Abbey Road reveals the winners of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2024 04 Oct 2024
This evening (Thursday 3 October), Abbey Road Studios has unveiled the winners of the 2024 Abbey Road Music Photography Awards, during a celebratory event across the iconic Studios One and Two. Hosted by Edith Bowman, the evening included incendiary live performances from Maverick Sabre’s YOURS collective, JNR Williams and Aziya, while recognising the winners and finalists from this year’s MPAs. The 2024 competition saw a remarkable rise in submissions, with entries increasing by over 50% from last year. Showcasing a range of global talent, over 22,000 images from 28 different countries were submitted, across six open categories.
Speaking about the winning images at this year’s Abbey Road Music Photography Awards, Abbey Road’s MD Sally Davies says: "I’m continually amazed by the incredible standard of photography that we see, and this year’s selection truly stands out as our best yet! The remarkable growth of the MPAs in just three short years highlights the awards' prestige, and the heartfelt enthusiasm from the artistic community reflects the richness of music photography as an art form. At Abbey Road, we are passionate about recognising, nurturing, and celebrating talent in this vital area, and we can’t wait to see what next year will bring!”
MPAs lead Judge Rankin adds: "The work this year has surpassed my expectations, it’s really elevating the standard to new heights. While last year's submissions were impressive, this year's entries have been extraordinary. We’ve received an overwhelming 22,000 images, making the selection process both challenging and inspiring. After much deliberation, we’ve chosen some truly outstanding pieces that represent the very best of what the music photography community has to offer. All the nominees and winners should be incredibly proud of themselves!"
In the awards’ open categories, Andreia Lemos took home the Undiscovered Photographer of the Year award, supported by adidas, for her image of Amyl and the Sniffers. Speaking about working with the band, Andreia says, ‘No one comes close to bursting my heart open in anticipation as Amy does - finger restlessly hovering over the trigger’. The Music Moment of the Year category, supported by Outernet London, was decided by public vote, with Tom Pallant winning for his shot of Blur at the band’s second Wembley Stadium show in July 2023. Tom says ‘Knowing Graham would launch his guitar 20 feet in the air, I was ready to capture the exact moment… It’s the only time I’ve ever shouted “YES!” out loud after getting a shot’.
Francis Mancini won the Live Music category for his captivating photo of Darren Styles, while Lemphek secured the Underground Scenes Award with an image of BBQ frontman Hui Zu and Bad Tailor guitarist Chen Hongmin, sharing a shoey on stage at Hard Stick Festival VII, a music festival geared towards remote cities. Lauren Harris earned the Making Music Award with her shot of Joesef. Lauren says of the photo - ‘Small, intimate, quiet moments like this are why I shoot - giving an insight into life off-stage’. Adrien H. Tillman secured the Jazz: The Rebirth of Cool award with his photo of legendary American saxophone player Billy Harper - a fixture of the New York jazz scene for decades. In the invited categories Alexa Viscius won the Editorial award with a portrait of bnny and Bolade Banjo was awarded the Portrait category for his photo of Jamaican artist Popcaan.
To honour an incredible 53-year career, the legendary photographer Jill Furmanovsky collected this year’s prestigious ICON Award. The award was presented on stage by Noel Gallagher, with Nile Rodgers, Debbie Harry, David Gilmour, Siouxsie Sioux and Sting also sending affecting video tributes.
Noel Gallagher says of Jill Furmanovsky “Best photographer ever!”
Jill has captured some of Abbey Road’s most iconic moments, including Pink Floyd's 1975 Wish You Were Here recording sessions and Oasis' Be Here Now sessions in 1997. In 2017, she became Abbey Road's first-ever photographer in residence, before joining the judging panel for the MPAs' inaugural awards in 2022. Throughout her career, Furmanovsky has collaborated with a roster of music legends, from Bob Marley and Led Zeppelin to Joy Division, Amy Winehouse, The Pretenders, and Blondie.
From 8 October to 12 November, the public will be able to see this year’s nominated MPA entries in close-up when they are displayed throughout the walls of the Royal Albert Hall, as part of a new partnership between Abbey Road and the iconic concert hall. Later this month, Abbey Road Music Photography Awards is joining forces with The Other Art Fair for their milestone 100th Global Edition at London’s Truman Brewery. The exhibit will celebrate how music photography continues to shape culture, at the same time recognising its significance as an art form. ICON recipient Jill Furmanovsky will present some of her most iconic imagery alongside hand-picking photographs from this year’s MPA open category finalists, spotlighting the images that resonate most with her.
