Original Music Awards - OMAs

27/10/2024

What's this? A flashy new backdrop for the red carpet? Don't mind if we do. Final 3 nominees for all main categories will be announced on Thursday 14th November at 6pm

24/10/2024

Announcing this years winner of the Alex JT Award Rainbow Lion Alex. This award is given every year and honours Alex JT who sadly passed well before his time.

Alex J T was diagnosed in his early teens with being on the autistic spectrum and suffering from Aspergers Syndrome. Sufferers have a unique characteristic to be gifted. This can make them one sided and direct with opinions, it also makes them extremely shy and withdrawn.
Many gifted artists and performers suffer from the condition and find it a huge effort and conflict to stand on a stage or be in a lime light to perform.

Sadly, Alex passed away suddenly in 2014 aged just 29 from 'SADS' (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome). A loss that was sudden and heartbreaking for family and friends. However, 8 years on from Alex's death, his achievements continue to be cataloged and memorialised.

THIS YEARS WINNER
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.

23/10/2024

The legend that is Macko grimmer is this year's winner of the 'Strength Of Character' award. He's the kind of guy that always appears with a smile on his face and ready to give advice and help to others no matter what he's going through himself. Top bloke we think!

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

22/10/2024

Todays award winner needs no introduction, awarded the 'Contribution To Local Music Scene' born and raised in Dorset, it's PJ Harvey. The panel would like you to read the following statement about why she has been chosen for this award:

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.

21/10/2024

Introducing Joe Musker who has won our 'Services To Charity' award 2024

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.

20/10/2024

Our 'Inspirational Person' award for 2024, take a bow Calvin-Billington Glen. This award is sponsored by Robert Lowe Music.
www.robertlowemusic.com

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. Since discovering performing and the arts Calvin has hosted several fundraising events and created various fundraising campaigns, as well as attending many events on Dorset Mind’s behalf. He has represented Dorset Mind as an advocate public speaking face-to-face and online to various audiences included various TV, Radio and Press interviews. He was also initially involved in supporting the leadership in the design and development of DMYH (the former Young People’s Project). He has also represented Dorset Mind at meetings with funders, including attending the meeting with the National Lottery and joined us as a trustee in 2023, as the youngest member.
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)

19/10/2024

Introducing the recipient of the 'Services To Music' award it's the fantastic Mark Baynes, Mark says:
"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."

18/10/2024

Well deserved

Introducing Mischa Weston-Green, winner of the 'Spreading The Love' award, what a legend

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.

18/10/2024

Introducing Mischa Weston-Green, winner of the 'Spreading The Love' award, what a legend

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.

17/10/2024

We will be releasing details about this years main categories over the coming days but would like to tell you a little bit about our special award winners first. So introducing 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. The label also hosted the second arena at this years Jurassic Dance fest in Swanage this year bringing all the DJ's and producers down to party the weekend away with 5k festival goers.

16/10/2024

Announcing our Special Award winners in the Original Music Awards Dorset 2024 (see the video below). Tickets are now on sale for Friday 17th January 2025 and the ticket price includes a posh 2 course table buffet, a complimentary brochure and your photos on the red carpet. Come along and join us for a proper knees up at Dorset's premier red carpet event
https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/original-music-awards-2025/

08/10/2024

As we prepare to announce the winners of the Special Awards on the 16th October here's a look back at our 2023 event care of Crispy Jacket Studios

07/10/2024

Anyone who might be interested we'd love to hear from you

03/10/2024

Dorset, are you ready?!

We will be making our first big announcement on Wednesday 16th October at 6pm. So mark your diaries, stick it in your calendar and all that jazz.....Watch this space

02/10/2024

As we reach that time of year again where people are being considered for awards Matt and Mel from Hangover Hill would like to be transparent and state the following:

Our role in the awards is that it was our concept to have them. We deal with all the logistics: venues, red carpets, food, brochures, sponsors and hosting. Despite what you might hear on the grapevine we do NOT have anything to do with the decisions the panel make - that's why we have a panel. The reason for this is that we work in the day to day business of music and live music events and have at some point and in some capacity have worked with most people locally or know them personally and do not think it would be a fair process if we were to be involved in any of the decision making.

People that are nominated and ultimately win an award in this process are chosen by a panel that include radio presenters, live gig reviewers, musicians, event organisers and backstage crew to name a few, from all over Dorset. We try to make this a fair a process as possible.

Ultimately we want you to know that this was created by Hangover Hill to be a great, positive event for our local industry to celebrate the massive amount of hard work that goes into the local grassroots scene.

Thank you for reading

Matt and Mel

30/09/2024

Know a great artist, promoter, festival, venue in Dorset (original music only, no covers) then you can put a comment on here with a link to them so we can check them out. This is your chance to have your say and maybe they could get their name on one of these