By Stevie Connor.
Cementing her position as one of the UK’s brightest new stars, Mica Millar wins ‘Soul Act of the Year’ at Jazz FM Awards 2022, alongside a second nomination for ‘Breakthrough Act of the Year.’
Each year the prestigious Jazz FM Awards celebrate the utmost excellence of emerging soul and jazz musicians, and this year stars from across the international music scene descended on Shoreditch Town Hall, with Mica opening the ceremony with a special live performance.
The monumental win follows on from two massive album launch shows Mica played in September for the release of her debut album ‘Heaven Knows’, with a sold out show at the capital’s prestigious Jazz Café followed by a special hometown performance filling out the iconic Albert Hall in Manchester, from which she shares a live performance of her song ‘Will I See You Again’ to celebrate.
Eager fans have since been asking for an even larger string of shows, and today the wait is over as the Manchester singer announces her first national tour across the country for next year, full list of shows below – with more dates to be added.
TOUR DATES
5th May – Jazz Cafe, London
21st May – Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
25th May – Band on the Wall (Manchester Jazz Festival), Manchester
30th May – The Wardrove (Leeds Jazz Festival), Leeds
“I’ve had such an incredible year and I'm really looking forward to my first national tour in 2023 - I know people have been waiting patiently for me to announce these shows so it's really exciting that the dates are finally confirmed and tickets are on sale,” says Mica.
“It's so important to me that each show will be a unique and special experience for the audience... and for me and my band too! So I've hand-picked all the venues myself, lots of beautiful, interesting and iconic spaces. I can't wait.”
Expect to hear the sensational ‘Heaven Knows’ performed with a full live band, plus other surprises soon to be revealed… Early bird tickets for Manchester have already sold out within the first hour, so do not hesitate and grab your tickets HERE!
On her win, Mica says: "I've never won an award before so this feels really special. I just love soul music so much and it's taught me so many lessons about love, empowerment, hope, faith, lessons in history… for me, it’s also taught me how to connect with and express matters of the soul and I’m so grateful for this. To win ‘Soul Act of the Year’ is really incredible.
Previous recipients of the ‘Soul Act of the Year’ award include Philip Bailey, Jon Batiste, Jill Scott, Moonchild and Poppy Ajudha.
“This year really has felt like a year of breaking through, it’s been incredible and I’m so grateful to everyone for all of the support I’ve received since releasing ‘Heaven Knows’ and particularly to Jazz FM who have been amazing at really getting behind me and the album. To be acknowledged for my work in a genre that I have so much respect and love for is a real honour”.
Mica’s debut album ‘Heaven Knows’ achieved widespread acclaim this summer, including a plethora of national radio support from the likes of Trevor Nelson at BBC Radio 2 and a slot on Clive Anderson’s ‘Loose Ends’ on BBC Radio 4. She’s been championed by Craig Charles & Tom Robinson on 6 Music, BBC Radio 1’s Victoria Jane, BBC Radio 2’s Good Morning Sunday, and of course Jazz FM who have sung Mica’s praises this year, making ‘Girl’ their Track of the Week, playlisting title track ‘Heaven Knows’ with singles ‘Flashlights’ and ‘More Than You Give Me’ shooting onto the A List, all in addition to ‘Heaven Knows’ being featured as their Album of the Week. Mica will also be Guest Head of Music across Jazz FM on Friday 4th November.
Mica also graced the covers of Blues & Soul Magazine and Echoes Magazine, who also gave ‘Heaven Knows’ a 5 star ‘soul album of the month’. The album was called “a classy debut” by Daily Express and Daily Mirror and has had acclaim everywhere from Wordplay, Music Week, Fred Perry, 1883 Magazine, The Official Charts, God is in the TV, Backseat Mafia, Soul Jazz and Funk, Soul Tracks, Noctis Magazine, Louder Than War and many more. The name ‘Mica Millar’ is also making its way across the pond, landing A List slots at Amazing Radio USA for all three of her recent singles.
Mica’s debut album ‘Heaven Knows’ is out now, including 500 limited edition, signed double 12” vinyl.
Website: www.micamillar.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MicaMillarMusic
Twitter: twitter.com/mica_millar
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mica_millar
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