How Can Awards and Recognition Impact the Local Music Industry?

It's year three for the Shropshire Music Awards and this year is set to be the biggest yet.

Tim Rogers (AKA Telford rapper Trademark Blud) founded the Shropshire Music Awards and Culture Tainment CIC. He established the awards to 'recognise outstanding talent and achievements in Shropshire', with an emphasis on celebrating the local music scene as a whole.

We were in attendance of the last two awards and have seen, first hand, the impact of the networking, performance opportunities, social media attention and...the long-term effect winning those all important awards.

We caught up with Tim to find out more about this year's preparations now that nominations have opened...

Networking - with all nominees invited to the awards, the last few years has been a who's-who of Shropshire's music scene. We have loved the chance to meet so many amazing people in person (finally), but we have also loved that some meetings at the awards have ended in musical collaborations! ...and cracking ones at that!

Performances - the Shropshire Music Awards isn't a night only about the awards, but also about the mega show which goes alongside it. Last year saw sensational performances from the likes of MissInk, Black Bear Kiss, Macy O and, the man himself, Mr Trademark Blud in front of a massive audience, on a huge stage and among peers. Last year also saw a return performance of Telford College band COFFEE. Seeing their confidence grow between those performances and hearing their music on the podcast following it has bee amazing, they are a band to keep an eye on!

Winning Awards - no, it's not all about the winning...but even being nominated has been a door-opener for many Shropshire Artists. There is something so important about the recognition of an award from people who know what they are talking about to help with self promotion. It can be tough to say 'my music is great', 'our venue is the best', or 'our event is amazing', so having a nomination or winning an award makes it much easier to celebrate your own success.

So why celebrate all aspects of the local music scenes?

Beyond awards linked to performers and songwriters, the nomination categories also include:

Best Venue

Best Open Mic Night

Best Event

Best Charity Event (Music Events only)

Best Festival

Pushing Boundaries Award (for musical successes outside of Shropshire)

Community Champion ( for outstanding contributions to the community)

Best Music Store

Best Event Promoter (This is a person not an event)

Best Production Company

Best Music Podcast

Best Instrumentalist (Any instrument including digital)

Let's not ignore the category for 'Best Music Podcast' ....

But why? The venues, events, festivals and stores give creatives the chance to showcase what they do and push their music beyond digital platforms. We think this is one of the things which makes the Shropshire Music Awards so special, the chance to celebrate the unsung heroes who create the opportunities to allow Shropshire's music makers to develop and grow.

Have you nominated anyone for an award yet? ...if the answer is no, then here is where you can do it:

Shropshire Music Awards

Find out more about The Shropshire Music Awards on social media and at their website:

www.shropshiremusicawards.co.uk

...and don't forget to add Thursday 3rd October 2024 to your diary for the awards this year!