Torbay-based collective Oceanside Records have been named the winner of the Music Video Award at the 2022 Youth Music Awards.
Oceanside Records is a collective of young rappers who want to ensure that Torbay is respected for the incredible music made there.
‘Welcome To Torbay’ is a high energy music video recorded at various locations in Torbay. It illustrates what teenage life is like and growing up in the area.
The band recorded in places around their area that were important to them and where they felt they had the property to make a “point” to organizations that they felt had let them down.
A panel of industry expert judges – including BRIT nominated singer-songwriter Mahalia, internationally acclaimed DJ duo BICEP and DJ Sian Eleri voted for Oceanside Records to take home the award, sponsored by YouTube.
Hundreds of guests, including DJ presenter and broadcaster Vick Hope and award-winning British rap icon Lethal Bizzle, who performed a special performance to present an award, both attended the ceremony, and special guest Dréya Mac closed the evening with an incredible performance.
Speaking after winning the award, a spokesperson for Oceanside Records said: “We are all speechless! It’s madness and it’s the best feeling we’ve ever had in our lives.
“The music video was pieced together from different locations in our hometown which means something to all of us and it just goes to show that you have to follow your intuition and keep going.”
Youth Music is the UK’s leading music and youth charity, championing equal access to creating, learning and earning music for 20 years.
The Awards – in association with Hal Leonard Europe at London’s legendary Troxy Hall – represent a more diverse, inclusive and creative music industry, giving young people facing the greatest obstacles a platform to access music.
The annual event celebrates a more diverse future in music, showcasing emerging talent and leaders who might face obstacles in the industries because of who they are, where they come from or what they cross.
With sponsors including TikTok, YouTube, Amazon Music and Dr Martens, the event called for industry-wide collaboration and commitment to equalize access to the music industries for the next generation.
Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths said: “The Youth Music Awards show what can be achieved when we invest in popular music nationally and for the long term.
“We are grateful to all of our award nominees for making the music industries more diverse, more inclusive and more creative every day.
“We hope everyone is as inspired as we are to take action to equalize young people’s access to music creation, learning and earnings.”
Lethal Bizzle said, “It’s amazing to see events like the Youth Music Awards pop, they’re things that keep young people motivated and chasing their dreams. I’ve been in the game for over 20 years now and opportunities like this were unheard of when I first started.
“My advice is this: your motivation has to trump your talent. Obviously talent is key, but drive is what will get you out there and pursuing your goals. That’s why I think it’s such a good platform – Youth Music gives artists the opportunity to be recognized and heard.
For a full list of winners and more information, go to https://youthmusic.org.uk/awards
