Since their first event in 2019, the have always been forward thinking. Each year, the industries’ very best and brightest young talent gather under one roof, and celebrate the pioneers that even early in their careers, are making a groundbreaking impact. It’s fitting then, that the awards this year should be one step ahead, not only in recognizing tomorrow’s gamechangers, but also, its location. 2026 saw the Youth Music Awards be hosted outside of London for the very first time – this year, in Liverpool, arguably the country’s most historic music city. The setting for the event was St George’s Hall, a grandiose building, whose lavish decor felt like the perfect setting for such an anticipated event, and only seemed to up the excitement of attendees.
As the red carpet began to fill, a parade of the industry’s powerhouses made their way down, with attendees ranging from emerging talent, to long standing industry figures. It was inspiring to see how the awards championed their newly adopted host city. “It’s amazing to see this kind of event in Liverpool, and it’s about time,” said Dan Haggis, drummer in longstanding indie-pop band . “Growing up here it felt like you had to really push for labels and bands to make their way up here, whereas now there feels like a real focus on artists who aren’t in the capital.”
“It’s hard to come up as one person,” says Astles, a Liverpool based musician. “But if you keep your community close to you it can be really impactful. Liverpool’s amazing for that community feeling.”
The night begins with an electric performance from , a Scouse artist and a nominee for the night’s Lyricist Award. “Being brave and committed is the best advice I can give to any musician,” he explained earlier in the night. “If you can do that and keep going, people will follow.” It’s a sentiment that is also championed by Youth Music CEO Adam Joolia, who makes the first speech of the evening, praising the young talent in the room. “Grassroots music doesn’t start with a stage or a venue,” he stated, to a transfixed crowd. “It starts at the places we celebrate at the Youth Music Awards: the youth clubs, community centres and projects. These are the breeding grounds for new music genres, sounds and movements that shape and evolve UK music culture from the grassroots.”
Soon, our hosts for the evening Success and Crystal kicked off the night’s festivities, providing a double act charm, while also keeping the night moving swiftly. The first round of the night’s awards focused on the gamechangers that work behind the scenes; with a plethora of nominees that have made a significant impact to the industry at the start of their career. With how common it is nowadays to see headlines of venue closures and budget cuts, to see the work each nominee has undertaken and the impact of each was truly inspiring. The first award of the night went to , who was awarded The Rising Star Industry Award. Following on, from the The Spit Game UK took home , and the went to of South West initiative , recognising her work building career pathways for young musicians.
The caliber of performances remained high, with taking to the stage to perform ‘Heat’, bringing an energy and vocal talent that was truly electric. ‘I’m nervous, but excited,’ she laughs when asked beforehand about her performance. ‘It just feels so surreal to be here. You put in so much work to be a musician, so to receive recognition from events like this is amazing.’ Next, came the Original Track Award, which saw South London duo win for their track, ‘Stay Alive’, and the , which went to the true hometown hero of the night . As he made his way to the stage to give his speech, it seemed like a milestone moment for the artist who accepted the accolade with an ecstatic demeanor that made his speech a true standout of the night. then followed, which went to , whose impassioned speech was as impactful as the advice she shared earlier on in the night. “Join a union,” she exclaims. “All musicians should join a union. They fight for your rights, and provide advice if you need it. Considering a lot of musicians are independent, having that asset when you’re doing everything yourself is vital.”
As the last few awards were being given out, the audience’s excitement remained high, thanks to, in part, an array of video messages from special guests that played during the handing over of the latter half of the awards. , made a virtual appearance to congratulate Conscious Youth C.I.C for its their win of the , stating “…it’s great to see and hear about all the brilliant work they’re doing in West Yorkshire, supporting young people and championing their creativity and creating opportunities where otherwise they would not exist.” When it was announced that electronic producer had taken home producer of the year, a short video of the legendary of was shown, where they enthusiastically described the award winner as “…absolutely wonderful artist…” with “…amazing vocals, beautiful complex textures, really spellbinding music.”
The night ended on a high, with performing his winning track ‘Pilot’, much to attendees delight, following quickly intro the afterparty, where the crowd was treated to DJ sets from of , joined by . As the room began to head to the dancefloor, it was invigorating to so many people dedicated to improving the music industry for the better in one room, connecting, celebrating, and coming together to celebrate the industry’s young people. It was said best when CEO Joolia described these events earlier in the night as “… about who gets to take part, empowerment, connection and joy.” Looking round the grandiose venue of St Georges hall, it’s clear that The Youth Music Awards are committed to bringing that very empowerment and joy to the future of music, now and for many years to come.
