The Rising Star Award (Artist) is sponsored by Capitol Records
Bringing the legendary Hollywood label name over from the US in 2013, the Capitol Records UK team have recently experienced enormous success in a relatively short time. Although one of the smallest of the UK labels, they punch well above their weight with artists such as Sam Smith, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Liam Payne, Mae Muller & The Academic, and Grammys, BRIT Awards and even an Oscar under their belt.
For a rising musical group or solo artist from a Youth Music-funded project that is making waves in the music industry. The nominee is actively engaging within the music industries, i.e. touring, or releasing new music, or featuring in radio and press, etc.
Meet the winners...
English Teacher
Music Leeds, Launchpad (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Combining a sentimental yet sharp sense of quintessentially Northern storytelling with melodies that teeter between the idiosyncratic and the accessible, Leeds quartet English Teacher might have only revved fully into gear less than two years ago, but are already carving out a niche that feels singular. Formed in and around Leeds University, English Teacher have been handpicked to support Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Parquet Courts and Yard Act, receiving early doors support from NME, DIY and BBC 6 Music as well as placing second in Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent competition along the way. They have recently signed to Island Records.
Joash
Contact, 24 Beats (North West)
Dubbed “the future of British Asian music” by BBC Asian Network’s Bobby Friction, Joash released his debut single ‘Company’ in 2020 whilst still at college. The Punjabi folk infused dancehall track garnered the attention of BBC Asian Network’s Bobby Friction and landed Joash artist of the week on The Global Desi Beats Show. Since then Joash’s releases have received mass amounts of airplay including BBC Radio 1. The young artist has also appeared on many blogs, both UK based and international. Joash's first EP ‘Summer’s Over’ has fused Bhangra and Bollywood with hip-hop and R&B sounds aiming to create something unique to go along with his bilingual vocals. The EP tells a story of a relationship during the pandemic/lockdown through each song at a different stage. Listeners should expect something different, something "unique, universal and unforgettable". It's a fusion of different cultures, generations and genres to create the new sound of British Asian music. Since starting off in music, Joash has released a 4 track EP and 11 other songs, 1 of which, 'Call on Me' ft Hana Malik got featured on BBC Future Sounds. In addition to this, Joash has performed at more than 10 events Nationally, supporting international acts such as; B Young, Juggy D, Imran Khan, Panjabi MC, Tasha Tah, D8, F1rst Man, Zack Knight plus more.
Niques
Ministry Of Life Education CIC, Levelz Up (Wales)
Niques is a Hip-Hop / RnB artist who currently resides in Cardiff. Her sassy attitude and life experiences gives her music old school vibes and a relatable feel. She projects her humour through her creations, along with her catchy personality and phenomenal stage presence. She has been played on BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio 1, and was Number 1 in the Juno download charts in the UK Garage genre. Her latest release Coming To My Yard is UK Funky. A club banger, it projects her love and passion for food and is produced by Zippy & mixed by Sam Binga.
Youth Music Awards 2022
The Youth Music Awards celebrates the most forward-thinking projects and people making, learning and earning in music. From artists and entrepreneurs to grassroots projects and young leaders, the event recognises an exciting range of trailblazers from across the scene.
Youth Music Awards 2022 Judges
Check out which music industry figures was on the roster in 2022 judging our music categories.
Outstanding Act Award sponsored by Capitol Records
For a group or solo artist from a Youth Music project who is already making waves in the music industry.