GIT AWARD 2013 SHORTLISTED ARTISTS REVEALED

Liverpool’s premier music prize, The GIT Award can reveal the 12 shortlisted artists for the 2013 edition. 

The GIT (Getintothis) Award, dubbed ‘the Scouse Mercury Prize’ enjoyed a hugely successful inaugural year in 2012 and the stakes will be even higher when the 2013 winner of this now established award – chosen from the carefully selected shortlist of exciting emerging acts – is revealed on Friday April 19 at Leaf on Bold Street. 

The GIT Award 2013 shortlist is:

Baltic Fleet
Barberos
By The Sea
Nadine Carina
Clinic
Conan
Dan Croll
John Heckle
Jetta
Tyler Mensah
Stealing Sheep
Wave Machines 

GIT Award founder and chair of judges, Peter Guy, said: “This year’s shortlist represents a city at the height of its musical powers few could hope to match. Finalising this year’s 12 artists was a colossal task as new Liverpool music is at a creative zenith, however, the judges feel the nominees provide a definitive picture of the diversity, profound musicianship and rich talent emanating out of Merseyside. April 19 at Leaf is going to be a hugely special night showing Liverpool music at its  finest.” 

Since its relaunch in November 2012 up until the closing date at the end of February 2013, the GIT Award received more than 380 entries. 

The shortlist was then decided by a 12-strong judging panel comprising respected music industry figures including BBC 6 Music presenter and son of John Peel Tom Ravenscroft, the editor of rock and pop music bible Q Magazine, Liverpool-born Andrew Harrison , Matt Wilkinson, NME's new music editor, leading UK music website, The Quietus’ editor, John Doran plus the cornerstones of Liverpool’s music and arts scene. 

Andrew Harrison, editor of Q Magazine, said: “This is a genuinely impressive and varied shortlist proves that Merseyside continues to generate fantastic musical talent like nowhere else on earth. The standard of entries was high across board and in common, I suspect, with a lot of the judges, I found the decision-making process very hard. 

“Best of all, the artists we heard managed to draw on Liverpool's musical heritage without living in the past - proving that even with its world-beating history, Liverpool music continues to forge ahead.”

The industry showcase evening at Leaf, which also played host to last year’s ceremony, is strictly invite only and will include performances from the shortlisted artists. 

The overall winner will receive a cash prize of £1000 and a special Inspiration Award, recognising services to Liverpool’s music industry (won last year by the team behind city venue The Kazimier), will also be presented. 

Live visuals, videos and mementoes for each nominee will be created by Liverpool design agency Milk:Presents while former Liverpool Art Prize nominee Jayne Lawless will create two specially designed awards for the winners of the GIT Award 2013 and The Inspiration Award. 

Matt Wilkinson, NME Radar editor and GIT Award judge said: "Once again the GIT Award
showcases Liverpool's thriving music scene from the classic alt-rock of Clinic to breakout acts like Dan Croll and By The Sea, through to completely new stars in waiting like Jetta and Tyler Mensah. Whoever wins the overall prize, new Liverpool music is clearly worth shouting about." 

In addition a ‘People’s Choice’ online poll consisting of the 12 nominees will be hosted on Bido Lito! , Getintothis, Juice FM and Seven Streets allowing the public the opportunity to have their say on Liverpool’s finest music of 2012-2013. 

Liverpool music lovers know their city is home to some of the finest creative talent in the world. However, eyes and ears elsewhere may need convincing. The inaugural GIT Award readdressed all that and its 2013 edition is set to spread the message even further.