OMA’s 2024

This event takes place on Friday 17th January 2025

Tickets include a posh two course table buffet, photos on the red carpet and a complimentary brochure https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/original-music-awards-2025/

Final Nominees

Accessibility & Inclusivity

Echotown Studio

Building Echotown Studio literally from the ground up gave Grace and Nick Capaldi a head start in designing something that was important to them. Grace, being a full time wheelchair user had previously travelled with her husband and musician Nick to various studios where they noted how hard access was. Sometimes even just getting through the main entrance was either impossible or would require a plan. So, much pre-planning and research went into make sure they could offer a fully accessible recording studio for all to use.

Nick said their ethos was and always will be – “If we can take away the anxiety for a disabled musician coming to our studio before they even leave the house, then that frees them up to just concentrate on what they want to be concentrating on, whether that be attending a gig, playing an instrument, producing or making a podcast. Whatever their reason or project, we want everybody to feel not only welcome, but confident that they can just come straight in, grab a coffee and let their creativity fly”
Grace adds “We are always looking for feedback in the hope that, if there is anything we have missed or that could be improved then we can make it happen”.
In the 3 years Echotown has been open, many disabled clients have had the experience that Grace and Nick wished for and that in itself has made the whole project more than worthwhile.
St Bartholomews church in Shapwick has been hosting acoustic based acts for some years now. With its unique acoustics and full accessibility features it’s become a popular choice for touring artists and local musicians to step into an intimate experience whilst allowing the audiences to immerse themselves into the subtleties of this amazing venue.
Located on the outskirts of Blandford Forum in the maltings of the old brewery, the Brewery Tap is steeped in history and the perfect place to sample their unique, characterful beers. Serving excellent food it is a venue for all ages. It also hosts live music evenings some of which feature original artists.
It is fully accessible for wheelchair users with a lift to the restaurant/bar area and performance space and a flat floor making it easy for performers who need wheelchair access to perform.

Best Tech/Backstage Crew

“Working as technicians in a large, multi-venue arts centre can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. At Lighthouse, we handle a wide range of responsibilities, including lighting, sound, stage management, fly systems, projection/AV, streaming, cinema operations, and rigging just to name a few!

We are truly honoured to receive a nomination for “Best Tech Support/Backstage Crew” from the OMA Awards. It’s rare for technicians to receive recognition for the work we do behind the scenes, and we are deeply grateful to be included among this year’s nominees.”
The Old Fire Station has been a cornerstone of our university community for over 30 years, hosting an array of live music performances and club nights. From major touring acts to emerging local talent, our stage has been graced by some of the most exciting names in music over the years. What makes all that possible is our team—a passionate, student collective open to everyone at the university. We pride ourselves on providing hands-on training in all aspects of running a professional music venue, helping our team members develop the skills and confidence to thrive in the entertainment industry after graduation. This nomination celebrates the dedication, creativity, and hard work of everyone involved in keeping our venue at the heart of student life and live music culture.
RMV Sounds
Steve xx provides sound equipment and services to lots of local events.
You’ll often see his dreadlocks bobbing away behind the desk or feverishly restarting the bands between sets.
Steve is renowned for his positive, professional, personable and accurate sonic creations.

Best Open To All

Acoustic Connection
Founded in 2016 in Ringwood, The Acoustic Connection was created to give a platform to the wealth of amazing local talent from this area and to bring together and support the local community which is something very close to our hearts.
Live music is a genuine passion for them and their focus has always been to highlight and support the incredible songwriters and musicians this area has to offer.
They have worked closely with the local community over the years with their monthly events at various venues in Dorset and Hampshire, and also organize charity events supporting local causes.
Inclusion and community are two of the pillars of the philosophy of the Belvedere Sunday Jam, after beginning as a monthly blues jam session 5 years ago! Growing up in Weymouth, the hosts are aware of the rich musical history of the town and keeping these traditions alive is central to our approach at every jam – it does not matter if you are a master of your instrument or have never played a note before, all are welcomed and encouraged to get up, play, but most of all, enjoy it! If you are a beginner we want you to inspire yourself and feel part of the Belvedere family; if you are a pro, come on down and help make some of the biggest, smallest, intricate, simple, sounds we can make because everyone knows there is absolutely nothing better than a Sunday afternoon jam!
Si Genaro
A singer songwriter known amongst other things for his appearances on TV show ‘The Voice’ in 2014 and 2015. He has played onstage/worked with a wide range of artists including Nizlopi, David Essex and Jamelia.
He is passionate about encouraging others to write and perform their original material. Currently recording a new album, playing solo gigs and appearing with various bands he often teams up with local artists from his open mics on various musical projects and collaborations.
You can find him hosting these at Chaplins & The Cellar Bar (Boscombe), the Thomas Tripp (Christchurch), The Elm Tree (Ringwood), Drift (Poole), The Cockleshell (Poole) and The Three Compasses (Dorchester).

