OMA’s 2023

Oak Productions have worked with many original artists in Dorset both on live events and in a recording and production setting. They would like to say the following about the awards:

2This event is a great opportunity for music creators from Dorset to showcase their talents and be recognised for their outstanding achievements. We can’t wait to see the nominations and hear all the amazing music created! The OMA’s are an exciting event that celebrates originality and creativity in music and we are proud to be a part of it”.

They are huge supporters of the Dorset music scene and can be seen out and about at various original music nights in the area. Here’s a little bit more about them:

Following successful careers in the City of London, wife and husband team Lynn and David Coleman are now developing a number of film and tv projects. DAL Productions focus on real life events and contemporary world issues that play a large role in the creation and development of their scripts and/or characters. You can find out more about them here https://www.dalproductions.co.uk/

Luke English runs English Media, a music law firm based in Christchurch.

Luke has been in the media industry for over 24 years. He worked as a lawyer for Sony Music with artists such as Rita Ora, One Direction and George Ezra.

Luke has supported the local music talent including at events such as Live and Unheard in Poole, guest speaking at the annual Absolute Music showcase in Poole Barton Court Studios annual showcase in New Milton and being a judge at Open Mic UK in Southampton.

Over the three years it has been running, English Media has supported and educated many music artists and music producers giving them advice about protecting their copyright and how to negotiate music contracts. Find out more here http://www.english-media.com

Dorset’s first ever community radio station.

Avid supporters of original musicians they work hard to help them keep their music out there and accessible by adding as much content as they can to their shows. This includes Ben Bennett’s excellent weekly show ‘Wired’ which features only local musicians. We are incredibly proud to have them on board supporting this industry event.

They are a completely independent, not for profit organisation produced and presented by local people, for local people. You can find out more about their shows and listen live here: https://forestfm.co.uk/

“Here at the Cavern Club Dorset, our aim is to be able to support up and coming artists and offer them the chance to promote their original music through playing at our unique, historic venue.

We feel this is a very important factor for emerging musicians to consider, as being able to showcase and express their thoughts through music is one of the main reasons that artists choose to pursue that career.

At our Open Mic Nights, we have a diverse and wide array of talented songwriters/artists and we give them a platform to showcase their work, and possibly open up new paths and create contacts with many music professionals. “

The Allendale centre is a huge supporter of the local original music scene. Hosting it’s weekly original music nights in the cafe and always on hand to support musicians needing a venue to put on their own gigs.

It really is a proper centre for the community, supporting the local food bank and providing a safe space for people to come together and socialise over a coffee.

We are very proud to have them on board as a sponsor and you can find out more about their facilities here https://www.theallendale.org/

This award is sponsored by Alex’s parents Colin and Jane Lambie.

The winner of this award will have shown great perseverance in overcoming adversity to reach their potential in music.

Alex JT was diagnosed in his early years with being on the Autistic Spectrum and suffering from Aspergers Syndrome. He was an avid musician and software genius who used his skills to help others achieve their music goals.

Sadly Alex passed away suddenly in 2014 aged just 29 from ‘SADS’ (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome). A loss that was unexpected and heartbreaking for family and friends. However, 8 years on from Alex’s death his achievements continue to be cataloged and memorialised.

Throughout my music life I’ve seen how music and musicians get put into specific genres. Not that there is anything wrong with genres, everything is inspiring in some way…..I’m just saying as an artist, I don’t have a particular one myself.
In my band days, I met many promoters and record company people who said they wouldn’t know what to do to promote the band because we “didn’t fit into any genre”. When actually the point was, we didn’t want to.

When I started out writing as a solo artist, I got the same feedback about my own music and I see it as a strength. The music that comes out of my head jumps from one thing to another, sometimes in the same song. That is how my untamed and untrained creativity flows, so I embrace it. It gives me freedom to go anywhere in music.

When I heard about the OMA, I saw an opportunity to give something back to other artists like me. Specifically, to give public recognition, encouragement and support to a solo artist or band who:

A) Writes their own music.

And
B) Either has a style of music that changes from song to song or who has a musical style so unique, they have in effect become an original genre of their own making.

Robert Lowe is a musician, writer and producer of conceptual albums, singles and other collaborative music projects. All albums and singles are available on all digital download and steaming sites http://www.robertlowemusic.com

This sponsor is, at the moment a confidential one as this is a brand new company and we can’t spill the beans about them yet.

We can tell you though that what they are working on will revolutionise our industry.

We are very honoured to have them on board sponsoring this event.