Photo: Samuel Bradley
Ahead of their upcoming MPG Awards, the Music Producers Guild (MPG) have revealed the latest winner in their collection of gifted awards. This year, The MPG Award For Outstanding Contribution To UK Music — which is presented by PPL — has been awarded to Manchester-based band The 1975.
Formed in 2002, The 1975 broke through with their self-titled debut album in 2013, reaching the number-one spot in the UK charts. Their distinctive sound offers a blend of indie rock, synth-pop and art pop, and has attracted one of the most devoted fanbases in contemporary British music, and their subsequent releases have left them with a string of five consecutive chart-topping UK albums.
Members George Daniel & Matty Healy have played an increasingly central production role, developing a studio approach that has had a huge influence on a generation of producers in the way they handle texture, arrangement and the blurring of genre boundaries. They have received an array of Brit Awards and Grammy nominations, and continue to headline tours and festivals worldwide.
“The 1975 have fundamentally reshaped the relationship between artist and producer in modern music. George Daniel and Matty Healy have approached production not simply as a technical process, but as a core creative discipline, developing a sonic identity that is unmistakable, ambitious and deeply influential. Their work as a band alongside Adam and Ross has inspired a new generation of artists, music makers and producers to think beyond genre conventions and embrace production as an art form in its own right. It is a privilege to recognise their outstanding contribution to UK music and amazing catalogue of work up until this point as we get ready for their next chapter.” - Emma Townsend, Executive Director, The MPG
“We are delighted to honour The 1975 with the Outstanding Contribution to UK Music Award at the MPG Awards 2026. The 1975 have shaped the distinctive sound of a generation, with an innovative blend of music that brings together indie rock, pop and electronic in a unique and captivating way. The raw honesty of their craft has resonated with fans across the world, and as performers they are awe inspiring. The 1975 are truly deserving winners and we are proud to celebrate their exceptional contributions to music.” - Peter Leathem OBE, CEO, PPL
The announcement comes ahead of the 2026 MPG Awards, which is being held on 16 April at The Troxy, London, E1 0HX. Tickets are on sale now.