Best Under 18

Charlotte Geary
Charlotte is a 17 year old singer/songwriter and gigging musician. She has been writing, recording, releasing and performing her own songs for at least 4 years now and is currently working on her first EP. She aspires for her lyrics to eventually act as a platform for people to relate to and feel inspired by. She writes and performs mostly in the pop genre but also loves taking inspiration from songwriters in genres such as country and folk too.
Phoebe-Rose
Phoebe-rose has been writing and creating her own music for around 5-6 years.
Both ‘Tricked’ and ‘To Me’ talk about heartbreak and betrayal, with a more passive-aggressive and fun take to the topic.
Both songs received play time on BBC music introducing, with her first single ‘Tricked’ receiving track of the week!
Jazz and RnB, are two of Phoebe’s favourite genres, with Billie Eilish and Laufey being her biggest inspirations.
If she could tour the world with her music and write songs as her career, she would!
Shae Ray-Deane
Shae has been playing guitar for 10 years now and music is decidedly where he wants to be. He’s constantly being inspired by other artists which makes him want to see how far he can push the limits of his creation and performance as well. He attend the Bournemouth Academy of Modern Music (BAMM) and music is what he spends the majority of his time focused on both improving and learning more about the industry. Shae says “I’m honoured to have been nominated for this award and wish the very best of luck to everyone else attending, thank you very much”

Best Breakthrough Act

ELI (formerly Eli Greeneye)

There’s an undeniable surge of authenticity that ensnares you with ELI. This is in no small part due to his ability to navigate music in all its forms.
Heartfelt, thoughtful, and rebelliously vulnerable lyrics projected by a powerful, yet tender voice that soars over a raw and unique wall of pop production.
Drawing inspiration from his past, sex and of course Prince, ELI is an alternative artist with inspiring messages of breaking the victim mentality, making sadness purposeful and discovering power in identity.
Eli’s Debut release “Liar” cuts through with his emotionally drenched voice, over a genre blurring tune that holds you captivated from beginning to end.
The Ben Poore Project is a trio of talented musicians who bring a unique blend of Rock, Americana, Country, and Folk to their music. Lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Ben Poore, along with bassist Dan HM and drummer Matt Axx, have been playing together for years, honing their craft in covers bands before venturing into original music. Drawing inspiration from artists like Frank Turner, Jason Isbell, and Bob Dylan, The Ben Poore Project offers a contemporary sound that showcases their impressive vocal harmonies and diverse influences.
Founded in 2021, Velour are a South Coast-based Synth-Pop duo consisting of Brandon Moss on lead vocals and Joe Grist on synthesizers. Their music blends contemporary synth-pop concepts and structures with the familiar and nostalgia-drenched sounds of previous decades, and bring a sense of heartfelt emotion and melodrama to their sound. Having played alongside the likes of Black Marble, CLT DRP, Discovery Zone and several festival slots, Velour have continued to evolve their stage performances and increase their online presence.

Best Songwriter

Carley is a versatile and talented singer-songwriter and musician. Previously a Pop Artist, Carley is currently exploring the Alternative genre after growing up listening to bands like Linkin Park, Paramore and The Pretty Reckless.
She has been songwriting and playing the guitar and piano since the age of fourteen. In 2016 she was spotted busking in the quaint seaside town of Lymington on the south coast and was soon catapulted onto the stages at The Ritz and The Waldorf in London. Carley and her guitar have been regulars on the Dorset and Hampshire music scene ever since.
She is a standout vocalist with crystal clear delivery. Her performances are joyful events where she brings her effervescent personality to the stage with songs that audiences delight in singing along to.
Carley won a Venus Award for Musical Talent in 2018, she was also an ‘Open Mic’ UK finalist in 2019. Carley was an Original Music Award Finalist (Top 3) for Best Solo Artist in 2023.
Awarded by the OMA’s as “Best Solo Artist” in Dorset, Nia Nicholls is a singer/songwriter who’s reputation precedes her. Her track “Exes”, was named “Track of 2023” by BBC Introducing. She has also received airplay on BBC Kent and BBC Wales.
Nia is a frequent visitor of Nashville, having recorded the majority of her catalogue in Music City – but her efforts don’t just stay in one city. She was the first British artist to be invited to perform at the Texas festival, “In A Jam Down By The River” in 2024.
It’s not just radio stations and festivals who are “Nia Enthusiasts”, country star Dylan Scott cited she was “one to watch”. American songwriter Dean Friedman has also been an advocate for her, making her the support act on his UK tours in 2023 and 2024.
The Ben Poore Project is a trio of talented musicians who bring a unique blend of Rock, Americana, Country, and Folk to their music. Lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Ben Poore, along with bassist Dan HM and drummer Matt Axx, have been playing together for years, honing their craft in covers bands before venturing into original music. Drawing inspiration from artists like Frank Turner, Jason Isbell, and Bob Dylan, The Ben Poore Project offers a contemporary sound that showcases their impressive vocal harmonies and diverse influences.

