Success for BIMM Students and Staff at the BMA’s
It was a fantastic night for BIMM at the The Birmingham Music Awards this week. The event was held at Glee Club Birmingham and saw two of our students and three of our lecturers picking up awards.
Felix Shepherd was presented the “Rising Star/One to Watch” award by John Taylor, the legendary bass player from Duran Duran. Felix is currently studying a BA (Hons) Degree in Songwriting at BIMM Birmingham, and is certainly an artist to keep an eye out for. During his acceptance speech, Felix thanked his manager, fellow BIMM student Jade Sewell who has been working tirelessly with Felix since they met at the college earlier in the year. Felix was also invited to perform in front of the numerous attending VIPs at the Awards ceremony’s after-show party.
Reece Downton, BIMM Birmingham Drums student and member of Sugarthief was in attendance as the band were nominated for three awards: “Best Song”, “Best Alternative/Indie Act” and “Best Band”. They came away with the award for “Best Alternative/Indie Act”, with huge support from the attending crowd.
Iwan VanHetten (pictured) picked up the prestigious “Best Tutor/Mentor” award. Iwan is a Music Production tutor at BIMM Birmingham as well as being heavily involved in Artist Development for our performers and songwriters.
Songwriting and wellbeing lecturers Jonny Amos and Meldra Guza were awarded the “Best Music Related Business / Innovator” for their Production Company The Song Lab, who work with young musicians and artists to develop and release material.
BIMM Executive Principal Dara Kilkenny and BIMM Birmingham College Principal Antony Greaves also presented the “Best Album” and “Best Music Entrepreneur” awards on the night, alongside a very entertaining host in Jack Parker BBC Radio West Midlands fame.
We are very proud of our students and lecturers for their amazing achievements, and it’s wonderful to see them acknowledged in this way.
Birmingham is booming, it’s a great time to be a part of the music scene in this city!
