If you’re into the local music scene, then you’ve probably heard of the Corby Music Awards—an event that’s quickly becoming a must-attend for anyone who’s serious about celebrating homegrown talent. But what you might not know is the story behind it all. We had a chat with James Hunter, the man behind Sour Promotions, to find out what inspired him to launch these awards and how they’re making waves in Northamptonshire’s music scene.
Meet James Hunter and Sour Promotions
James Hunter isn’t just another event promoter—he’s a lifelong music lover who’s been running shows in Northamptonshire since he was 16. That’s over two decades of experience, passion, and a deep connection to the local music scene. Through Sour Promotions, James has been putting on events that bring people together and give local talent a stage to shine on.
So, what’s the story behind the Corby Music Awards? “A gentleman called Barry Addison, who worked for Corby Radio, used to run a live music show on Thursday evenings. He and his wife Janine were always supportive of what I was doing, and Barry was dedicated to giving new bands a platform,” James explains. Sadly, Barry passed away, leaving a big gap in Corby’s music scene. To honour Barry’s memory and keep his spirit alive, James created the Corby Music Awards.
The Mission of the Corby Music Awards
The goal of the Corby Music Awards is simple: to celebrate the vibrant music scene in Corby. “Corby has always had a great music scene, and I wanted to create an event where we could get together and celebrate it. A lot of the local bands have played my shows, and I’ve been lucky enough to take some of them out of town to play with touring bands,” says James.
But these awards are more than just a night of recognition—they’re about giving back to the musicians who pour their hearts (and wallets) into their craft. “There are so many bands that have contributed to charity events and invested their own money into making music. It’s a way to show some appreciation back,” James adds.
Supporting Local Venues and the Broader Community
The impact of the Corby Music Awards isn’t limited to the musicians—they’re also a huge boost for local venues and the broader music community in Corby. Sour Promotions has been instrumental in events like the Corby Music Festival, which showcases 40 bands across four stages. “We had a thousand ticket sell-out event, which shows how much the scene is growing,” James notes.
Each stage at the festival is run by key figures in Corby’s music community—people like Stephen Crooks, Carl King, and Danny Twigger, who host jam nights at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club. “The job they do at the Ex is incredible,” James says, giving props to other local legends like Luke Thomson of Raven House Band and Adele Kirk, a musician who’s always generous with her time.
Building Community Through Music
At its core, the Corby Music Awards are about more than just music—they’re about building a sense of community. “At these types of events, bands meet each other, network, and end up playing shows together in the future. I’m just a small part of it, but it adds to what Corby is—a music town,” James explains.
The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “We did our first one last year, and it sold out. It was my favourite event of the whole year. It was genuinely a fun night and a great way to celebrate Barry,” James recalls. This year, the excitement is even bigger, with non-stop voting and a growing buzz.
What’s Next for the Corby Music Awards?
Looking ahead, James plans to keep the Corby Music Awards going strong. “I hope to keep it going the way it is. It started as a celebration of Barry Addison, but there’s also so much more that can be celebrated,” he says.
If you’re a local artist, venue owner, or just someone who loves good music, there’s still time to get involved. Voting is open now, so CLICK HERE to cast your vote and support the talent that makes Corby’s music scene so special.
In the end, the Corby Music Awards are all about celebrating the talent and passion that make Corby a true music town. With Sour Promotions leading the charge, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of something truly special.
So, if you’re in the area, make sure you don’t miss out on this year’s event—you won’t regret it!
Photography: Cam Wiggins
