The UK Americana Music Association (AMA-UK) has revealed the nominations for the seven member-voted categories of the UK Americana Awards 2021, and also the winners of the coveted special awards presented by the AMA-UK board.
The Awards show will be preceded by two evenings of showcases, featuring international partners including Prince Edward Island, Thirty Tigers, Canadian Independent Music Association, North Carolina Music Export, Sounds Australia, Yep Roc and Loose Music from the UK. Wristbands for the whole event, which will be held virtually 26-28 January 2021, are on sale now.
The special award recipients are: Elvis Costello for the AMA-UK 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award, Mavis Staples for the International Lifetime Achievement Award, Christine McVie for the Trailblazer Award, Steve Earle for the International Trailblazer Award and the Songwriter Legacy Award, specially created this year for the late John Prine, in celebration of the legendary US singer-songwriter’s life and work.
Speaking of her award, Christine McVie said: ‘My humble thanks to the UK Americana Awards for their generous acknowledgment of my music! So thrilled at this stage of my life that I am remembered. It's been my privilege to make so many people happy, so again, thank you very much, it means a lot to me.’
Mavis Staples commented: ‘I'm so honored to receive the International Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association UK. I think it's so important to have an association advocating for Roots Music in the UK, so to receive this award is really special. From Union Chapel to Glastonbury, some of my favorite places to sing are in the UK. I even recorded my last live album, Live in London, at Union Chapel! So, thank you. The UK holds a special place in my heart so to receive this Lifetime Achievement from the Americana Music Association UK really means a lot to me.’
In addition, the Bob Harris Emerging Artist Awards goes to Robbie Cavannagh and Demi Marriner, in recognition of their efforts to support fellow artists during the coronavirus pandemic, and the Grassroots Award goes to Music Venue Trust’s Mark Davyd and Beverely Whitrick.
As part of this year’s activities, AMA-UK along with charity partners Help Musicians, is focussing on mental health and wellbeing, with a new set of aims to include inclusivity and diversity. They are signed up to Keychange and will continue to have a 50:50 gender balance across everything they do. After the success of their two songwriting workshops hosted with Hackney Council Culture team, working firstly with elders and then the Windrush generation, AMA-UK is delighted to be hosting a third songwriting workshop, this time with NHS workers.
See the full list of nominees below.
Instrumentalist of the Year Award 2021
Anna Corcoran
Lukas Drinkwater
Martin Harley
Michele Stodart
International Song of the Year Award 2021
Charley Crockett
Lilly Hiatt
Austin Lucas
The Secret Sisters
UK Song of the Year Award 2021
Ferris and Sylvester
Lady Nade
Our Man In The Field
Yola
International Album of the Year Award 2021
American Aquarium
Courtney Marie Andrews
Margo Price
Katie Pruitt
UK Album of the Year Award 2021
Emily Barker
Laura Marling
Rob Vincent
Hannah White
International Artist of the Year Award 2021
Courtney Marie Andrews
Jason Isbell
Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings
Lucinda Williams
UK Artist of the Year Award 2021
Emily Barker
Laura Marling
Rob Vincent
Yola
Head to the AMA-UK website for more information.
