Eddies Music Awards criteria
Eligibility
Nominees must originate from New York’s Capital Region (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties.)
Period of eligibility
Jan. 1-Dec. 31 each year.
Nominees per category
All categories are limited to six nominees except these – Songwriter of the Year Award, Music Video of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year – allow up to eight.
Submission
Artists who record new work during the eligibility period are highly encouraged to submit it to the 518 Local Music Report, a comprehensive guide of songs, albums, and videos by local artists compiled by Andy Gregory of WEXT; links to the work cited are included. To submit work, email apgregory65@gmail.com prior to Dec. 31 of the eligibility year. The 518 Local Music Report is used by nominating judges to identify original work released during the year.
Artist categories – original music
Criteria for the following original music categories: Nominees may be nominated for only one of the following original music categories per eligibility period. The artist/ensemble must largely (=/>50 percent of members) reside in the Capital Region and have been active professionally during at least eight months of the eligibility period. Criteria to be considered includes, but is not limited to, outstanding recorded and/or in-person performance.
Solo or Duo Artist of the Year (Originals)
This is an artist from any genre who primarily (>50 percent of the time) performs original music.
Electronica Artist of the Year
Recognizes excellence in recordings and / or performance related to established dance and electronic genres such as house, techno, trance, dubstep, drum and bass, electronica, as well as other emerging dance and electronic genres.
Punk Artist of the Year
This category embraces all sub-genres of punk including hardcore, post-punk, noise rock, glam punk, pop punk and new wave.
Heavy Metal / Hard Rock Artist of the Year
This category embraces all sub-genres of heavy metal rock including thrash, death, black, power, doom, and gothic metal, as well as grunge and hard rock.
Classical Artist/Ensemble of the Year
This category embraces all forms of classical music including, but not limited to, cantata, chamber music, concerto, opera, oratorio, symphony. Individuals, duos, and ensembles are eligible.
World Music Artist of the Year
This genre encompasses a wide variety of traditional and folk music styles from around the world, particularly non-western music genres, as well as hybrids and modern interpretations of their traditional style. Individuals, duos, and ensembles are eligible.
R&B/Soul/Funk Artist of the Year
This category embraces all sub-genres of R&B, soul and funk music. Individuals, duos, and ensembles are eligible.
Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year
Individuals, duos, and ensembles are eligible.
Americana Artist of the Year
Category focuses on artists that blend traditional American folk and country music with modern pop and rock elements. Individuals, duos, and ensembles are eligible.
Jazz Artist of the Year
This category embraces all sub-genres of jazz music. Individuals, duos, and ensembles are eligible.
Jam Band of the Year
This category embraces all sub-genres of jazz music. Individuals, duos, and ensembles are eligible.
Blues Artist of the Year
This category embraces all sub-genres of blues music. Individuals, duos, and ensembles are eligible.
Country/Bluegrass Artist of the Year
Artists who largely perform original music – bluegrass or classic, modern or alt/outlaw country – are eligible. Individuals, duos and ensembles are eligible.
Rock/Pop Artist of the Year
This category focuses on artists whose music reflect these sub-genres of rock music – arena, classic, country, heartland, indie, pop, and soft rock – as well as various forms of contemporary popular music.
Alt/Indie Artist of the Year
Typically, artists in this category are regarded as more eclectic, original, or challenging than conventional rock, pop, or country artists. Individuals, duos and ensembles are eligible.
Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year
Artists who record / perform authentic folk material in both traditional vocal and instrumental styles, as well as contemporary material by artists who use traditional folk elements, sounds and instrumental techniques.
Additional artist categories – original music
Artists may be nominated for one or more of the following music categories per eligibility period regardless of whether they were nominated in one of the above categories. The artist/ensemble must largely (=/>50 percent of members) reside in the Capital Region and have been active professionally during at least eight months of the eligibility period.
Songwriter of the Year
Award goes to an individual who has written a minimum of four songs on which they are credited asa songwriter or co-writer which have been released during the eligibility period. Music that is composed by artificial intelligence is ineligible.
Music Video of the Year
Evaluation of audio and video visual elements to include, but are not limited to, the artist’s performance, video production, and video concept. Music that is composed, produced, or generated by artificial intelligence is ineligible. Award recipient is the artist.
Record of the Year
Nominations must be a single track released for the first time during the eligibility period; the award recognizes the artist’s performance (as well as the overall contributions of the recording and mixing engineer(s).) Music that is composed, produced, or generated by artificial intelligence is ineligible. Award recipient is the artist.
Album of the Year
Only recorded works with a minimum running time of 20 minutes or 6 or more unique tracks are eligible; unique = no remixes or additional instrumental, acoustic and / or added accompaniment versions. Greatest hits albums are ineligible; live albums are eligible only if 50 percent or greater of the selections are not previously released. Nominations must be released for the first time during the eligibility period; the award recognizes the artist’s performance (as well as the overall contributions of the producer(s) and recording and mixing engineer(s).) Music that is composed, produced, or generated by artificial intelligence is ineligible. Award recipient is the artist.
Artist categories – covers music & DJs
Criteria for each of the following categories: Nominees may be nominated for only one of the following categories per eligibility period and the artist/ensemble/DJ must largely (=/>50 percent of members) reside in the Capital Region and have been active professionally during most of the eligibility period.
Covers/DJ
Club, mobile, and wedding DJs are eligible, as well as turntablists. This category excludes radio DJs. Criteria include quality and frequency of performance during the eligibility period; popularity.
Solo or Duo Artist of the Year (Covers)
This is an artist from any genre who primarily (>50 percent of the time) performs cover music. Criteria include quality and frequency of performance during the eligibility period; popularity.
Party Cover Band of the Year
This is an artist from any genre who primarily (>50 percent of the time) performs largely cover music at special events (weddings, corporate and private events, fundraisers, etc.) Criteria include quality and frequency of performance during the eligibility period; popularity.
Cover Band of the Year
This category recognizes cover bands that primarily play in public settings (bars, nightclubs, summer event series, etc.) Criteria include quality and frequency of performance during the eligibility period; popularity.
Media
Radio Station of the Year
This is awarded to a terrestrial or Internet radio station. Terrestrial stations may be located outside the Capital Region but their reach must be primarily or substantially within the Capital Region. Internet radio stations must be based on the Capital Region. Criteria include innovative programming; audience engagement; how the station serves its audience; the station’s commitment to the community; and its coverage and promotion of the local music community.
Radio DJ of the Year
Nominees must work at a radio station eligible under Radio Station of the Year. Nominees should be knowledgeable about the music they play, engaging with their audience, active in their role in the community and committed to promoting local music.
Arts Publication of the Year
This is awarded to a print or Internet publication that covers and promotion the local music scene. All nominees must be based on the Capital Region.
Music Journalist of the Year
Nominees must reside in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren or Washington County.)
Music Photographer of the Year
This category honors still photography. Nominees must reside in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren or Washington County.)
Non-musician categories
Live Production Crew of the Year
This category honors Capital Region-based organizations which perform some or all the following activities: sound, lighting production and / or video production.
Record Label of the Year
This category honors Capital Region-based organizations that manufacture, distribute, and promote music recordings.
Music Recording Studio of the Year
This category honors Capital Region-based organizations engaged in recording and mixing musical performances and spoken words.
Presenter/Promoter of the Year
Awarded to Capital Region-based individuals or organization that organize, present, and promote live music.
Eddies Music Awards Hall of Fame
Criteria here.
The awards categories and criteria are reviewed and adopted by the Eddies Music Awards Advisory Council.