Bido Lito!

Photo gallery from the GIT Award show at Leaf

Liverpool for many years now has been a budding city for new musical talent, many of which is still waiting to be heard and shared. Deciding it was time to celebrate some of Liverpool’s finest, Echo journalist Peter Guy introduced the GIT Award, whereby a judging panel made up of local and national media outlets such as Bido Lito!, Getintothis, Waxxx, Evol, Liverpool Football Club, NME, The Guardian, Vice Magazine, and The Quietus had the challenging task of shortlisting Merseyside's musical talent to just twelve inspiring acts. 

Gathering under the one roof at Leaf on Bold Street, Liverpool; Merseyside’s music scene and creative industries along with the shortlisted acts enjoyed an evening of musical bliss, good company and a selection of drinks. 

With 10 of the 12 nominees performing on the night, guests were treated to a variety of musical genres including hip hop heavy Bang on and Miss Stylie, euphoric guitar sounds from Mugstar, The Tea Street Band and Loved Ones. To add to the array of musical treats, folk trio Stealing Sheep took to the stage along with Forest Swords, fresh on the scene student band Ninetails, satisfying soul from Esco Williams and an exclusive short-clip film screening of a musical contribution by nominee Bill Ryder-Jones and former Coral guitarist.

With a high level of talent bursting at the seams, well deserved winners Loved Ones picked up the first official GIT Award, handed over to them by Paul Du Noyer, celebrated music journalist and author of Liverpool, Wondrous Place. Not only will they gain the recognition they truly deserve, the band will also benefit from additional prizes such as a live spot at this month’s Sound City and Liverpool Music Week at the end of the year; as well as having Virgin Media Shorts Filmmaker of the Year nominee Ian Gamester shoot a promo video to be screened at FACT, Liverpool.   

Half way throughout the evening, another award not listed on the public agenda was announced through a 10 minute video displayed on the big screen. A Liverpool venue which has been a strong supporter of the city’s music scene for the past four years and a major host for the best events, parties and gigs the city has ever seen. An unexpected but highly deserved addition to the GIT Award, the team behind The Kazimier were honoured with the inspiration award for continually giving the Liverpool crowd nights they’ll never forget. 

An evening enjoyed by all, John Johnson was there to capture the night...