Manchester Music legend honoured as Industry Icon at first ‘Brit Awards of the Northwest’

The Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards are set to dazzle on November 30, 2023, spotlighting iconic venues, rising artists, and the inaugural Industry Icon, Michael Adex.

The stage is set for a spectacular celebration of the Northwest’s amazing musical talent as the inaugural Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards (NMAs) gear up to take centre stage on Thursday, November 30, 2023.

The Brit Awards of the North

This eagerly awaited event, often referred to as the ‘Brit Awards of the Northwest,’ promises to be a night to remember, spotlighting the rich musical heritage and innovative creativity that flows through the veins of the region.

The Aviva Studios in Manchester, nestled within the iconic Factory International, will be the pulsating heart of this grand celebration.

The NMAs, organised by the renowned music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins, aim to honour and recognise artists, festivals, venues, and industry figures that have contributed significantly to the vibrant Northern music scene.

Industry Icon Award – Michael Adex

One of the highlights of this year’s event is the presentation of the Industry Icon Award to Michael Adex, founder and CEO of Manchester-based talent management company NQ.

Adex’s extraordinary dedication and vision have been instrumental in fostering emerging musical talent from the North of England.

The NQ label and management arms have achieved remarkable feats, accumulating over 3 billion streams and eight platinum certifications since its inception in 2017.

Notably, Adex’s creation of NQ Legacy, a not-for-profit pathway organization, has paved the way for young creatives from the North to explore careers in music and the creative arts sectors.

Michael Adex expressed his excitement, saying, “The North massively deserves to have its own awards show to highlight the rich heritage and wealth of musical creativity that comes from here.”

He commended Nordoff and Robbins for their commitment to music therapy and their new centre in Salford, which will undoubtedly bring more healing through music to isolated communities.

Manchester’s Amazing Music Venues

The spotlight will also shine on the backbone of the music scene – the venues.

The NMAs have shortlisted a diverse range of grassroots live music venues for their Inspirational Venue awards, divided into categories based on audience capacity.

Among the contenders are beloved venues like Band on the Wall in Manchester, City Hall in Newcastle, and Future Yard in Birkenhead.

These venues provide an essential platform for artists to connect with Northern audiences and shape the cultural landscape of the region.

In a remarkable gesture of support, Nordoff and Robbins will share half of the proceeds from Skiddle’s sponsorship of the Inspirational Venue award categories with the registered charity Music Venue Trust.

This partnership underscores the NMAs’ commitment to nurturing grassroots music venues and uplifting emerging artists.

Melanie C at the NMAs

As anticipation builds, the NMAs will culminate in a dazzling night of performances, headlined by the illustrious Melanie C, recipient of the Special Recognition award.

Salford Nordoff and Robbins music therapy centre

This electrifying event aims to raise funds for the opening of a dedicated Nordoff and Robbins music therapy centre in Greater Manchester, located in Salford.

This centre will serve as a hub for multi-disciplinary music-making and therapy, catering to the unique needs of diverse Northern communities.

The Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards mark a triumphant step forward in celebrating the vibrant musical tapestry of the Northwest.

The event not only applauds musical excellence but also echoes the power of music as a tool for healing, connection, and positive change within communities.

For more information about the Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards and their endeavours, you can click here.