Best Promoter

Born in 2012 from a chance meeting at a Wurzels gig in Somerset, Fuelled By Cider is now an established and dynamic small event promoter. From humble beginnings of a few local gig promotions we are now running 3 small festivals as well as running regular nights in Bridport, Weymouth and Dorchester, and even further afield in Bristol and London. We are fully committed to original live music across a variety of genres, and strive to make our events as inclusive, welcoming and fun as possible.

We have forged some fantastic long-term relationships with Dorset venues, artists and fellow promoters, and are privileged to be part of such a vibrant live music scene. Our events are a platform for local, upcoming artists to reach good audiences and perform alongside national and international acts. Some of these artists have gone from opening act to headliner at our events and we are proud to be a part of their journey.

Much like cidermaking, we believe that an organic, co-operative and slow-fermenting process is the key to building successful and sustainable live music events. Cheers!
Bear (aka Ryan Mills) started off as a DJ and Rock night promoter back in 2007 working firstly with Sound Circus, then moving on to The Gander and The Metropole with the popular night In Rock We Trust before eventually moving over to live events in 2008. In 2011, Running and managing events at Champions in 2010, plus previous experience, is what led to Bear being head hunted for a brand new Rock Bar on the Lansdowne called The Anvil. Bear would stay with The Anvil for 10 years, helping create a venue that not only provided a stage to local, national and international bands, week in, and week out, but would also work hard to create a home and safe space for the alternative community and safe to say, became part of the furniture. In 2021, after a decade of destruction, Bear left the anvil to start planning his own venture and in July of 2022, opened Rock bar “Bears Bar & Venue” and multi genre venue “Bear Cave” collectively. With the experience from running The Anvil and the ability to expand on ideas with a new, motivated team, and a newer, bigger venue, Bears Bar and Bear Cave is already making a name for it’s itself, with only 2 years behind them, not only locally but on a national and international scale too!
Dan Sullivan, better known to most as Sully.

Dan put his first gig on in 2003 when he was about 15 at Numbers in Boscombe. He then ran regular nights freelance for a number of years at Numbers, Fusion, Mr Smiths, Champions, ibar, the Central and more. He has worked as an events manager at On The Rocks bar, Anvil, Four Horseman and Zephyr. Run the ‘On The Bus Festival’ and started his own pro wrestling events company ACW.
Currently he’s running both the Anvil and the Four Horsemen where he promotes/runs about 5 gigs a week between the 2 sites and has mentored a lot of new promotors along the way. He’s quite rightly very proud of all he has achieved.

Best Original Music Venue

Bears Bar & Venue (and also Bear Cave) is a 3 floor venue located in Lansdowne in the center of Bournemouth. It’s main floor bar and stage caters to all things Rock, be it DJs or bands, with the usual sensibilities you look for in a Rock bar – Good music, great prices and nice atmosphere.
The first floor is home to the venues entertainment with a 70inch TV and communal area, but also a private hire whiskey lounge, suitable for parties, groups or games nights.
Bear Cave, which is located in the basement, is a 150 capacity venue that hosts a wide variety of events, from famous trance DJs, to International metal bands, to 7 piece funk acts.
Dave and his team took on the Tap & Grape in March 2020 just 10 days before lockdown and they have worked hard to build up their live music events. They have bands on Fridays, solo’s or duos on Saturday and Sunday and have this year also introduced a live music showcase.
Dave says “We love the live music scene and want to support musicians as much as we can both those in the local area and further afield we also host international artists during the summer months. We bring in a variety of different craft ales and spirits and try to make sure patrons have the best night possible’
The Owls Nest, West Parley is a traditional 2 room pub that also serves a tasty menu for diners using locally sourced products. Their live music programme includes showcases for original artists, blues jams and bluegrass evenings offering up a completely different slice of original music that you won’t find in every pub. When they do have a covers band it certainly isn’t your run of the mill selection.
They have been going strong with their music for a long time and it’s certainly proving ever popular with patrons.

