PJ Harvey has acknowledged the part played by Dorset’s music scene in shaping the artist she has become at an event in Poole.
Accepting a special award for her contribution to music in Dorset at the Original Music Awards at Lighthouse on Friday, the double Mercury Prize winner who grew up in West Dorset she said she felt “honoured and very grateful” for the award.
In a special video shown at the event she added: “The local music scene was hugely important for myself when I was a teenager and particularly Bridport where I spent a lot of time playing with many musicians. I felt supported and encouraged by the whole artistic community there.”
Polly Harvey cut her musical teeth playing pub back rooms and get togethers in West Dorset before joining Bristol-based band Automatic Dlamini then forming her own band in 1991 and moving to London where their first demo tape attracted the attention of John Peel, the music press and record labels.
“It’s wonderful to have this recognition,” she said. “Also, to highlight the importance of the arts in our region and everywhere and the contribution that we can make to society. I think Art is hugely important on an emotional level and also on an intellectual level of understanding the world that we live in.
“But I think also, because of the encouragement I had throughout my education and education through the artists around me, I was able to believe in my own voice and I’ve maintained that belief my whole life and my whole career, always following my instinct. I can only encourage young artists to do the same.
“You all have an individual voice, every single one of you is different so keep looking for what your voice is.”
The winners Original Music Awards 2025:
Best Band: Mikey Ball & The Company
Best Live Act: Mischa & His Merry Men
Best Small Band: Velour
Best Breakthrough Act: Eli
Best Solo: Shannon White
Best Under 18: Phoebe Rose
Best Recorded Work Video: Nick Capaldi (for Lovely People)
Best Recorded Work Album: Traffic Cone Wizard (for We:Are)
Best Recorded Work Single: Millie Watson (for Milk & Bread)
Accessibility & Inclusivity: St Bartholomew’s Church, Shapwick
Best Festival: Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
Best Tech Support/Back Stage Crew: Steve RMV Sounds
Best Original Music Venue: Bear Cave/Bears Bar & Venue
Best Open To All: Acoustic Connection
Best Promoter: Dan ‘Sully’ Sullivan
Best Songwriter: Nia Nicholls
Lifetime Achievement Award: Galahad
Special Award Winners:
Alex JT Award – Rainbow Lion Alex
Inspirational Person – Calvin Billington Glen
Contribution To Dorset Dance Music – DJ Pencil
Services To Charity – Joe Musker
Strength Of Character – Macko Grimmer
Services To Music – Mark Baynes
Spreading The Love – Mischa Weston-Green
Contribution To The Local Music Scene – PJ Harvey
Thom Belk Community Fund Award – Dixie Dix
