?si=qkxp3kdBL1SF5Gpw
Next year’s awards are already in the diary : Friday 10th September 2027