Best Festival

Alice’s Wicked Tea Party has established itself as the most alternative of alternative music events, embracing the outright avant-garde corners of this fascinating world and representing an international community hell bent on pushing the boundaries of music and art.
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is a small festival set on a farm on the beautiful Jurassic Coastline. We’re a festival that’s loved by everyone because there’s loads for kids to do, loads for parents and loads for the old folkies!

It features outstanding, original young folk, roots and world music. We always encourage the young up and coming musicians too as well as booking national and international folk acts and a good variety of local music. There’s something for everyone.
Rustic Stomp (formally Wonkydonk) is now in its 13th year and has become the UK’s premier alt Americana festival. Focussing on both local and international acts covering all the sub genres within the Countrypolitan arena.

Best Recorded Work EP/Single

Raised on the road, travelling the UK festival circuit, Millie has been soaking up her musical inspiration right from the start. Due to this unique upbringing, Millie is quite the character, with a disarming and honest charm. This shines through in her songwriting, which tackles topics such as mental health, the human condition, and tales from her life’s adventures, like leaving college to travel with the funfair.
“Milk and Bread” is an exploration of the bittersweet journey of life, beautifully capturing the resilience of the human spirit. Through her evocative lyrics, Millie draws a parallel between the natural world and human experience.
After signing to indie-label Gloom Records in early 2024, Velour have since worked with the likes of Darren Lawson (producer for White Lies, Spiritualized & Bloc Party) and Pete Maher (mastering for Depeche Mode, U2 & the 1975), to create their debut EP ‘Last Night at the Paradise Lost’. With this project, the band has unapologetically worn their influences on their sleeve, citing inspirations from the likes of Drab Majesty, White Lies and M83 just to name a few. Bringing a sentimental synth-pop sound with a dreampop-esque production style.
Yaaard
Christopher Catlin was born in Boscombe on a moderately warm day in October of 1976. While at school he formed the noise band Weasel Fury. While none of the group could play an instrument in the conventional style they became an explosive live band between 1991 and 1993. Through the early 2000’s he played in the rock band True Swamp Neglect, recorded two albums and toured the UK.
In 2008 he started using a laptop computer to explore sampling, electronic sounds, broken equipment and more repetitive patterns and called the project YAAARD. Around the same time he ran the ‘frontierless abstract’ record label RECKNO.
Final Yaaard Music was made over a number of years as software updates failed, screens cracked and memory sticks became corrupt. The tracks were an attempt to put human error, failings and feelings into a computer music framework.
In 2014 he formed HESITATION with saxophonist Richard Greenan and recorded three albums including an album of Christmas music.
Currently residing in Dorchester and focusing on songwriting he recently formed a special new band called St Mike. The first St Mike songs will be released in 2025.

Best Recorded Work Album

Helena Mace is a Bournemouth singer songwriter who has just released her 7th studio album. Recently voted Female artist of the year 23, UK country artist of the year 24 and Texas Sounds International Awards winner and European red carpet award winner 24. Her last 3 albums reached Number 1 in the ITUNES country charts and hit the all genre charts.
Helena is very influenced by traditional and modern Country but also all by artists such as Fleetwood Mac. She currently performs material from her albums along with her band.
Grant Mace – Harmonica, percussion and vocals.
Dave Howells-Cole Bass and Vocals
Ian Price – Vocals and Electric guitar.
‘Savage Underdogs’ are a Dorset Folk Rock band delivering finely crafted original tales from land and sea.
Swanage ‘Kelp!’ Shantymen singer and former ‘Devils Rejects’ frontman ‘Matthew Williams’ formed ‘Savage Underdogs’. A loyal Levellers supporter and American blue-collar historian Matt recently recruited Esteban’s drummer and impresario ‘Samuel Cox’ to steady the ship alongside friend and bassist ‘Greg Long’ and Bournemouth guitarist and sound pioneer ‘Neil Gard’.
Lyrically ‘Savage Underdogs’ have something to say about the state of the world, real life and nostalgia, while musically elements of Folk with blends of other popular styles and influences make their sound unique. Sounding like:
Billy Bragg, Levellers, Bruce Springsteen. 2024 has seen the release of Savage Underdogs’ new self produced album “Oak & Stone”, which is now available on all popular music streaming platforms.
Traffic Cone Wizard are an eclectic indie-rock band from Bournemouth, UK, originally formed in 2010. After writing and performing together for just a year, the band split in 2011. They reunited in 2020, bringing a new energy and direction to their sound. In 2023, they released their debut album, We:Are, which blends indie rock, psychedelia, and experimental pop. The album captures the band’s distinctive style, with quirky instrumentals and introspective lyrics.
Traffic Cone Wizard continue to carve out their unique place in the local music scene with their vibrant, genre-defying sound.

