The announcement we’ve all been waiting for, we now know our finalists for the Heavy Music Awards 2023.
Voting is now open for this years awards, so now the tough decisions start in who to vote for. Leading the pack for 2023, our favourite Scottish duo Vukovi have an impressive five nominations. Following shortly behind, Nova Twins, Halestorm, and Ghost each have four nominations.
The seventh annual awards that recognise the most influential and groundbreaking artists and creatives this year takes places at the legendary OVO Wembley arena on the 26th May, making it the biggest rock music awards ceremony ever held in the UK.
Andy Pritchard of the HMAs says: “Once again the HMA finalists showcase the spectacular breadth of talent across the rock and metal scene. To see so many different styles and sub-genres represented – in addition to the diversity across all the artists – proves once again that the heavy music landscape is as vibrant and non-apologetic as ever.”
This years phenomenal shortlist has been crafted by almost 1000 industry experts before putting voting to heavy music fans, who get the final say on who walks away as champion. Members of the public wishing to get involved in the action can head to vote.heavymusicawards.com and have until 14th April to have their say.
Leading the way and making HMA history with the most nominations received by one act are making Scotland proud with their 5 nominations and have been championed by the event from its inception.
Vukovi lead vocalist Janine Shilstone said: “Being the first and only band to receive 5 nominations in one year in the history of the HMAs has given us such a sense of purpose and achievement. We feel seen, and we feel heard. My younger self would be so proud of me and everything I’ve overcome at this point. I’m so excited about the future of female and non-binary in this genre and industry There is room for EVERYONE”.
Architects will be fighting to make it a fourth win in the Best Album category, but are up against tough competition from the likes of Slipknot, Bad Omens, Ghost, Halestorm, Nova Twins, and Vukovi.
Up for nomination in the highly coveted Best UK Artist category we have Bob Vylan, Nova Twins, Sleep Token, Creeper, Holding Absence, Malevolence, and Vukovi. This years acts are all effortless showing off what a monumental year the British Heavy scene has had.
Making its debut this year as a new category, Best Breakthrough Live Artist sees nominations from Witch Fever, As Everything Unfolds, Cassyette, Heriot, Joey Valence & Brae, Lake Malice and Static Dress.
Alongside other Live Artist Categories celebrating iconic performances, UK contenders come in the form of Biffy Clyro with their explosive Download Festival set as well as Creeper, Enter Shikari, Neck Deep, Nova Twins, Skindred, and Vukovi all making the cut.
Not only do bands and artists get their moment to shine, but there is also a nod to all the work going on behind the scenes with nominations for Best Production, Best Video, and Best Album Artwork categories, recognising engineers, designers, directors, and editors who all see a project through from conception to success.
Returning Best Festival category returns in full force much like our last summer of festivals finally being back in full swing. Up for nomination include familiar names, Download, 2000trees, Slam Dunk, Hellfest, Outbreak, Aftershock, and Bring Me The Horizon & Friends Malta Weekender making the cut.
Further commenting on the awards, Organiser Andy Pritchard added, “For us, it’s another chance to send the wider world a reminder that there is life-affirming, vital music being created every single day by people from all backgrounds. Since we started this journey in 2017, we’ve been committed to building the HMAs, and kicking down as many walls as we can to give these incredible artists a platform they can be proud of. Staging the biggest ever rock awards show is our most ambitious step yet, but we’ll keep pushing. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for what will be a crazy and memorable night in May!”
Alongside a whole host of incredible nominations, The Heavy Music awards have also announced Youth Music as this year’s charity partner. Talking in the partnership, CEO Matt Griffiths said:
“We’re honoured to be chosen as the Heavy Music Awards 2023 charity partner. At Youth Music, we believe that every young person should have access to make, learn and earn in music of every genre. That’s why we invest in the grassroots organisations and people making sure music isn’t just for the privileged. For almost 25 years, we’ve been building a more diverse pipeline of talent, which the music industries benefit from. And as we all know, greater diversity leads to even greater music.”
Additionally, the awards have unveiled the official radio partner for 2023 is ‘the nation’s favourite rock radio station’, Kerrang! Radio.
The public vote is now live at vote.heavymusicawards.com and closes on 14 April.
Please see below for the full list of categories and finalists. Tickets available soon at:[ https://www.heavymusicawards.com/]
