PJ Harvey 'honoured and grateful' for award

PJ Harvey, a well-known musician and poet, has expressed her feelings of being 'honoured and very grateful' after winning a prestigious award for her contributions to music in her home region of Dorset. The award, known as the Original Music Awards (OMAs), is an annual event that celebrates individuals who are making a significant impact in the original music scene in Dorset. Harvey, who was born in this beautiful county, received a special recognition for her dedication to keeping Dorset at the 'heart' of her artistic endeavors. In a heartfelt video message, she shared that Dorset 'shaped the person I've become' and conveyed her delight in receiving this award. Growing up on a farm near Corscombe, PJ Harvey began her musical journey by performing in local pubs and community gatherings throughout west Dorset. Eventually, she formed her own band and moved to London to further her career in music. During the award ceremony held at Lighthouse Poole, the panel highlighted how Dorset has 'always remained at the heart' of her work. They noted her unique ability to incorporate the sounds of Dorset into her creations and her use of the local dialect in her poetry. This commitment to her roots has made her a source of 'inspiration' for many grassroots musicians in the area. The panel encouraged songwriters and composers to embrace experimentation and to explore new avenues in their music, especially in an age where streaming has become the norm. In her video message, the 55-year-old artist praised the grassroots music scene in Dorset, particularly acknowledging the support she received from her school, Beaminster Comprehensive. She fondly recalled feeling 'supported and encouraged' by the artistic community in Bridport, which played a crucial role in her development as an artist. 'Because of the encouragement I had throughout my education and the influence of the artists around me, I was able to believe in my own voice,' she stated. PJ Harvey emphasized the importance of the arts, saying, 'Art is hugely important on an emotional level and also on an intellectual level of understanding the world that we live in. ' She believes that artists have a lot to express and that it is vital for everyone to discover their own voice. Other notable winners at the awards included songwriter Calvin Glen, who received the Inspirational Person award, and musician and entrepreneur Mischa Weston Green, who was honored with the Spreading the Love award. If you have a story that you think BBC Dorset should cover, you can reach out to them through their contact form. You can also follow them on social media for more updates and news.