Best Recorded Work Video

Nick Capaldi – Lovely People
‘Lovely people’ is the second music video to be released from Nick Capaldi’s album ‘You and all the Seasons’, to raise money for Julia’s House. The song is a celebration of people in our lives who make a positive difference, whether that be friends, colleagues, family or partners. The vibe is fun! So the video had to portray that very feeling and it gave us an excuse to come up with some crazy ideas (like Nick climbing up on the roof with a guitar!).
Roxanne Phillips ‘Peaceful Night’
Roxanne is an emerging folk singer-songwriter whose music brings a breath of fresh air. Her delicate, yet powerful voice, paired with intricate acoustic guitar melodies, paints vivid portraits of life in rural England. Her music has been compared to folk greats such as Laura Marling and Katy Ruby, yet her lyrical honesty and soulful depth carve out a distinct voice in the contemporary folk scene. She has played at some of the most renown festivals across the UK and travels the country with her music, captivating audiences with her intimate performances.
Sereniform – ‘Catch Me’
Welcome to SERENIFORM! A truly mind-blowing Bournemouth based, multi-genre, original music act combining the best of darker musical themes and powerful pop prowess. Prepare to be transported by the sensational sound of saxophone and face-melting guitar solos… sometimes battling it out together in duel solos; it’s quite a scene. This diverse fusion of musical elements is sure to leave you absolutely speechless.

Best Solo Artist

Archie Ray is a Singer/Songwriter from Cornwall. Whilst there he released an EP and two Singles, performed in venues to BBC and Main Stages at festivals. Gaining radio play on Introducing, BBC Cornwall and local stations. Being placed in a Feature Film alongside Declan McKenna in the soundtrack.
After moving to Dorset and forming a band, Archie has already gained radio play and has played numerous local shows and festivals such as Teddy Rocks, Upton House and Anonymous Festival.
Archie performs what he calls “Mixed-Pop” From rock-pop ballads, catchy hip-hop tunes or emotional soundscapes, Archie Ray covers all ground in a live performance, getting the audience involved and singing along. Taking this music recently on a leg of a Tour in Ireland with upcoming artist Brad Heidi.
Kirstie Laurence is an international, award-winning, singer/songwriter- recognisable for her catchy hooks that will capture you and striking lyrics that will move you. A pop/country/alternative vibe with an occasional Latin twist, Kirstie has been performing to crowds both in the UK and overseas for over a decade.
“I like the fact that she dares to be different with her lyrics and it makes the songs more memorable.” Rock Regeneration- 2023
Shannon White is a upcoming Folk punk singer from Poole. Shannon has been a Solo musician gigging around Dorset for about 6 years, playing lot’s of Festivals and Bars. Trying to win people’s hearts with her political fuelled songs and singing about what is important to her. She has supported lot’s of people in the past such as Black Water County and Sinful Maggie and lots of other local bands in the South. Her favourite artists include Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg and Joe Strummer to name a few.

Best Live Act

The Bomo Swing comes bouncing out of Bournemouth, a seven piece band renowned for its high energy and unique blend of Balkan, Reggae, Cumbia and dance. All powered by sizzling Latin drums, jazz influenced bass lines and topped off with spirited gypsy violin. Their upbeat performance and passion will bring a smile to your face and have you dancing your worries away as you enjoy the fiesta with them.
Mischa & His Merry Men (AKA The Merry Many) are an ethically driven, collective of over 50 musicians, with songs crossing multiple genres, with many shows a completely unique line-up and experience. They focus on helping the planet and it’s inhabitants, regularly playing charity events throughout the year, donating proceeds of their record sales to good causes and promoting a message of peace and love.

They are known for getting crowds stomping at festivals such as Boomtown or uplifting audiences with merry melodies at folk festivals across the country. Their line-ups range from delicate trio performances at theatre’s, right up to a 12-piece band at o2 Academy’s and everything in between. So if you want to come on a completely unique, musical and magical journey, come and enjoy the Merry Many!
The Surfin’ Birds are a psychedelic rock and roll surf band led by the Sharod brothers from the South Coast of England.

A core fixture of the southern music scene for over 10 years, brothers Paul and Liam Sharod returned to their sonic-primal garage roots in the bubble of lockdown to create a multitude of new music. Joined by electrifying newcomer, bassist Bobbie Sparks, the Birds have been busy recording three new albums in their portable homegrown studio (funded by countless weekend gigs and Paul’s binman wages) with the intention of capturing the high-octane energy and infectious excitement of their live performances. Inspired by the rawness of old blues records, 70s rock fusion and 60s rhythm & blues, they’ve deliberately pursued a more low-fi sound embedded with that classic dirty, sweaty British attitude. Their next album, Blue Room, is rooted in hardcore Americana, while the following two will aim to push the limits of psychedelic sound.

