A Summary of The 2024 Love Live Music Awards

25 June 2024 118

Newport City Radio’s Premier Music Event

The 2024 Love Live Music Awards, organised by Newport City Radio, once again illuminated the vibrant local music scene with a grand celebration on June 6th, 2024. Held at Q, (formerly The Queen’s Hotel) in Newport, the event brought together musicians, industry professionals, and music lovers from across the region, shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent that characterises the South Wales music community.

A Night to Remember

This year’s Love Live Music Awards were marked by an electric atmosphere, filled with anticipation and excitement. The awards show featured live performances from various local artists, showcasing genres ranging from rock and indie to pop and country. The audience was treated to an eclectic mix of music that highlighted the diverse and rich talent pool in Newport and the surrounding areas.

The evening kicked off with a vibrant opening act by Jump The Underground a local rock band that recently reunited after a 15-year break. Their high-energy performance set the tone for the night, creating an enthusiastic and lively environment. As the night progressed, artists such as duo, Kit Bennett & James Ashbury, Caitlin Lavagna, Delicious Dee & Ryan Keyse delivered memorable performances that captivated the audience. Party covers band, Monico provided the perfect party sounds for the end-of-the-night celebration.

Honouring Excellence in Music

The Love Live Music Awards are designed to honour outstanding achievements in the local music scene. The categories, nominees and winners were as follows:

Best Solo Artist: (Josh Hicks, Otto, Caitlin Lavagna) Winner: Caitlin Lavagna. Her Single Gold is getting played everywhere!
Best Duo: (Anaya & Churchdown, Pyrogaric, The Vanities) Winner: Pyrogaric, Jamey-Leigh & Keelan, an original Psych Rock band with blues & stoner influences,
Best Original Band: (The Rogues, Jump The Underground, The Eurekas) Winners: Jump The Underground. Look out for their brand new single, Six Digit Figure.
Best Pop/R&B Act (Josh Hicks, Izzo Wizzard, Ernie Emmanuel ) Winner: Ernie Emmanuel At 15, the youngest winner this year.
Best Rap/Hip Hop Act (Manlike Vision, Craze The Jack, Delicious Dee) Winner: Manlike Vision. Sadly he was not able to be present to collect his award.
Best Indie/Rock Act (Burning Ferns, Jump The Underground, The Rogues) Winners: The Rogues. An energetic band who are gaining fame, fast!
Best Metal/Punk Act (Pyrogaric, Black Lakes, Painted As Monsters) Winners: Black Lakes. A hugely popular band!
Best Jazz/Blues/Funk Act (Ampersand, Moonlight Crisis, Ian Phillips Dixieland Swing Band) Winners: Ampersand. A collective project playing funky blues& soul.
Best Country/Folk (Bryony Sier, Greg Ryan, Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy) Winners: Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy. Original country blues rock band from Newport
Best Covers Act (Rhys Hone, Hot Dogs, Monico) Winners: Monico. Two members of this band were previous winners of the Best Original Band award, way back in 2017.
Best Unique Style Act (Soul’d As Seen Choir, Mr. Bewlay, Post Modern Shoebox) Winners: Post Modern Shoebox. A trio who give contemporary pop songs a vintage jazz twist.
Most Entertaining Act: (Mr Bewlay, Rogora Khart, Delicious Dee) Winners: Rogora Khart. A band who perform their own style of Black Sea Punk!
Best Music Video (Murder Club & Alex James, Jack Henry, Twin Media) Winner: Jack Henry. For his series of Westgate Sessions
Best Music Venue (Bourtons Music Cafe Bar, Bargoed, Jacs, Aberdare, Le Pub, Newport) Winner: Le Pub
Best Local Event (Maindee Festival, Record Store Day, Newport Christmas Lights Switch On) Winner: Newport Christmas Lights, organised by Newport BID
Local Legend Award. A person chosen by the directors of Newport City Radio who represents everything good about the local music community. Someone who has come a long way in his own right as a musician and is a generous contributor to grassroots music and up-and-coming artists. Winner: Joe Kelly
Best Original Song Award. (Frankie Wesson. Milly Mason, Ernie Emmanuel, Manlike Vision, Greg Ryan) Winner: Frankie Wesson for her Song, Delicate. The challenge from the sponsors, Happiful Magazine was a song that inspires positive mental well-being in the listener.)

Special Recognition

The 2024 Love Live Music Awards could not have happened without the support of local businesses and organisations who generously donated financially or by offering their services. Our sincere thanks go out to all those supporters, Happiful Magazine, Tiwn Media, Record One, Smart Money Newport, pobl Group, Rob Santwris Carpets, Newport City Homes, Ffoto Newport, Coleg Gwent, Arcadia Coffee House, Tiny Rebel Brewing Co., Kevin Ward Media, Newport Now, Cake Lab, Kingsway Centre, Daryll Barnby Entertainments, Isobel Godsell of Ivy Promotions & Photography and of course Q (Queen’s Hotel) for hosting the event.

Beyond The Awards

While the awards were the highlight of the night, the event also served as a networking hub for musicians and industry professionals. It was a joy to see old friends meeting and celebrating their love of music whilst witnessing new friendships forming and the sharing of ideas. it was clear that the spirit of Newport’s music community is stronger than ever, fueled by passion, talent, and a shared love for live music.

The Impact of Newport City Radio

Newport City Radio, the driving force behind the Love Live Music Awards, continues to play a crucial role in promoting local talent and fostering a vibrant music community. Our commitment to supporting emerging artists and providing a platform for local music has made us an integral part of Newport’s cultural fabric.

The 2024 Love Live Music Awards by Newport City Radio was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a testament to the thriving and dynamic music scene in Newport and the surrounding areas. It celebrated not only the artists who have achieved success but also the community that supports and sustains them. As the curtains closed on this year’s awards, anticipation for next year’s event already began to build, promising another year of exceptional music and unforgettable performances.