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The composer, poet and songwriter will be celebrated for her contribution to Dorset at the Original Music Awards at Lighthouse Poole on Friday, January 17. The Original Music Awards Panel 2024 said: “We are recognising PJ Harvey with this award, not because of her notable successes, but because Dorset has always remained at the heart of her work. Whether it be using soundscapes of Dorset in her creations or writing poetry in the Dorset dialect, it's very clear that she has always remained true to her roots.
“What we want to celebrate is the inspiration this brings to grass roots Dorset musicians, particularly the younger generation. That in this day and age of streaming music to the masses, as a songwriter and composer you should never be afraid to be experimental, to try new things and continue to discover where your voice and writing can take you.” Polly Harvey grew up on a farm near Corscombe and cut her musical teeth playing pub back rooms and get togethers in West Dorset before joining Bristol-based band Automatic Dlamini.
She formed her own band in 1991 before moving to London where their first demo tape attracted the attention of John Peel, the music press and record labels. The singer has consistently drawn on her Dorset roots, from her 1992 debut album Dry, through the Mercury Prize-winning Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea and Let England Shake, to last year’s I Inside the Old Year Dying. In 2022, she published her verse novel Orlam, the first substantial work written in the Dorset dialect for decades.
The panel added: “This award is for her often unseen or overlooked contribution to the music scene, but one that we think is highly important to recognise and should indeed be celebrated.” The annual Original Music Awards celebrate original music talent and the creative services that support it in Dorset. Awards will also be presented to those whose music, and the circumstances in which it is made, deserve for wider recognition.
This year’s special award winners are Calvin Glen for inspirational person, Joe Musker for services to charity, Macko Grimmer for strength of character, Mischa Weston Green for spreading the love, Mark Baynes for services to music, DJ Pencil for contribution to Dorset dance music and Rainbow Lion Alex who will receive the Alex JT Award. Tickets are available now at or on 01202 280000..