Best Small Band

Grizzly and The Grasshoppers, fronted by the big man Grizzly Rhys Morgan, bring original music, gritty vocals, blazing lapslide and soaring electric guitar work to the stage – supported by a solid backbone of energetic and dazzling keyboard, thumping drums, driving bass lines and seriously swampy harmonica.
Crowds have been seen swaying, bouncing and jumping as one, as the band bring their own brand of roots and blues to multiple stages around the country.
Nory-J is the indie/ dream pop alter-ego of British musician Jack Spooner. Fluctuating
indie-pop subgenres across his records, his discography has found itself with BBC
Introducing, international reviewers and throughout retail and hospitality businesses
across the UK with Hit Radio’s own Hattie Pearson crowning Spooner as her ‘Off The
Shelf’ artist for co-op radio.
Nory has been on a national tour throughout 2024 and beyond with musicians Heidi
Cole [Keys], Nathan Wallington [Drums] and Ted Spooner [Bass]. His original music has
gained the eyes of press and radio nationwide.
Founded in 2021, Velour are a South Coast-based Synth-Pop duo consisting of Brandon Moss on lead vocals and Joe Grist on synthesizers. Their music blends contemporary synth-pop concepts and structures with the familiar and nostalgia-drenched sounds of previous decades, and bring a sense of heartfelt emotion and melodrama to their sound. Having played alongside the likes of Black Marble, CLT DRP, Discovery Zone and several festival slots, Velour have continued to evolve their stage performances and increase their online presence.

Best Band

MIKEY BALL & THE COMPANY
Are twin guitars, heart felt solos and hard hitting, soul connecting rock, inspired by legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams and The Gaslight Anthem.
With a talent for reaching their audience with a fun show and poetic lyrics, Mikey Ball & The Company really are hard to ignore.

The band landed on the map, releasing their debut album to a packed local show in Bournemouth on 7th October 2022, gaining attention from promoters around the UK. As the 4 piece grew and a new rockier edge came to the table, a real desire for new material pushed them on to record a full debut album. This earned them support slots with the LA Maybe (USA) and Wicked Smile (Aus) to end the year. This set 2023 up for a festival appearance at the fan favourite Call Of The Wild, Lincolnshire, on the back of the first single release and secured a touring support place with Hearts & Hand Grenades late 2023 along with a spot on the line up for Station 18 Festival, Swansea.
As the 4 piece grew and a new rockier edge came to the table, a real desire for new material pushed them on to record a full debut album in 2022.
2023/2024 has seen them continue their upwards trend, with gigs locally and across the country, they certainly aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

Mikey Ball (guitar/vocals), Chris Collins (guitar), Dean Hurst (Bass) and Will Harris (drums).
Sinful Maggie is a punk rock band from Dorset, UK. They burst onto the music scene in 2015 with a unique twist – they wield an accordion. But don’t let that fool you, this is not a Folk-Punk band, this is a Punk band with an accordion. With their fast and aggressive sound, they have been captivating Punk and Oi! fans and defying genre norms ever since.

The band’s founding members Charlie Draper (vocals/guitar), Russ Draper (vocals/bass), and Briony Ireland (vocals/accordion) were drawn together by their shared love for punk rock and a desire to infuse the genre with something unconventional. Sinful Maggie’s early shows in small venues and clubs quickly gained them a devoted following. The band’s raw energy, fuelled by the distinctive sound of Briony’s accordion and Russ’s intricate bass riffs, created a winning combination on stage. In 2016, they released their debut self-titled album with drummer Ollie Beaton, featuring hard-hitting tracks like “Lost and Long Forgotten”, “Nature of Man” and fan-favourite “Shitfaced”, which showcased their gritty yet melodic approach to punk rock. The album received praise from both punk enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre, bolstering their place in the UK’s underground punk scene. They quickly gained recognition for their energetic stage presence and tight performances, fostering a loyal fan-base that eagerly awaited their next release.

In 2022, with the addition of the ever hard-hitting Si Dew on drums, the band dropped their second full-length album, “Psychos & Sycophants.” This offering captured the essence of their fast and aggressive music, weaving tales of those ignored, forgotten and discarded by society. With a growing catalogue of hard-hitting punk and an insatiable hunger to push the boundaries of their sound, Sinful Maggie continues to spread their energetic, socially conscious punk rock, winning over audiences wherever their fast and aggressive music takes them.
If The Strokes moved to Australia, learnt to surf and got in a fist fight with The Smiths- you’d probably find some common ground with Wave Chase. A mix of jangly summer hooks with immediate boisterous drumming is a firm hit with live audiences – landing the band support slots with house hold names such as: The Magic Gang, FEET, REEF, Vistas and Pacific Avenue.

