From underground rap to bedroom pop, the NOTION New Music Awards celebrate the artists shaping tomorrow’s sound, judged by some of music’s most influential voices.

For 21 years, NOTION has championed the artists shaping the future before they hit the mainstream. From early cover stories and first interviews to viral digital features, we’ve built a track record that speaks for itself: our past cover stars include everyone from Billie Eilish and The Weeknd to Bruno Mars, Gorillaz, Bob Marley, Björk and Charli XCX. But rather than rest on our legacy, we’re taking it forward.

 

Enter the NOTION New Music Awards (NMAs): a new initiative dedicated to spotlighting the artists rewriting the rules before the rest of the industry catches up. Designed as a digital-first celebration for the spaces where new music truly lives (online, on social, and in culture) the NOTION NMAs exist to honour the genre-defying voices defining what’s next.

 

“This isn’t a victory lap – it’s a launchpad,” says our Creative Director, Nicholas Douglas. “We’re spotlighting the artists who are rewriting the rules before the rest of the industry catches up.”

To reflect the full spectrum of today’s new music, the NMAs will honour winners across eight genre-spanning categories: Best New Artist (Overall), Best New Pop, Best New Rap / Hip-Hop, Best New Alternative, Best New Afrobeats / Amapiano, Best New Electronic, Best New R&B and Best New Jazz / Funk / Soul. Each category is designed to celebrate artists who are fearless, original and culturally resonant – artists taking risks and pushing their genres forward – with the overall Best New Artist crowned with a full NOTION Digital Cover supported by exclusive photography, interviews and cross-platform storytelling.

 

To be eligible, artists must not yet have released a studio album, have been pursuing music full-time for less than three years, show measurable momentum as an emerging talent, and be growing their audience and cultural presence. Winners will be selected not for commercial potential, but for originality, relevance and cultural impact, by a stacked panel of 15 cross-genre tastemakers from across music, media and culture, each handpicked for their influence, expertise and impeccable taste.

The 2025 judging panel includes Krept & Konan, Sasha Keable, Bimini, Lewys Ball, Yemi Abiade, Natty Kasambala, Taylah Elaine, AZ Captures, Jack Saunders, Mimi The Music Blogger, NAINA, Nicholas Douglas, Jordss, Adem Holness and Sof Petridis, bringing with them combined expertise spanning performance, broadcast, journalism, visuals, and artist development.

 

When asked what they’re looking for when judging our NMAs, Krept & Konan said, “Something unique, different yet relatable.” Bimini adds, “A strong point of view and no fear of risk.” And for Sasha Keable, it’s all about resonance: “I will be listening out for something that moves me… if it moves me, we’re on to a winner.”

 

Each category winner will receive a dedicated editorial feature on notion.online, with their work celebrated through a full digital-first campaign including video and carousel content across Instagram and TikTok, and behind-the-scenes footage from shoots and award moments. 

 

In an industry where traditional awards often reward artists after they’ve already made it, the NMAs are designed to champion the moment of becoming: that electrifying point where artists are breaking through, reshaping their scenes and rewriting the rules. Dedicated to the risk-takers and the rule-breakers, the NOTION New Music Awards are where the future of music lives.