The winner of the GIT Award 2014 will be revealed tonight, Getintothis gives you the lowdown ahead of the Kazimier spectacle.
Figures from Merseyside and the national music scene will gather at Liverpool’s Kazimier tonight, to find out which of the 12 shortlisted artists will receive the GIT Award 2014.
The GIT Award 2014 shortlist is (click on each artist for an interview/new music):
All We Are.
Evian Christ.
Circa Waves.
Dan Croll.
Ex-Easter Island Head.
Forest Swords.
Mad Brains.
Ninetails.
Outfit.
Bill Ryder-Jones.
The Tea Street Band.
VEYU.
The industry showcase will be compered by the High Priest of Spectacle – Howard Be Thy Name in a lavish 70s style spectacle which will include performances from the shortlisted artists plus an aftershow and specially produced set pieces produced by a team of set designers and production crew.
Now in its third consecutive year, The GIT (Getintothis) Award, champions the best of Merseyside music providing a snapshot of the year in music, recognising significant artistic achievement across a range of musical styles.
This year’s shortlist was selected by national industry figureheads consisting of The Quietus editor John Doran, Music Week editor Tim Ingham, former Creation Records‘ boss Alan McGee, BBC Radio 6 Music‘s Camilla Pia, author and journalist Simon Price, Popjustice editor Peter Robinson, Guardian journalist Jude Rogers, XFM deputy programme manager Mike Walsh and NME radar editor Matt Wilkinson.
The judging panel was completed by respected Merseyside music players including Liverpool Music Week director Mike Deane, Sound City and Club EVOL promoter Steve Miller, Liverpool International Music Festival curator Yaw Owusu, Bido Lito! editor Craig Pennington – and GIT Award founder and Liverpool Echo journalist, Peter Guy.
This year, the Kazimier will transform their unique venue into a decadent studio of lavish 70s pomp and glitz complete with sequins, navel grazing necklines, ultra suede leisure suits and all manner of shimmer and sparkle with guests encouraged to dress the part.
A teaser of the One To Watch Award in the making plus the individual mementos created by ArchiPhonic
Following the show, the Quietus editor John Doran and journalist and Brighton DJ Simon Price – both GIT Award judges – will take to the decks for the aftershow. On the Merseyside front, Abandon Silence residents will also man the DJ booth throughout the evening.
Dubbed ‘the Scouse Mercury Prize,’ backed by Yoko Ono and the cornerstones of Merseyside’s flourishing cultural community, the winner of the GIT Award 2014 is revealed on Friday April 11 at The Kazimier in Wolstenholme Square – picking up a cheque for £1,000.
Mike Walsh, XFM Head Of Music, said: “The GIT Award shortlist proves yet again that Liverpool continues to be one of the most consistently creative and musically rich cities in the world. The strength and diversity of artists on this list reminds us why Liverpool is still the benchmark for other cities to envy.”
Since its re-launch in November 2013 up until the closing date at the end of January 2014, the GIT Award received more than 500 entries with the judges carefully whittling them down to just 12.
NME‘s Matt Wilkinson, said: “The GIT Award 2014 shortlist is seriously impressive. What I like most about it is the sheer variety of the nominated acts. None of them fit together on paper as they’re all so different musically, yet each act is pushing the boundaries in their own special way. Liverpool is thriving in its own diversity – and I can’t remember the scene being this eclectic for decades.”
Lapsley – the GIT Award 2014 One To Watch – picture by Adam Johns.
New for the GIT Award 2014 edition, Lapsley will receive the One To Watch Prize receiving studio time at Liverpool’s legendary Parr Street Studios and mentoring from sponsors Merseyside Arts Foundation.
Live visuals, the One To Watch Award and mementoes for each nominee will be created by Liverpool architectural design agency ArchiPhonic who have overseen projects in the Baltic Triangle. Meanwhile Liverpool’s Royal Standard Art Gallery director, Mike Aitken will create two specially designed awards for the winners of the GIT Award 2014 and The Inspiration Award.
GIT Award founder and chair of judges, Peter Guy, said: “The 2014 GIT Award reaffirms my belief that there’s no region in the UK that can match the artistic ambition, technical craft and musical innovation that’s currently unfolding across Merseyside.
“Each of the artists on this year’s shortlist have garnered international press and radio while entertaining sell out audiences in Tokyo, South Africa, Sydney, New York and almost the entirety of Europe – and yet, most exciting of all, the majority are in their infancy. April 11 at a transformed Kazimier is set to be an exhilarating evening.”
Further reading on Getintothis
GIT Award 2014: Meet our host Howard Be Thy Name plus aftershow details.
Introducing Lapsley: The GIT Award 2014 One To Watch winner.
The GIT Award 2014: the shortlisted nominees in detail.
GIT Award 2014: Shortlist announced ahead of Kazimier ceremony.
GIT Award 2014 launches One To Watch prize.
GIT Award 2014 judging panel announced.
Review and pictures from GIT Award 2014 launch at Leaf.
GIT Award 2014 returns with Leaf launch ahead of Kazimier spectacular in April.
GIT Award 2013: Baltic Fleet: To be involved and win will always stay with me
The GIT Award 2013 report, reaction and review from Leaf Tea Shop, Liverpool.
GIT Award 2013 winner announced as Justice Collective win Inspiration Award
GIT Award 2013: picture gallery featuring Baltic Fleet, Nadine Carina, Conan, John Heckle, Tyler Mensah and more.
