The Mayor of London Boris Johnson is to host a glittering celebration of musical talent, when the inaugural London Music Awards take place at the Roundhouse on Wednesday 11 June.
Already close to being a sell-out, this exciting new event is being staged to recognise the achievements of London's aspiring young musicians, its rising stars and legendary performers. Amongst those set to perform on the night are Soul II Soul, as well as emerging artists such as Brit School musician Natalie Shay, singer-songwriter Kimberley Anne and Croydon based Hip-Hop trio Hawk House presenting their new video. Making sure that the proceedings run to time will be Classic FM DJ Margherita Taylor.
The London Music Awards will also be an important fundraiser for the Mayor's Music Fund, a charity that nurtures and develops the skills of talented children from across London’s 32 boroughs. In just two years the fund has given out grants worth £1.3m, impacting on over 14,000 young musicians, with plans to grow its reach every year.
The music industry is showing its support for the capital's music-makers, with major players helping to make the event a virtual sell-out. Tables are being hosted by the likes of Sony, Universal, Warner, Live Nation, UK Music, AEG, as well as firms like CHIME, News International and SRLV. Organisers hope to raise even more on the night, thanks to an auction, which will be led by Channel 4 news anchor Jon Snow.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson says: "The Mayor's Music Fund is doing a fantastic job helping to nurture the potential of talented young musicians, who might not otherwise be able to develop their skills. As well as being a fundraiser, the London Music Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the talent that has helped ensure London's status as the music capital of the world."
The London Music Awards are being sponsored by luxury watch brand Raymond Weil, who will also present the Rising Star award. Media Partner the Evening Standard will be presenting the London Legend award and there will be a Time Out award for London's favourite music venue voted for by the magazine's readers. Other awards are being sponsored by ABRSM, PRS for Music, Live Nation, the Mackintosh Foundation and SRLV Accountants. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Mayor’s Music Fund’s charitable activities.
A total of nine awards are being handed out at what will become an annual event. There will be six music awards:
1. Outstanding Mayor’s Music Scholars
2. Outstanding Musical Collaboration
3. Undiscovered Talent
4. Rising Star
5. Young Composer/songwriter
6. London Legend presented by Time Out
There will be three non-performance awards:
• London’s favourite music venue (Time Out reader vote)
• Music Philanthropist
• Special award for an individual who has made a significant contribution to music in the capital
