With over 3,300 articles penned on the subject of Isle of Wight music, you’ll have guessed by now that here at News OnTheWight we’re big music fans.
The quality and quantity of new music that is produced on the Island is astounding, with many professional recording studios and producers – such as Empire Sound, Chale Abbey Studios and Skinny Mammoth – as well as the Island bursting at the seams with bands and musicians.
2021 has been a great year for Isle of Wight music with the phenomenal rise in fame for one of our favourites, Wet Leg, doing much of the leg work (no pun intended) in reaching all corners of the World.
Let’s celebrate
Over the last two weeks, Newport-based AAA Records have been dishing out their annual music awards.
With ten categories on offer, including ‘Bad Influence of 2021’ – awarded to another of our favourites, Fat Earthers (who happen to be playing the Ventnor Winter Gardens this Thursday night with hip hop artist Joe Publik) – it’s also great to see the likes of the late, great Pete Holden being recognised for his contribution to the music scene, with the introduction of The Pete Holden Award for Best Live Event.
AAA Records Award for ‘Single of 2021’
Barding: A passion for Isle of Wight music
Andy Barding from AAA Records, who organised the awards, told News OnTheWight,
“Congratulations to all our winners, and to everybody else who contributes towards making our little Island a huge musical wonderland.
“This is the third year of the AAA Awards. It’s a bit of fun and 100 per cent subjective. But behind it it lurks a passion for Isle of Wight music. We sell a lot of it in the shop.
“We really are world class here, you know. And the world is catching on. It’s an exciting time. Bring on 2022!”
AAA Records Award for ‘Online resource of 2021’
If you are wondering who each of this year’s awards have gone to, check out the list below, along with some of the pics as they were handed out.
AAA Awards 2021 winners
- The Nigel Hayles Award for Services to Isle of Wight Music – Paul Armfield
- The Pete Holden Award for Best Live Event – Plastic Mermaids ‘Field Party’
- Single of 2021: Coach Party ‘Feel Like A Girl’
- Video of 2021: Wet Leg ‘Chaise Longue‘
- EP of 2021 – Panda Swim ‘Downer’
- Album of 2021 – Cassie ‘The Light Shines On’
- Live band of 2021: Jonjo
- Bad Influence of 2021 – Fat Earthers
- Broadcaster of 2021 – Steph Nieuwenhuys (BBC Radio Solent)
- Online resource of 2021 – Half-Plucked Peacock
Congratulations to you all, and all the other artists producing music on the Isle of Wight.
Nigel Hayles Award for Services to Isle of Wight Music
You can find out more about AAA Records by checking out their social media account.
