The NME Awards 2014 in association with Austin, Texas revealed today that the one and only Damon Albarn will be receiving the Innovation Award in recognition to his contribution to pop music. Albarn will be the first recipient of this award and will receive it on Wednesday 26th February at O2 Academy Brixton.
Damon Albarn is no stranger to awards, counting Grammys, Brits and Ivor Novello Awards to his collection. Damon’s history with NME is unparalleled – whether it’s headlining festivals with Blur and Gorillaz, writing critically-acclaimed operas, composing music for film, or working with music collective Africa Express.
The Award comes just as Damon Albarn is set to release his first solo album, Everyday Robots.
NME editor Mike Williams says: “Damon’s enduring popularity is a testament to his unrivalled talent. He is somebody who is always pushing things forward, always operating in his own sphere and forever innovating via experimentation and collaboration. Britain rarely produces songwriters of Damon’s calibre, which is why he’s been so popular with NME’s readers for the past two decades. I don’t see that popularity waning any time soon, just as I don’t see his ability to write life-affirming, jaw-dropping songs disappearing either. We’re lucky to have him, and it’s an absolute honour for us to be giving Damon the NME Award For Innovation.”