Also new for this year, Abbey Road continues its mission to create opportunities for both new and established talent with launch of a new digital platform designed to showcase many of the photographers who have been recognised and awarded through the competition. Entitled the MPA Directory it will launch on 28 October on the MPA website, as an essential resource for artists, labels, managers and creatives searching for the most exciting and accomplished talent in music photography. Its aim is to build community, showcase talent and boost exposure, creating a space to generate opportunities for paid work. The MPA Directory will feature profiles of this year’s nominees and winners, alongside those from 2022 and 2023, and curated images from established photographers.
List of full winners and nominees below. *Bold* denotes the winner
OPEN CATEGORIES
Undiscovered Photographer of the Year (Supported by adidas)
Charlie Barclay Harris [Stone]
Isaiah Johns [Yves Tumor & Chris Greatti]
Izzy Nuzzo [Drake]
Leila Afghan [Nayana IZ]
Andreia Lemos [Amyl and the Sniffers]
Music Moment of the Year (Supported by Outernet London and voted for by the public)
Sam Neill [Fred Again..]
Tom Pallant [Blur]
Danielle Agnello [Souls of Mischief]
Zachary Zephir [Travis Scott]
Chris Suspect [Daikaiju]
Live Music Award
AF CORTES [Daikaiju]
Alec Castillo [Iggy Pop]
Francis Mancini [Darren Styles]
Isaiah Pate [Glaive]
Lorenzo Reali [Nayt]
Underground Scenes Award
Adam Ziegenhals [Hogg]
Lemphek [Hui Zu & Chen Hongmin]
Jodi Rogers [Max Kelan]
Lance Webber [Lolly Gaggers]
Marcus Maddox [Malice K - Cheeky Maa]
Making Music Award
Mariana dos Santos Pires [Léa Sen]
AF Cortes [Making Moves]
Maninder Ram [Lancey Foux]
Lauren Harris [Joesef]
RxAxLxF [CHOVU]
Jazz: The Rebirth of Cool
Adrien H. Tillmann [Billy Harper]
Christaan Felber [Cécile McLorin Salvant]
Diogo Lopes [Ezra Collective]
Lauren Luxenberg [Shabaka]
Leszek Gawin [Shabaka]
INVITED CATEGORIES
Editorial
Alexa Viscius [bnny]
Bet Bettencourt [Tems]
Murry Deaves [Static Dress]
James Robjant in collaboration with Patrick Waugh [King Krule]
Bolade Banjo [Headie One]
Xavier Tera [Rosalia]
Jack Chipper [D Double E]
Portrait
Jackie Lee Young [Devendra Banhart]
Bolade Banjo [Popcaan]
Elliot Hensford [Adekunle Gold]
Harry Steel [Oversize]
Jennifer McCord [Arlo Parks]
Gavin Bond [Liam Gallagher]
Shenell Kennedy [Unknown T]
Callum Walker Hutchinson [Raye]
This year's MPAs judging panel features a stellar lineup from the creative industries, led by founding judge and renowned British photographer Rankin (Madonna, Björk, Miley Cyrus). The panel includes U.S. photographers Raven B Varona (Adele) and Pooneh Ghana (Olivia Rodrigo), British photographers Ashley Verse (Stormzy) and Sam Rockman (Limp Bizkit), along with Vanity Fair’s Creative Development editor David Friend, Abbey Road's Artist in Residence Jordan Rakei, Beth Ditto, Jason Williamson (Sleaford Mods), jazz musician Moses Boyd, artist Bimini, and Decca Records A&R Director Rachel Holmberg. Simon Wheatley joins the panel to judge the Underground Scenes category.
For more information on this year’s MPAs, please visit.
NEWS & PRESS
Open letter from WIN CEO to European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera
Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera European CommissionRue de la Loi / Wetstraat 2001049 BrusselsBelgium 30 June 2025 Dear Ms. Ribera, I am writing regarding the investigation by the Directorate-General for Competition into the proposed acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (Downtown) by Universal...more
Taylor Swift and Charli XCX Help Attract Record 23.5 Million Music Tourists Spending £10 Billion at UK Music Events - New Report Reveals
UK Music Calls on Communities to Get Behind Music in new Hometown Glory Report Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals in the UK in 2024, a...more
BMG Brings Seeed catalog under one roof
BMG has acquired the artist and label rights of the German band Seeed. The agreement covers their first five albums: New Dubby Conquerors (2001), Music Monks (2003), Next! (2005), Live (2006), and Seeed (2012). With the release of Bam...more
Amazon Launches the Ultimate Oasis Fan Destination
Plus Chance To Win Tickets To Live ‘25 tour Amazon announces exclusive CD and Vinyl products available to pre-order on July 8 - with up to 15% off selected CD, Vinyl, and Merch for Prime members in celebration of Prime Day (July...more
Apple Music celebrates 10 years with the launch of a new global hub for artists designed to foster creativity and connection
Tune in to Apple Music Radio for a broadcast celebration with hosts Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, and special guests as they reminisce about their favourite moments from the past 10 years while looking toward the future As Apple Music marks its...more
Casio Sessions applications close soon!
