Solo Armada Music Awards 2019 Nominations – Breakthrough Act 2019
(By Stuart Iversen, Wes Bowie, Kim Sheader & Drewe Manton)
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Over the past few weeks, The Solo Armada has been nominating the artists and bands that they think have had the biggest impact on them personally in 2019 over six different categories. The next few days we’ll be announcing who has been nominated in each category leading up to Sunday 24th November where you’ll be able vote.
But why do we need a Year End Music Awards? It’s a celebration of music. The opportunity to shout about that one band, album or song you discovered this year and wanted everyone to know about. It’s also the opportunity to explore! Is there a band or artist listed below that you’ve never heard of? Then give them a listen! More importantly… this is decided by you…the people that are the most important to live music…that go to the gigs…buy the merch and keep it all alive.
We’re kicking the nomination announcements off with BREAKTHROUGH ACT 2019!
Breakthrough Act 2019 Nominations
Yonaka
Yonaka are a British rock band based out of Brighton and have just released their debut album, ‘Don’t Wait ‘Til Tomorrow’. The band have spent the last few years discovering each other and the music that they have produced. Having released three EP’s prior to the album, Yonaka have grown to demonstRate a confidence in what they want to say and how they want to sound, especially with the latest album release. Themes revolve around reaching out to others, dealing with loneliness and mental anxiety. They were also nominated for Best British Newcomer at the 2019 Kerrang! Awards and the fact that they have also been nominated for Solo Armada’s Breakthrough Act of 2019 speaks volumes!
Yonaka only have two shows left this year before heading to Ireland in February. Tickets available HERE
The Wood Burning Savages
Having self released their debut album, ‘ Stability’ last year and going on to beat established bands Snow Patrol and ASH in the NI Music Prize for Best Northern Irish Album of the Year category, 2019 has seen The Wood Burning Savages go from strength to strength. Their recent tour supporting Skinny Lister (last years Solo Armada Best Live Act winners) was a fantastic introduction to a lot of Solo Armada people and it’s clear the band have become a favourite among the community. Let’s face it, a band that are just as good live as Skinny Lister are a band you’re going to pay attention too and it’ll be no surprise they won Northern Ireland Live Band at the Year at the NI Music Prize 2018.
The Wood Burning Savages are touring the UK from 21st – 30th November, so the next week is an ideal opportunity to catch them live. Tickets available HERE
Sports Team
Since the release of their debut EP ‘Winter Nets’ in January 2018, Sports Team have had a fantastic few years (ish) and have even had a sold out show at London’s, Scala venue. They’ve even formed their own label Holm Front. They have become well known their energetic live shows and despite not having yet released an album have sold out a 1,500 capacity show at Camden’s Electric Ballroom venue. Sports Team definately don’t take themselves too seriously and have a hint of Presidents of the United States when it comes to their music with their own unique style.
Sports Team are currently touring the UK until 5th December. Tickets available HERE
Sam Fender
2019 has been a fantastic year for Sam Fender in terms of radio play which has propelled him into the public’s consciousness. If you don’t know who he is guaranteed you’ll be aware of one or more of his songs, in particular ‘Hypersonic Missiles’. His album of the same title went straight to number 1 in the album charts when it was released in September and his tour schedule over the coming months only proves his popularity, which many shows have sold out.
Sam is touring the UK until 22nd December and has many more shows lined up for 2020. Tickets available HERE