news category All News, MPG Awards created 31 March 2025
MUSIC PRODUCERS GUILD HONOURS PETER GABRIEL AND PAUL EPWORTH WITH PRESTIGIOUS GIFTED AWARDS
The Music Producers Guild, in association with Dolby and Mix With The Masters, is delighted to announce two exceptional British music talents as winners of their highest accolades, the MPG Pioneer and MPG Icon awards.
Peter Gabriel: A Pioneer of Musical Innovation Peter Gabriel will receive the inaugural MPG Pioneer Award, a new honour that celebrates visionaries who have fundamentally reshaped the musical landscape. A true innovator, Gabriel has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical expression throughout his legendary career, paving the way for future generations.
From his transformative years as the original lead singer of Genesis to his groundbreaking solo work, that includes studio albums – his latest being i/o, released in 2023 – orchestral projects and soundtracks, Peter has been a perpetual creative force, leaning into experimental sounds and theatrical performances. His solo albums have explored various genres, including rock, world music, and electronic, gaining him a wide audience. Gabriel’s iconic songs like ‘Solsbury Hill’, ‘Sledgehammer’, ‘In Your Eyes’ and ‘Digging in the Dirt’ have already cemented his place in music history. He is also the founder of Real World Records and Real World Studios, one of the world’s premier recording locations.
The MPG Icon Award will be presented to Paul Epworth, recognising his immense impact on contemporary music production. Following in the footsteps of previous recipients like Bob Clearmountain and Alan Moulder, Epworth represents the pinnacle of musical creativity and influence.
A British record producer, musician, and songwriter known for his work with acts such as Adele, Florence + The Machine, and Kate Nash, Paul has helped nurture the early careers of artists like Futureheads and Bloc Party as well as more established acts such as Coldplay, U2, and Mumford & Sons. He has won multiple awards, including an Oscar for Best Original Song for the Bond film Skyfall. He is also the owner of the award-winning Church Studios and founder of the independent record label Wolf Tone, which has released music by Glass Animals, The Horrors and Rosie Lowe.
MPG Director Emma Townsend said: “We are thrilled Peter and Paul are to accept these awards which are not just recognition for their extraordinary achievements in music, but also for the talent pipeline they have created which has provided a vital home for both emerging and established producers. We are so excited to be welcoming two such outstanding individuals who have given so much back to our industry to our awards and we can’t wait to celebrate with them on the night.”
The MPG have already announced two other special award winners. Lauren Laverne will take home the MPG Special Recognition Award and Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) will receive the award for PPL Presents The Outstanding Contribution To UK Music.
The final gifted award will be announced in the coming weeks, with the rest of the winners announced at The Troxy on Thursday 24th April. Tickets are on-sale now.