With only one month to go applications to enter Casio Sessions 2025 are opened until the 31st July, 2025. Musicians will compete to win a PX-S7000HM digital piano, one of Casio’s premium models worth £2,249, plus an exclusive studio mastering session...more
Zebralution Announces Promotions and New Appointments
William Hallström Promoted to Head of International Business Development in addition to current role as Senior Vice President (SVP) UK, Ireland & The Nordics Harry Barrett and Zhenya Ivanova Join Team in Key Sales & Marketing Roles Zebralution, the leading independent digital...more
Universal Music Group and the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music establish the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship to honor the legacy of a music pioneer
The endowed scholarship builds on UMG’s Sounds of the Future initiative and The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of music industry leaders. Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced...more
Sony Music Publishing Signs Global Deal with Breakthrough Singer-Songwriter Noeline Hofmann
Sony Music Publishing announced today the signing of rising Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician Noeline Hofmann to a global publishing agreement. Noeline Hofmann has quickly garnered widespread acclaim across the country music scene with the release of her debut EP, Purple Gas,...more
Framework to feature Keinemusik's Adam Port for rare Hollywood Boulevard takeover
The historic open-air performance marks Framework's third event on the iconic Los Angeles street, further solidifying their impact on LA nightlife 'Framework presents Adam Port on Hollywood Boulevard'Saturday, September 27, 2025 Pre-sale begins Wednesday, July 2 @ 10am PT before public on-sale...more
AEG officially takes the reins at Watford Colosseum following major refurbishment milestone
Watford Borough Council has officially handed over the keys of the refurbished Watford Colosseum to AEG Presents UK, marking the practical completion of the venue's multi-million-pound upgrade and a significant milestone in the Town Hall Quarter regeneration. With the building now...more
PPL makes payment of £96.7 million to 139,000 performers and recording rightsholders
PPL is making a Q2 payment of £96.7 million to 139,000 performers and recording rightsholders. This distribution is comprised primarily of payments for UK collections across public performance and broadcast licensing in 2024, as well as some additional revenue from international...more
HFA's Rumblefish Provides Music Rights Administration Services to ByteDance
HFA’s Rumblefish, a trusted provider of comprehensive music industry rights administration services, is pleased to announce that it has been engaged to provide data, licensing, and royalty management services to support ByteDance’s TikTok and CapCut products. TikTok is a social...more
Jack Delaney promoted to General Manager at Murray Chalmers PR
Jack Delaney has been promoted to the role of General Manager at Murray Chalmers PR, effective immediately. Jack will work with Murray in developing and implementing business operations whilst continuing to work on specific client accounts including Headie One, Lily Allen,...more
“Unimaginable in any other sector†- Impala’s Helen Smith on planned Downtown acquisition
Op-ed originally published on Music Ally on 25th June 2025 “Unimaginable in any other sector” All markets need big companies. And the world’s biggest music company is more than that. UMG is innovative and bullish. And a great collaborator on so many issues. The only question...more
Wise Music Group signs publishing deal with Gloria De Oliveira
Wise Music Group is happy to announce that Gloria de Oliveira has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Berlin-based Bosworth Music GmbH and Random Musick Publishing. Writing and performing music since childhood, Gloria de Oliveira’s creative journey has led her...more
ESNS turns 40: ‘Europe Calling’ to lead anniversary celebrations in January
ESNS TURNS 40: ‘EUROPE CALLING’ TO LEAD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN JANUARY In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, cultural fragmentation and rapid industry shifts, Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) will celebrate its 40th anniversary in January 2026 and responds with a strong, unifying...more
Cliff Fluet to Lead Board of Industry Leaders as Chair of Music Technology UK
Newly appointed board to include Helen Sartory, Beatport; Claire Mas, Spitfire Audio; Gareth Deakin, Sonorous Global Music Technology UK (MTUK), the UK's only trade association dedicated to supporting music tech startups, today announced the appointment of Cliff Fluet as its inaugural Chair,...more
SymphonyOS Gives Maestro, its AI Marketing Assistant, a Powerful Upgrade
Reimagined marketing assistant launches as SymphonyOS teams up with Groover to offer artists more promo power Artists at every stage of their journey now have a powerful new marketing tool to guide them: Maestro, the reimagined AI assistant from SymphonyOS. A...more
