NME Awards

It really is award season at the moment. Music industry talents have been awarded at the Grammys, the Brits and now at the NME Awards. The ceremony, which will be hosted by Angelos Epithemiou at the London's O2 Academy in Brixton, should be filled with amplified anticipation for many.

In the build up to this feast of an event I bought my first NME magazine, shocking I know. From flicking through the pages and having a nose I realized how unaware I am of over half of the bands mentioned. I am not a music recluse and was surprised at my lack of band knowledge, considering my addiction to Zane Lowe most nights on Radio 1, who showcases many new and upcoming bands. It really shows that it is extremely difficult for the more rock, indie and alternative bands to make it to the mainstreams these days.

It has always been tough for a young band to get signed. The record labels need originality, quirkiness and, more importantly for them, that you are going to make them money. But in this last decade it has become even harder for any artist trying to get signed by a record label due to the nightmare that is illegal downloading. Many record labels are fading out as they are losing money and therefore less artist and bands are being signed.

Despite this is it good that those who do make it, whether known as well as Usher or not, can still make a big difference and be recognised in the industry. A perfect example being the Brit Awards Best Female Artist Laura Marling, conquering well known Cheryl Cole and Ellie Goulding. I am all for being introduced to new sounds and artists and so I will definitely be tuning in on Saturday night to help celebrate the bands of 2010.