Trans Brighton-based musician, songwriter and mentor Miri Layzell wins Young Leader Award at Youth Music Awards
– 2 min read
Miri Layzell, a trans Brighton-based musician, songwriter and mentor - who creates safe, inclusive spaces for queer and trans youth - has been named the winner of the Young Leader Award, supported by Arts Council England, at the annual Youth Music Awards 2025 in association with Hal Leonard Europe.
Miri received the award at the event, held at Troxy, London, for his dedication to empowering young people through music. Beginning his journey with AudioActive, a Youth Music funded project, at a time of extreme crisis, Miri credits the organisation with saving his life, with his transition at 18 years old allowing him to further embrace his talent and identity.
From entering AudioActive as a vulnerable young person at just 13, to being now employed as a headstrong music leader eight years later, he creates safe, inclusive spaces for queer and trans youth, inspiring the next generation to thrive through creativity, music, and self-expression.
Discussing his award win, Miri Layzell says: “It means so much to me and I can't wait to tell the people I’ve been working with recently about it.”
Now in its 6th year, the awards celebrate the trailblazing entrepreneurs, grassroots projects and young leaders shaping the scene. Winners were chosen by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including Pass Out singer Tinie Tempah, DJ duo BICEP, MOBO Award-winning ALT BLK ERA, and radio presenters Jess Iszatt and Jodie Bryant.
Alongside the awards, Youth Music is calling on the industry to Rescue the Roots. With 41% of vital grassroots projects at risk of closure, the campaign aims to raise £1 million to protect the youth music scene - with every pound matched by Youth Music.
Youth Music CEO, Matt Griffiths, said: “The Youth Music Awards is always a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the chance to create. The artists and leaders we celebrate tonight are shaping the future of music at its roots.
"At a time when grassroots projects face a major funding crisis, showcasing their impact has never been more vital. The energy, talent and ambition in this room are proof of why these spaces matter. I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and the incredible artists who were shortlisted.”
Next year will see the awards move out of London for the first time to the north west, where Youth Music has invested over £1.1million in 23 different grassroots music projects over the past year, supporting over 6,000 young people.