New board of the European Music Council elected
Within the frame of the Annual Meeting of the European Music Council the members have elected a new board on 26 June 2025, for the next 2 years.The EMC Board is now including 8 representatives of EMC members to decide on content...more
Universal Music Group named to Time's 2025 list of the 100 most influential companies
UMG’s inclusion in the TIME100 marks the first appearance of a major music company since the list’s inception Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, was named to TIME’s fifth-annual TIME100 Most Influential Companies list, highlighting companies making an extraordinary impact around...more
StrmMusic Appoints Geoff Cubitt CEO of StrmMusic North America amid Global Expansion
Digital innovation leader takes the helm to accelerate StrmMusic’s growth in the US and Canada, establishes HQ in Chicago StrmMusic, the smart label supercharging artists’ trajectories, has announced the appointment of Geoff Cubitt as CEO of StrmMusic North America. The company...more
oiid Integrates Music AI to Scale Its Interactive Direct-to-Fan Apps
oiid, the company that makes artist branded superfan apps, has now integrated Music AI’s state-of-the-art stem separation technology into its artist-based apps.The integration will help artists at all stages of their careers to engage fans like never before, enabling fans...more
Wise Music Group signs Austrian/American composer Lukas Ligeti
Edition Peters, part of Wise Music Group, is delighted to announce the signing of composer, drummer, and visionary musical innovator Lukas Ligeti to its roster. Known for his groundbreaking work across genres and continents, Ligeti has forged a unique path through...more
Full dates & locations for all Official Oasis Live '25
Fan Stores revealed London, Birmingham, Edinburgh & Dublin store details revealed, alongside Manchester and Cardiff Official Oasis Live ‘25 merchandise collection unveiled, available to shop in store and online Exclusive brand collaborations, including ‘adidas Originals x Oasis’ Ahead of the sold-out Oasis world tour,...more
Outernet London - the UKs most visited cultural attraction - seeks naming rights partner
Outernet, the most visited cultural attraction in the UK announces today for the first time its search for a naming rights partner with branding opportunities across the entire Outernet district - right in the heart of central London. As well...more
Co-op Live becomes first European arena to launch Virtual Venue with Ticketmaster
Co-op Live has become the first arena outside of North America to launch Virtual Venue, Ticketmaster’s cutting-edge 3D tool that lets fans preview their view from seat before purchasing. Powered by Ticketmaster, Virtual Venue allows fans to explore 360-degree views from...more
Sony Music Publishing Appoints Margherita Gnech as Managing Director of Italy
Today Sony Music Publishing announced the promotion of Margherita Gnech to Managing Director of Italy, effective immediately. As Managing Director, Gnech will be responsible for overseeing creative and business operations across SMP Italy, driving the company’s growth and innovation in one...more
Symphonic Distribution and Humanable Announce Strategic Partnership to Protect Human-Made Music
Humanable, the patent-pending, artist-first solution to Generative AI’s (GenAI) disruption of the music ecosystem, has entered into a strategic partnership with Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists. Under the partnership, Humanable...more
Bucks signs admin deal with independent label Bigo & Twigetti
Digital-first classical and electronica label has earned over 500m streams over the last two years Bucks Music Group has signed an administration deal with London-based independent record label Bigo & Twigetti. Bigo & Twigetti mixes classical music, electronica, sound design and more....more
THE HEADLINES
WIN CEO writes to European Commission Vice-President over Universal's acquisition of Downtown (see Comment)
If Spotify truly champions discovery, it should champion fair compensation from the first stream (see Comment)
Selected Glastonbury coverage (see News, Features, Showbiz, Reviews)
Streaming is both retail and radio – it shouldn’t be (see Comment)
Impala’s Helen Smith on UMG's planned Downtown acquisition (see Comment)
Retiring Arista CEO David Massey shares his top 10 career highlights (see Features)
Budweiser’s royalty loophole ad: How AI and social have changed the value of creators (see Comment)
When did making music get so lonely? (see Comment)
How will Taylor Swift’s masters ownership saga be remembered? (see Audio&Visual)
The copyright war between the AI industry and creatives (see Comment)
Interview: Lyor Cohen, the head of YouTube Music (see Features)
The ‘pure’ songwriter is disappearing – and it’s everyone’s problem (see Comment)
What 20 years of YouTube reveals about creativity’s future (see Features)
Welcome to entertainment’s ‘Mad Max’ era. Here’s where it leads (see Comment)