As proud sponsors of the 2025 Midi TV Awards, we couldn’t have been more excited to support the fantastic celebration of Southwest talent. The awards were an absolute testament to the local music scene’s energy and we were honoured to be part of the experience (and walk down a red carpet)!
For those unfamiliar, Midi TV is a community arts enterprise with a mission to develop emerging talent and create more opportunities for musicians and audiences in Devon’s music industry.
The awards ceremony on Friday night was an incredible showcase of all they aim to achieve. Categories like Best New Act, Best Album, Best Band and Best Video highlighted the best of Devon’s music scene. Their second annual event took place on Friday, 31st January 2025.
We were lucky enough to hold our front spot for the evening.
A few highlights from hard-to-choose-from highlights!
The lineup truly captured the diverse sounds of the Southwest. It’s tough to pick a standout performance because every artist brought something incredible to the stage. The raw energy and brilliant blend of genres left us in awe.
We were so pleased to hear Leonard and The Zombies finally live. Oliver Clatworthy, a passionate advocate for the Southwest music scene and an Involving Music Collaborator, has always highly recommended them. It was terrific to listen to their track Neo-Cannibalism, straight from the stage. Let’s just say it hasn’t stopped running through our heads since the evening.
Chelsea, our Marketing Editor, had a soft spot for Twilight of the Pleasure of Gods. Their dubby festival sounds, powerful vocals and lyrics filled the room and got people moving!
And, of course, a massive shout-out to our previously spotlighted artists, 3 Days of Wonder. Not only did they scoop an award for Best New Act, but they also absolutely rocked the stage. The energy was palpable as crowd members magnetised to the front, singing their lyrics back to them.
Another touching moment was from Samantics, who performed a sincere spoken word piece with his ukulele (followed by a ‘we-we’re-all-thinking-it’ tune about parking officers). His backstory, transitioning from being a teacher to pursuing a music career, moved us all.
Winning the Best Hip Hop/Rap/Grime award was well deserved, and hearing him say that being a musician was “now my full-time job” was an inspiring moment for sure.
Of course, it was also a night to remember for Ant Lexa, whose charming personality and catchy indie pop songs lit up the room. To top it off, her parents were in the crowd cheering her on. It was just magical all around.
Our Founder, Darren, felt that Haytor’s closing set was a perfect way to end the night. Their energy was off the charts, and the crowd was completely engaged, reflecting the atmosphere of the evening.
A special mention goes to all the nominees, including our spotlight artists like Moya Silk, Poppyshow and The Kabins. Their contributions continue to showcase Exeter’s resonant music scene, and we’re grateful to support them in their journey.
The Venue
Bomba’s venue couldn’t have been a better fit for this celebration. Perched at the end of a cobbled lane on Exeter’s quayside, Bomba has a fantastic hub for grassroots music.
With its thick walls, lights-filled and decorative roof and plenty of room to dance, it’s an immersive venue, hosting regular events that support and showcase the best local talent.
The sound in the venue was fantastic – a big thank you to Bomba for creating such a great atmosphere. Regularly hosting battles of the bands and charity gigs, Bomba remains a pillar of support for grassroots music in Exeter.
The Winners:
- Best Live Act: Land of the Giants
- Best New Act: 3 Days of Wonder
- Best Hip Hop/Rap/Grime Act: SAMANTICs
- Best Producer: Benny G
- Best Music Video: Arizona Law – Loser
- Best Band: The Barefoot Bandit
- Best Album: Small Town Jones – Kintsugi
- Best Single: Haytor – Osaka
- Best DJ: Filthy Dirty Disco
Legend/Special Recognition Award: Barclay Wood
It was an unforgettable night filled with exceptional talent, and we can’t wait for next year’s awards. Congratulations to all the winners, nominations and performers and thank you to Midi TV for organising such an incredible event.
The future of the Southwest music scene is bright.
We can’t wait for more collaborations and unforgettable moments in the years to come.
Stay tuned to Involving music for more updates, event highlights and the best in grassroots music!
