As nominees for the Unsigned Music Awards are announced, Getintothis‘ Siobhan Matos delves into the music of each act, and recommends five of her favourites.
The Unsigned Music Awards is an event which recognises the talents of – as suggested by its name – unsigned artists. Covering fifteen categories, its intention is to advocate the accomplishments of emerging artists with exceptional talents.
This year’s ceremony has chosen London’s iconic Troxy Theatre as its venue, with the awards handed out on October 27, and for the first time in the event’s history it will be televised, with hosts Laura Whitmore and Chris Stark from BBC Radio 1 on presenting duties.
In an age where it is becoming less difficult to be heard, but more difficult to be discovered as an artist, the Unsigned Music Awards plays a crucial role. Whether the acts involved have made the conscious decision to remain independent, or are simply waiting for their big break, this televised ceremony aims to expose their musical talents.
Poring over the music of some fifty-two nominees has been a pleasure rather than a chore for Getintothis; it was clear that these acts are all very talented. However, from that longlist of fifty-two, we have selected five of our favourites. There are intriguing sounds, voices and messages aplenty; others have shown an interesting concept in the music that stood them apart from the competition.
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Broken Witt Rebels
Broken Witt Rebels (Photo credit: Sally Newhouse)
The first of these stand-out acts is Broken Witt Rebels, with their intoxicating blend of blues-sodden, sultry, humid music displaying all the solidity of a British rock legacy merged with confidence of an atmospheric deep south soulful Americana. They have just recently dropped their latest track in Georgia Pine, which gives a typically rootsy preview of their sound, and are set to close the Unsigned Music Awards ceremony at the Troxy with a live performance of Guns.
Cat Clyde
Cat Clyde (Photo credit: Artist Facebook)
With a very different kind of sound, Canadian singer-songwriter Cat Clyde was next to tickle our fancy. Her velvety vocal creates instant relaxation, transporting the listener back to the soulful days of her vocal inspirations such as Patsy Cline and Janis Joplin. A modern twist on the music of those who have influenced her, Cat Clyde mixes country, blues, jazz and ragtime to create a unique sound. She’s currently in the midst of a tour of the United States, set to wrap up early next month.
Too Many T’s
Too Many T’s (Photo credit: Artist Facebook/Caitlin Mogridge)
Bringing a hip-hop vibe to the table are Too Many T’s, two guys pairing up addictive melodies and impressive rap capabilities, particularly on the catchy new single Sixty’s Ford. Their music is comparable to artists with an unashamedly poppish leaning such as Rizzle Kicks, while their influences like De La Soul and the Beastie Boys also seep through loud and clear. Having formed in 2012, Too Many T’s debut album South City is out soon, with the pair planning a headline UK tour next year.
Narrow Plains
Narrow Plains (Photo credit: Artist Facebook)
London three-piece Narrow Plains provide an acoustic-indie quality to our list of unsigned impresarios. Already multi-award winners, the band released their debut album via the tiny Smart Indie EM Records label in February of this year, with their latest single I Should Have Known receiving love from all over the place. Their album launch show also sold out The O2 Islington; no mean feat for a band of Narrow Plains‘ stature
Mullally
Mullally (Photo credit: Artist Facebook)
Finally, we come to Mullally, a pop-soul act from London, by way of Great Yarmouth. This artist enchanting vocal is comparable to artists such as Sam Smith. His music will lift your spirits, have you clicking your fingers, and leave you desperate to learn the lyrics. His track Wonderful has clocked up over 1,000,000 plays on Spotify, and Mullally has enjoyed support slots for the likes of Akala and Tiggs Da Author, ahead of his own headline show at London’s Waiting Room early next year.
The Unsigned Music Awards ceremony takes place on Thursday, October 27 at the Troxy Theatre, London.
The full list of nominations is as follows:
BEST EP / ALBUM / RECORD:
Chariots (Chariots EP)
Brother & Bones (Brother & Bones)
AKS (Train of Thought)
Rothwell (Two EP)
Jerry Williams (Let’s Just Forget It)
BEST MUSIC VIDEO:
Only Shadows (Too Late)
Gunship (Revel In Your Time)
The Kings Parade (Bunched Up Letters)
Room 94 (So What)
BEST LIVE ACT:
Only Shadows
Broken Witt Rebels
Brother & Bones
Too Many T’s
BEST INTERNATIONAL EP / ALBUM / RECORD:
Eriel Indogo (Elevate EP)
Gosto (Coloured Silhouettes)
Madyx (Worth The Risk EP)
Cat Clyde (Like A Wave EP)
Donica Knight (Can’t Buy A Southern Girl)
BEST INTERNATIONAL MUSIC VIDEO:
Burn The Ballroom (Crazy)
Bebe Cool (Love You Everyday)
Madyx (Some Kisses)
Lion In The Mane (Waiting)
BEST SONGWRITER:
Cat Delphi
Dani Sylvia
The Scheme
Anna Pancaldi
MUSICPRENEUR:
Room 94
The Daydream Club
Cadell
Anno Domini
BEST MALE SOLO ACT:
Mullally
Rich Lown
Jordan Mackampa
Grumble Bee
BEST FEMALE SOLO ACT:
Elle Exxe
Cat Delphi
Rothwell
Anna Pancaldi
BEST URBAN ACT:
Nyne
J-Sol
AKS
Mugun
BEST ELECTRONIC / DANCE ACT:
Gunship
MAJIK
MAJ
UHURU
BEST ROCK ACT:
Brother & Bones
DIV/DES
Tiny Folds
Broken Witt Rebels
BEST COUNTRY / FOLK ACT:
Westerman
August and After
Mia and the Moon
Narrow Plains
Hanging Valleys
BEST JAZZ / BLUES ACT:
Kat Eaton
Malaika
Brother Zulu
David Kofi
YOUTH MUSIC AWARD:
Sharve
Momac
Zoe Unsworth
Tai Isabella
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