The great and the good of British music journalism gathered at the Bar Academy in Islington last night for the second annual Record Of The Day Awards. Hosted by Steve Lamacq, the best music journalists, publicists and publications were all recognised, based on votes cast by ROTD readers (and you there CMU readers too). Relative newcomer Clash was announced Music Magazine Of The Year, while other winners included Time Out, the Independent and NME.com.
Commenting on the awards, ROTD founder Paul Scaife told CMU: "There are dozens of music industry award ceremonies but none focus specifically on this area and we felt it was important to recognise the work of the journalists and PRs who play such an important part in bringing music to a wider audience. We are hoping that this becomes an annual event".
Prior to the final awards event the ROTD team had spent a day at the Brixton Academy arranging the letters of each winning journalist and publication on the 'playing tonight' board above the main entrance. Each winner received a photo of their names in the headline act slot. It was a great idea which apparently caused a brief moment of excitement among Brixton based music fans who saw the words 'Clash' go above the Academy's door.
Anyhow, here's the winners list in full...
Record Reviews: Writer of The Year - Dan Cairns (The Sunday Times)
Live Reviews Writer of The Year: Dave Simpson (The Guardian)
Best PR Campaign For an Established UK Act or Release: Nadja Coyne (RMP) for Gorillaz
Best UK PR Campaign For a Non-UK Act or Release: Ben Ayres (Rough Trade) for Arcade Fire
Best Music Business Writer of The Year: Owen Gibson (The Guardian)
Best Music Coverage in a National Newspaper: The Independent's Friday Arts and Music Review Section
Best Music Coverage in a Non-Music Publication: Time Out,
Best Tabloid Column: Star Hot.
Best PR Campaign For a Breakthrough UK Act or Release: Anton Brookes (Bad Moon) for Arctic Monkeys.
Best Independent UK Music PR Company or Individual: Republic Media
Best Music Coverage Online: NME.COM
Best Writer of Artist & Music Features: Alexis Petridis (The Guardian)
Breaking Music: Writer of The Year: Krissi Murison (NME)
Editor of The Year: Mark Ellen (Word Magazine)
Music Magazine of The Year: Clash