Matt Clewes, host of Clewes’ Country, was voted UK Radio Presenter of the Year by the British Country Music Association (BCMA) at the awards in Liverpool on Sunday (12 January).
The annual BCMA awards show, held at the iconic Cavern Club, celebrates country music from across the UK, showcasing some of the nation’s finest country music musicians. Clewes was nominated for the same award in 2024 but missed out when Absolute Radio Country’s Baylen Leonard took home the title.
On winning the award in 2025, Matt said: “it is a true honour to be able to pick up this award, it really means a lot. This show and Country music in the UK is my life and I want that to continue to be the case for a long time and for it to grow even bigger."
“I am truly grateful, especially as this award was voted for by members and peers in the UK country scene. There is so much talent in the UK that is still undiscovered, and it is vitally important that we get behind these musicians as we continue to make incredible steps forward.”
Clewes’ Country launched in 2021 and has aired on Voice FM in Southampton for the past four years, with listeners able to access the show online. Clewes’ country has amassed a loyal following and now has listeners in the US, Canada and Australia, as well as the UK.
The weekly two hour show hosts guests from within the country music industry and has featured artists including Ashley Cooke, Caylee Hammack and Kameron Marlowe.
For Voice FM's station manager, Xan Phillips, this is exactly what the radio station is all about: "Voice FM is a platform for people to hone their broadcasting skills and then hopefully make the next step on to their career. Everyone at Voice FM is delighted for Matt, not only is he consistent with the quality of his guests but his music selection has helped shape our playlist to reflect the rising popularity of country music."
Clewes uploads all of his interviews to his The Country Catch Up podcast on Spotify which also champions UK artists such as Twinnie, First Time Flyers, Kezia Gill and more. As well as hosting his radio show, Clewes is also stepping into hosting live events and developing his brand.
‘Clewes Country Presents’ are evenings centred around providing a platform for UK country artists, hosted by Clewes. The event has had two successful evenings so far over in Blackpool initially and more recently at The Bedford in London. On Thursday 17 April, the series of shows arrives in Southampton which will be headlined by Essex-based artist Louise Parker, alongside up and coming musicians Fin Pearson and Ben Selleck.
More details here: https://www.seetickets.com/event/louise-parker/heartbreakers/3238142
Matt Clewes was born in Sidcup, Kent, moving to Gillingham with his family at a young age and grew up going to Priestfield Stadium to watch the local team.
Clewes went to Solent University in 2014 to study Sports Journalism, and it was here he found a passion for radio as he hosted the Breakfast Show on Voice FM for for 3 years. After graduating from Solent, Matt never left the City but always stayed close to his roots in Kent
