I was both dead proud and surprised to have won the award for best newcomer at the UKCMSA’s this Saturday. I was up against supremely talented artists and whilst I’m always super confident that I’m making the best music I can, there’s some amazing successes each of us artists have managed over the year that honestly made me think the award would end up going to someone else. Mayah Herlihy was nominated and rightfully so, with three number one singles and high praise from none other than Billy Joel. Lisa T, apart from being an absolute sweetheart, is a powerhouse songwriter collaborating with some top names in the industry and herself grabbing a number one with Babydoll the same day I released Soul Food. And great friend Tara Henton, whom stormed the charts with two sublime singles near the end of the year. It’s fair to say the award could have gone to anyone of us, & I’m ever so grateful it was my name to have been read out. Please do check out Mayah, Lisa, and Tara’s music and a massive thank you to the organisers at Belles and Gals, and performers Vic Allen, Danny McMahon & Morganway for a wonderful night.