The band formed in 2018 when long term friends George & Mickey decided to start a new project after their former bands decided to call it a day. George met Tim & Charlie while studying at BAMM in Bournemouth. And the band began gigging relentlessly on the live scene almost right away!
Fast forward 4 years- the band have relocated to Brighton and meet Sam Ruthen (who just so happens to be from Christchurch). The idea of having a synth player in a garage rock band shouldn’t work…but it does and it elevates the bands songwriting and creativity to the next level!
New music and headline shows are planned in 2025. The band is soon to hit the studio and self-produce what will be EP 3.

Wave Chase are- George Kingman (frontman/rhythm guitar)
Tim Baldwin- Bass Guitar
Mickey Golicher- Lead Guitar
Sam Ruthen- Keys
Charlie Cane- Drums

Special Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award

Galahad

Galahad was formed in Christchurch in early 1985 by original guitarist Roy Keyworth and the line-up was completed when Stu Nicholson joined as vocalist in July 1985. Rehearsing at Pokesdown and Burton Youth Clubs as well Holdenhurst Village Hall, our first ever show was at Somerford Community Centre on 31 August 1985 followed quickly by gigs at The Speckled Trout in New Milton, the legendary Pinecliffe in Southbourne and at The Britannia in Lower Parkstone.

They then played several hundred gigs throughout the rest of the 1980s and early 1990s at almost all of the venues in and around the local area before playing further afield as time went on.

Inspirational Person

Calvin Glen

Calvin is a professional performer/musician/songwriter who has performed at venues across the UK. Due to his own lived experience of mental health illness, diagnosed with Aspergers at age 7 alongside associated mental health disorders. Calvin continuously struggled at school with fitting in, behaviour issues, suffering from bullying and anxiety, this led to a severe episode of mental illness including self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Finding his love of music and performing arts and the support and positive mentoring he received from adults within the local performing arts scene, was a huge part of his recovery. He has now recently graduated with a First Class BAHons in Performing Arts from the London College of Music.
He has been awarded:
The Road to Recovery NHS Award
The Princess Diana Award
Finalist for the BBC Teen Star award (where he met Prince William and Prince Harry)

Spreading The Love

Mischa Weston Green

Mischa is a musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who leads a musical collective of over 50 musicians, Mischa & His Merry Men (also known as The Merry Many). Alongside this, he manages six businesses and dedicates his time, expertise, and financial resources to various charities and non-profits – supporting over 25 causes in the last five years alone.

In 2023 (with 2024 figures still pending), Mischa personally donated £23,000 and played a pivotal role in raising £110,000 through fundraising events. He also volunteered 400 hours of his own time and covered the costs for 545 hours of his team’s efforts – all directed toward grassroots causes and charities.

The reason Mischa does this is because he feels blessed to have his health and to be born into relative civil society when so many others around the world have far less. Furthermore, he has a deep connection with nature, so has made a pledge to Mother Earth to ensure he does everything he can to protect the environment and all life on it.

Contribution To The Local Music Scene

PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey is a highly acclaimed musician, composer, poet and songwriter from Dorset. You can read about her many awards and accomplishments as they are a matter of public record so we won’t include them here.
We are recognising her with this award, not because of her notable successes, but because Dorset has always remained at the heart of her work. Whether it be using soundscapes of Dorset in her creations or writing poetry in the Dorset dialect, it’s very clear that she has always remained true to her roots.
What we want to celebrate is the inspiration this brings to grassroots Dorset musicians, particularly the younger generation. That in this day and age of streaming music to the masses, as a songwriter and composer you should never be afraid to be experimental. To try new things and continue to discover where your voice and writing can take you.

This award then is for the often unseen or overlooked contribution to the music scene but one that we think is highly important to recognise and should indeed be celebrated.

Services To Music

Mark Baynes

“I started my first band when I was 17, somehow I’m now 61. Drifted from a punk band to a goth band onto greebo band. Then I wrote a song for a folk band called The Wreckers. Their singer said “no mate you need to sing it” and that was that. The start of Lady Winwoods Maggot. 31 years and multiple very talented musicians later and it’s still going.
I’ve made friends and lost friends while playing with Maggot. Our songs have been played at weddings and funerals. We’ve played birthdays and wakes. Played to 100s of people and to 4 people in a bar near goth legend Carl McCoys (Fields of the Nephilim) house not so long ago! It’s been a roller coaster but my wife, my current band mates and our loyal fans have kept me doing what I love doing. Music.”

