Unsung heroes of emerging talent scene celebrated at indie50 awards

The ceremony looks to champion influential figures in live independent music and features promoters, journalists and music managers.

Henry Lewis

Last updated: 15th Aug 2016

Image: Now Wave

Influential figures in Britian's underground music scene across Britain have been celebrating their inclusion in the inaugural indie50 awards.

The ceremony looks to champion 'those more likely be to be found away from the stage than in the spotlight, but no less instrumental in cultivating scenes and providing platforms for emerging talent'.

Amongst the winners are Jon Wickstead and Wesley Jones, founders of Now Wave, while Music manager of the Arts Council Chris Bye was also included. There were inductions for Steve 'Revo' Miller, the promoter of EVOL and also Simon Catling, Soup Kitchen's booker. 

Chris Horkan, promoter of Hey Manchester and editor of the Manchester Wire, was also recognised for his efforts too, after a panel that included Laura Snapes and Tom Ravenscroft pondered over the final 50. Tramlines organiser Kate Hewett and the Brudenell's Nathan Clark were also included.

A photographic exhibition featuring a shoot of all the nominees will commence on the 1st September for one week at 71a Gallery in London. The photographer behind the display will be Dan Wilton who has famously snapped the likes of James Blake, Stormzy and Caribou. Check out his photgraph of 100 Club owner Jeff Horton above.

Journalist Josh Jones, who is Wilston's long term collaborator, will accompany the exhibition with a limited edition zine and both have worked to collect interviews with each of the final 50.

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