This act is the ‘next big thing’ and will have a growing fanbase and social media presence. They will have played some busy grassroots venues in their hometown and beyond. Although the winner of this award may not be signed to a label, they may well have management and be gathering attention from the industry.
The winner of Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by The Cavern Club, will be announced at the show.
Shortlist:
Beth Mccarthy – York
York-born Beth McCarthy is a pop-rock artist telling the stories of twenty-something misfits navigating identity, love, friendships. Beth has one of the loudest voices in the UK’s LGBTQ+ community, with her following growing x3 in just a few months to 1.6M followers across all platforms. Taking influence from the likes of P!nk, Avril Lavigne and Miley Cyrus, she shares fan audiences with Chappell Roan, Fletcher, Renee Rap in the UK and across the world.
Chiedu Oraka – Hull
A leading figure in the Northern Rap and Grime scene, Chiedu Oraka, aka ‘The Black Yorkshireman’ defies genres with his blend of raw honesty and social poetry. Raised on North Hull Estate, his bars fill the dancefloor as capably as they serve to portray the Black, working-class experience from the frontlines of a largely white, economically deprived region of the north. Delivered in his city’s distinct accent, Oraka is a fierce representative of a new sound and an amplifier of stories yet to be told.
Luvcat – Liverpool
Born in Liverpool with a longing for mischief, Luvcat ran away with a Parisian circus on the eve of her sixteenth birthday. There she became a magician’s assistant for many years. After a secret, ill-fated affair with the ringmaster, Luvcat performed a final disappearing act and fled on a train through the ocean to the heart of London. She slinked back into society, and, inspired by the dark, playful romance of Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave & The Cure, Luvcat began penning songs of her travels and all the lovers and libertines she met along the way.
Pixey – Liverpool
Pixey is the heir to a lineage of British pop music that is both anthemic and tender. She draws from and reinvents the far-flung sounds which defined her upbringing: the rousing choruses of Britpop, the off-kilter pop of Grimes and the dancefloor-defining instincts of The Prodigy, channelling those influences through a vision that is remarkably fresh.
Seb Lowe – Oldham
Meet Seb Lowe, the rising British indie star at just 20 years old, leading a band comprised of Kate Couriel on violin, Ben Etches on guitar, Joel Goodwin on drums. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artists including Sinead O’Connor, Led Zeppelin, Arctic Monkeys, Eminem, and David Bowie. Seb’s music reflects a blend of their influences. Refusing to confine himself to a single genre, Seb’s sound is a rich tapestry woven with elements from each of his inspirations.
The KTNA – Manchester
The Sisterz of Darkness are now seeing the light! Fresh off the back of a whirlwind 12 months, culminating with the girls working with global brands like Manchester United, Adidas and Chanel. The KTNA twin sisters, who are now well renowned for their heart on sleeve, unapologetically, strong jazz enthused sounds. Which draw upon many elements of their musical grounding. Born in Kenya, raised and residing in Manchester, Hope and Millie Katana weave their candid lyrics around unique productions to create music, which demands to be noticed.
