Ruby Duff and Lo Lauren were recipients of the first annual John Sweeney Impact Award and one time only Legacy Award
(May 5, 2026 – London, UK) SESAC and Liverpool Sound City came together this past weekend to honor the late John Sweeney at the annual music festival. This year, the festival included the first annual John Sweeney Stage. In addition to the stage, two bursaries were given out in his name to artists voted on by an esteemed panel of judges.
The John Sweeney Legacy prize, a one-time only bursary, was presented to Lo Lauren. Nominees for this prize included Youth Sector, The Man, The Myth, The Meatslab, Pet Snake, Dylan Robert, and LEES, all of whom previously played the SESAC showcase at Sound City, which John looked forward to programing each year.
“John Sweeney was one of the first to book me for a show and so it really is such an honour to receive this award. In music it can often feel like nobody’s listening, so knowing I have champions in my corner really means a lot. I’m about to release my second EP and I’m very excited to put this towards bringing that project to life,” said Lo Lauren.
The 2026 John Sweeney Impact prize was presented to Ruby Duff and will continue to be awarded at Sound City’s 20th anniversary year in 2027 and beyond to support the career of rising artists, which John was extremely passionate about. Stream music from all the nominees here.
“Being the first recipient of the John Sweeney Impact Award feels incredibly special. It’s both surreal and deeply personal, having known him as someone who so genuinely championed emerging artists,” said Ruby Duff. “This award will allow me to elevate my live performances, spending some on better equipment and touring resources, while also giving me the means to build a home recording setup. Ultimately, it creates a path toward producing more work consistently and building a sustainable career as an artist and songwriter.”
John Sweeney was more than a respected music executive – he was a tireless advocate for songwriters, a trusted colleague, and a passionate fan of music in all its forms. As Vice President, International at SESAC Performing Rights, he became a cornerstone of the UK music community, based in London but revered across continents. Since joining SESAC in 2012, John helped build and support a remarkable group of creators, including Glass Animals, Mumford & Sons, Alt-J, Rex Orange County, Disclosure, Thin Lizzy, and many others. His work focused on songwriter and publisher relationships across the UK and much of the globe. In 2025, John received a posthumous Ivors Academy Honour in celebration of his life and legacy.
“John’s impact on our industry is enduring. Over the course of a decades-long career, he helped shape the UK music community with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to creators, earning the respect and admiration of peers worldwide. He was a tireless champion of songwriters and artists at every stage of their journey. It is especially meaningful to see his legacy continue through the John Sweeney Stage at Sound City, a platform he believed in and supported so passionately,” said Sam Kling, Chief Creative Officer, SESAC.