Strength Of Character

Macko Grimmer

Macko Grimmer, Bournemouth based singer, song writer, musician & dancer has been blazing his own trail with his grunge/rock inspired original music. Having ASD, ADHD, PTSD AND Visual impairment, he uses music as a way to push through adversity and send positivity out into the world. To uplift and show others that no matter what challenges they face, there is always hope and a way through.
Macko released ‘Are We Free?’ in July 2023 and has been meticulously working on new material, ready for recording, so watch this space……….

mackomusic.com

Services To Charity

Joe Musker

Joe was a Youth Worker for Bournemouth Youth Services for 26 years but sadly lost his job through government Cuts. Since 1983 he has organised the popular ‘Drumming For Life’ events where numerous young drummers get together and play The 4/4 Beat. He has raised thousands of pounds for Cancer Charities including Breast Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Youth Cancer and Macmillan Caring Locally. He is also a busy Ambassador for The Youth Cancer Trust and a Trustee for Absolute Music.
Since he retired from Poole College he has been repairing broken drumkits, polishing them up, tuning them and re skinning them and then giving them to local primary and senior Schools and has so far donated seven kits to six Schools enabling many children to have access to and learn a musical instrument.

Contribution To Dorset Dance Music

DJ Pencil

DJ Pencil has been at the forefront of the UK Garage scene since its very early days. He spearheaded the scene on the south coast, running successful events for clubs like Slinky (Room 2 Switch), Slinky Balls , Ministry Of Sound, and many more events. He held one of the longest running UK Garage radio shows on Commercial Radio stations on Fire 107.6FM (10 years) and also produced a mash up mix for Ministry of Sound Radio as well.
He also has a number of syndicate radio shows broadcast across the Internet and radio stations. Currently DJ Pencil is working with the infamous Cut Up Boys (Radio 1, Ministry of Sound) on bass heavy Dance music productions, having countless releases on “Upcycle Records”, DJ Luck’s label “LUSH Records”, Captum Records, Trademark Trax, Bumping Underground Records, BWK Prejects label “Nine2 Recordings” and the Mighty 3000 Bass Records, They have had regular plays on BBC Radio 1, Kiss FM and Rinse FM. Currently you can hear their music being used on The Emirates FA Cup tv shows across the world.
DJ pencil also runs 3 record labels “Step2, Step2 Dark and Step2 Future with a focus on promoting new and undiscovered talent in the bass music scene, providing mentoring and help to new and budding producers.

Alex JT Award

Rainbow Lion Alex

Rainbow Lion Alex is a spiritual being living their human experience. They produce soothing sounds and cosmic beats with their dear Handpan Peter, as well as a variety of musical instruments such as the guitar, cajon and didgeridoo.
They use their unique talent and perspective to facilitate a musical accompaniment to Yoga, Pilates and Sound Healing retreats, interpreting each day as it comes through the handpan to provide a tailored, personal experience.
They also use their abilities to pass on their knowledge through tuition, as well as inspiring other artists to explore and adventure through the exciting world of handpan play.
Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, and suffering from both depression and anxiety, Alex is prone to feeling uncomfortable in a lot of social situations. Playing handpan has allowed Alex to commune with yogis and other like-minded people where they otherwise wouldn’t, allowing them to partake in self-care and healing practices such as gong baths, breathing exercises and group meditation.

The Thom Belk Community Fund Award

Dixie Dix

Dixie Dix has been performing and running music events on the Bournemouth music scene since 2022.
With a background in musical theatre and songwriting, Dixie shares their personal story of addiction, mental illness and gender identity, through heart breaking songs that are also filled with hope. They released their first single “messed up century” in 2023 and are looking forward to releasing more music in the coming new year.

At the beginning of their recovery in 2022 Dixie created “Originality Live” a promotion company focused on giving both known, and unknown artists, an opportunity to showcase their original music.
Originality Live’s mission is to boost the live music scene across the country and give unheard people a voice.
Over the last 2 years Originality live has expanded to over three venues and has hosted hundreds of musicians, through all genres from rock and metal to, folk, country, and rap, and are planning to expand the Originality Live showcase nights out of Dorset through 2025.

This Years Sponsors

Absolute Music
English Media
Forest FM
Entx
Oak Productions
Pluggin’ Baby
Robert Lowe Music
Sound, Entertainment & Scaffold Hire Ltd
The Three Compasses
Vocalzone
The Allendale Community Centre
Echotown Studio
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