With the A&R Awards now just two weeks away, YouTube Music has been confirmed as the sponsor of one of the event’s most prestigious categories, The Icon Award.
The A&R Icon Award recognizes an individual who is considered a legend of music business A&R – and someone ‘whose professional feats will influence generations to come’. This year’s winner will be announced later this week – alongside tributes from artists and execs they have worked with across the decades.
Dan Chalmers, Director of YouTube Music, EMEA, said: “In a year in which the music industry has really shown its endurance and creative muscle, we are proud to once again be supporting the A&R awards, which recognises the brightest and best creative talent across the country.”
Previous Icon Award recipients include Muff Winwood, Simon Cowell and Andy Macdonald.
The UK-focused A&R Awards, presented by MBW, will take place on the evening of Tuesday, November 9, at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. It is widely regarded as the British industry’s most enjoyable night out – and it’s completely sold out.
Other categories at the 2021 event will include Songwriter of the Year, Producer of The Year, A&R of the Year: Adult Contemporary, A&R Administrator, A&R of The Year: Contemporary Black Music, A&R Of The Year: Electronic/Dance, Song of the Year and A&R of The Year: Rock/Alternative.
There will also be winners announced in categories such as Major Label of The Year, Independent Label of The Year, Publisher of the Year, Management Company, and Artist To Watch (in association with Vevo), plus, of course, The Sir George Martin Award.
Abbey Road Studios, as always, is the headline sponsor for the eventMusic Business Worldwide