Jazz FM's 'Soul Act of The Year' Mica Millar nominated alongside Cleo Soul & Alex Isley

Cementing her position as one of the UK’s brightest new Soul stars, Mica Millar has received two nominations at this year’s Jazz FM awards for 'Breakthrough Act of the Year' and 'Soul Act of the Year'.

Mica Millar said: “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 have been nominated for two awards is a real achievement for me and to have been acknowledged for my work in a genre that I have so much respect and love for is a real honour”.

Mica Millar’s debut album ‘Heaven Knows’ was released 10th June 2022, a fourteen track self-written and produced debut showcasing her immaculate, powerful vocal performance atop a bed of soul-infused musicianship.

Becoming one of her biggest supporters this year, Jazz FM have made single ‘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 is also due to take over Jazz FM as Guest Head of Music next week with her choice of song selects being added to the playlist as well as features and interviews . She’ll also play an hour of her favourite Soul music as presenter of ‘The Greatest Hour’.

Each year the noble Jazz FM Awards celebrate the utmost excellence of emerging soul and jazz musicians, and today they announce Mica will be in the running for two awards at the 2022 ceremony taking place on Thursday October 20th at Shoreditch Town Hall where the winners will be announced.

This year’s nominees also include the pianist, composer and producer Robert Glasper, vocalists Mavis Staples and Levon Helm, drummer and co-founder of the Roots Questlove, musician and producer Trombone Shorty, US singer Lady Blackbird, and soul veteran Omar. 

Alongside Mica, up-and-coming artists to have been nominated include Blue Lab Beats, Kokoroko, Chelsea Carmichael, Emma-Jean Thackray, Georgia Cécile, Emma Rawicz, and Fergus McCreadie.

Since launching in 2013, the Jazz FM Awards has have honoured the likes of Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Norah Jones, Dame Cleo Laine and Georgie Fame. 

Nick Pitts, content director at Jazz FM, said: “I’d like to say a huge congratulations to all of the artists nominated for awards this year. The scene both in the UK and abroad continues to thrive, and competition for nominations is as fierce as ever so all of those we’ve included on the list are special talents who continue to push the boundaries and create incredible music.”

Peter Leathem, chief executive officer, PPL, said: “We are proud to once again be co-headline sponsors for the Jazz FM Awards alongside PRS For Music. Each year the Awards showcase the great depth of talent that the jazz genre has in the UK, celebrating not just established artists but also showcasing those whose careers are just beginning. It also recognises the important work of Jazz FM in providing a platform for these artists and for supporting their work. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and we look forward to celebrating their work in October.”

Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO, PRS For Music, added: “PRS For Music is proud to be the co-headline sponsor of the Jazz FM Awards, alongside PPL. It's incredible to see the exceptional, daring and distinctive music being created by the UK's finest Jazz, Soul and Blues songwriters and musicians. Congratulations to this year's nominees, we look forward to celebrating with you!” 

The Jazz FM Awards announcement lies ahead of Mica Millar two live album launch shows planned for September. Playing the biggest headline shows of her career at the capital’s prestigious Jazz Cafe on Saturday 17th September and then the iconic Albert Hall in Manchester on Sunday 25th September to perform her new album in full. For London tickets visit here / Manchester tickets here.

Widespread acclaim for Mica’s debut album ‘Heaven Knows’ includes a plethora of national radio support from the likes of Trevor Nelson at BBC Radio 2, a slot on Clive Anderson’s ‘Loose Ends’ on BBC Radio 4, lead single ‘Preacher Man’ championed by Craig Charles & Tom Robinson on 6 Music, support for title track ‘Heaven Knows’ on BBC Radio 1 with Victoria Jane and Flashlights on BBC Radio 2’s Good Morning Sunday.

Mica’s backing doesn’t stop there, she’s recently 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, 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 and limited edition CD's available here.

The nominations for the Jazz FM Awards are as follows:

Breakthrough Act of The Year: Chelsea Carmichael, Jasmin Myra, Mica Millar.

International Jazz Act of The Year: Lady Blackbird, Theo Croker, Trombone Shorty.

Soul Act of The Year: Alex Isley, Cleo Sol, Mica Millar.

Blues Act of The Year: Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, Joanne Taylor Shaw, Mavis Staples and Levon Helm.

Vocalist Of the Year: Brigitte Beraha, Georgia Cécile, Omar.

Instrumentalist of The Year: Emma Rawicz, Fergus McCredie, Mark Kavuma.

The Digital Award: jazzed, Summer of Soul, We Out Here.

Innovation Award: Blue Lab Beats, Café OTO, Jazz Is Dead.

The Public Vote categories and nominations are for:

UK Jazz Act of The Year: Blue Lab Beats, KOKOROKO, Georgia Cécile;

Album of The Year: Cleo Sol – Mother; Blue Lab Beats – Motherland Journey; Emma-Jean Thackray – Yellow; Fergus McCreadie – Forest Floor; Kurt Elling – SuperBlue and Robert Glasper – Black Radio III.