The 2024 Artist & Manager Awards, held at London’s Bloomsbury Big Top on November 21, brought together artists, managers, and industry executives for a night of celebration and recognition. Organized by the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and Music Managers Forum (MMF), the awards spotlighted the contributions of both performers and the creative teams working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Top Honors of the Night
Artist & Manager Partnership Award: Pet Shop Boys and Angela Becker
The iconic Pet Shop Boys and their long-time manager Angela Becker received the coveted Artist & Manager Partnership award. Becker, who has managed the duo since 2009, was praised for her strategic approach and unwavering support.
Singer Neil Tennant expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“At a time when we needed it, [Angela] brought into our lives good advice, organization, honesty, and strategy… She has helped us flourish in those 16 years, and we love her for that.”
Becker acknowledged the deep bond between managers and their clients, stating:
“Learning the language of your client’s hopes and fears will open doors to profound impact.”
Icon Award: Paloma Faith
Paloma Faith, recognized for her artistry and activism, received the Icon award. Her recent album, The Glorification of Sadness, reached No. 2 on the Official U.K. Album Chart, and her diverse career spans music, writing, and film.
Faith humorously reflected on the honor:
“Being named an icon is truly an honor… but I don’t feel it when I’m at school drop-off in yesterday’s makeup and a dirty tracksuit.”
She emphasized the responsibility of artists to use their platform for meaningful causes:
“It’s a waste of a platform not to be politically engaged… Please don’t squander your influence on superficial things when you can make the world better.”
Fan Champion: Yungblud & Special Projects Music
Yungblud, known for his passionate connection with fans, won the Fan Champion award alongside his management team. Though unable to attend, Yungblud sent a heartfelt video message:
“Everything is for [my community]. We work every day to make them feel safe, heard, and seen.”
Fans Corey and Kenya accepted the award on his behalf, embodying the dedication of Yungblud’s vibrant community.
Artist & Manager Team of the Year: Chase & Status and Sophie Kennard
Dance duo Chase & Status and their manager Sophie Kennard earned recognition for their exemplary collaboration. Band member Will Kennard praised the resilience of managers, calling them “heroic” for navigating the complexities of the music industry.
Managers’ Manager: Riverman Management
Alex Weston and Dave McLean of Riverman Management were honored for their three-decade career, during which they managed legendary acts such as Placebo and promoted early U.K. shows for Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
Weston reflected on the evolving challenges of artist management:
“What other job requires so much knowledge, responsibility, and time? But we do it because we’re passionate about breaking artists and their music.”
Posthumous Tribute: SOPHIE
Scottish musician and producer SOPHIE, who passed away in 2021, was posthumously awarded the Pioneer award. Her family attended the ceremony, where her groundbreaking contributions to electronic music were celebrated.
Other Highlights and Performances
- Originator Award: British funk legends Cymande were recognized for their lasting influence on music.
- Breakthrough Artist: Electronic producer Barry Can’t Swim (Joshua Mainnie) was celebrated for his rising career.
- Breakthrough Manager: Victoria de Juniac earned accolades for her work with Irish artist Cian Ducrot.
- Secret Weapon Award: Hope James of Atlas Artists was acknowledged for her behind-the-scenes impact.
- The event featured live performances from Moonchild Sanelly, BEKA, and Hana Lili, adding an exciting musical backdrop to the evening.
Full List of Winners
- Artist & Manager Partnership: Pet Shop Boys & Angela Becker (Becker Brown)
- Artist & Manager Team of the Year: Chase & Status & Sophie Kennard (Frame Artists)
- Icon: Paloma Faith
- Managers’ Manager: Riverman Management
- Pioneer: SOPHIE (posthumous award)
- Originator: Cymande
- Fan Champion: Yungblud & Special Projects Music
- Breakthrough Artist: Barry Can’t Swim
- Breakthrough Manager: Victoria de Juniac (VictoriaBDJ Management)
- Secret Weapon: Hope James (Atlas Artists)
- Writer/Producer Manager: Ant Hippsley (Milk & Honey)
- Team Achievement: Finesse Foreva
The 2024 Artist & Manager Awards were a fitting celebration of creativity and collaboration, honoring the visionaries shaping the music industry’s future.
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