Strictly might be over for another year but turn yer attention local and there’s still another talent competition to keep us entertained. Craig, Motsi and Shirley are replaced by a number of known names for the Notts-based Prospect Music Award. Get to know more and place your votes ahead of the finals on NYD...
Launched in 2013 by YMCA Digital presenter EJ Scanlan, Prospect Music Awards offers a “similar vibe to The BRITs Rising Star or the BBC Music Sound Of...”, showcasing new or growing artists and giving them the recognition they deserve. Previously named Rising Star until it rebranded to Prospects in 2020, past nominees have included now household names such as The Vamps, FKA Twigs, MNEK, Sampha, Jess Glynne, Young T and Bugsey and more, with Arlo Parks crowned last year’s winner.
A number of Nottingham creatives with a nose for spotting talent join EJ on the panel of judges, including Will Kent, Head of YMCA Digital, Maddy Chamberlain, Co-Head of Phlexx Records and Production Manager at The Bodega, James Denham, Journalist and Founder of Black Friends and Francesca Biscozzi, Creative Director and Artist Counsellor. Votes from the judges are combined with the public’s choice to decide the winner.
Starting off with 25 new artists across all genres, now the competition has been narrowed down to the 10 names that will be put forward for the Grand Final, which will be announced on New Year’s Day. Voting closes at 23:59 on Sunday 27th December, with the finalists listed below, including some local talent.
Prospect Music Awards 2021 Finalists
Adelphi Music Factory
Genre: Electronica
From: Sheffield, UK
Description: Pure, high-powered dance music with thunderous electronic grooves.
For Fans Of: Becky Hill, Camelphat, Gorgon City
Listen to: Javelin (Calling Out Your Name)
Alfie Templeman
Genre: Alternative / Indie
From: Bedfordshire, UK
Description: Polished and sugar-coated indie-pop.
For Fans Of: Circa Waves, Sea Girls, Sports Team
Listen to: Happiness In Liquid Form
Note: Alfie will be appearing at The Bodega in 2021.
Ashnikko
Genre: Hip-Hop / Pop
From: North Carolina, USA
Description: Super-sensationalist feminist rap.
For Fans Of: blackbear, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion
Listen to: Daisy
Greentea Peng
Genre: R&B
From: London, UK
Description: Neo-Soul with a jazz twist.
For Fans Of: Biig Piig, IAMDDB, Joy Crookes
Listen to: Hu Man
Note: Originally on the lineup for 2020’s Wigflex City Festival, we hope to catch her in our city very soon.
Holly Humberstone
Genre: Pop
From: Grantham, UK
Description: The East Midlands indie-pop star who’s making waves across the Atlantic.
For Fans Of: Ella Henderson, Maisie Peters, The Staves
Listen to: Overkill
Joesef
Genre: Alternative / Indie
From: Glasgow, UK
Description: Self-confessed “emotional sad boy”
For Fans Of: Arlo Parks, Celeste, Loyle Carner
Listen to: Does It Make You Feel Good?
Koffee
Genre: Reggae
From: Spanish Town, Jamaica
Description: The Grammy-Award winner re-inventing the Reggae genre.
For Fans Of: Ella Mai, Popcaan, Stylo G
Listen to: Pressure
Matilda Mann
Genre: Indie
From: London, UK
Description: Beautiful acoustic indie-folk.
For Fans Of: Billie Marten, Clairo, Fenne Lily
Listen to: Happy Anniversary, Stranger
Sinead O Brien
Genre: Indie
From: Limerick, Ireland
Description: Spoken-word Irish post-punk.
For Fans Of: Do Nothing, Kae Tempest, SOAK
Listen to: Taking On Time
Squid
Genre: Indie
From: Brighton, UK
Description: Multi-tentacled art-rock polymaths.
For Fans Of: black midi, Do Nothing, The Murder Capital
Listen to: Houseplants
As well as a new name, Prospect Music Award also welcomed Hannah Clarke as its online presenter for 2020. Head to the YouTube channel to see her interviews with the judges, a history of the awards and announcements as they come.
Prospect Music Awards will announce 2021’s winner at 3pm on 1 January 2021.
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