The Blues Foundation is now accepting submissions for the 2020 Blues Music Awards. If the recording was (or will be) released between Nov. 1, 2018 and Oct. 31, 2019, then the recording is eligible for nomination.
Categories for submissions include acoustic blues, blues rock, contemporary blues, soul blues and traditional blues. Musicians can also submit their recordings under the category for best emerging artist album, pending the recording of no more than two previous albums, not including the album submitted. For every submission, artists must also submit a selection from the album to consider for song of the year. Musicians are encouraged to list any and all contributing musicians, as The Blues Foundation will consider these artists for the BMA instrumentalist categories.
Requirements for each category are as follows: acoustic blues albums must feature non-electric/amplified instruments on at least 75 percent of tracks, blues rock albums generally combine the two genres by featuring heavy amplification and driving rhythms, contemporary blues albums often employ techniques and elements which are different than those found in classic blues tracks (for example, different rhythms, harmonies, more elaborate instrumentation, lyrics, production values, etc.), soul blues albums typically show elements of gospel music and traditional blues albums must be comprised of traditional electric blues song structures and harmonies (this category may also include jump/swing blues and Chicago blues styles).
Submission fees gradually increase with each passing deadline. From July 1 to July 31, submission costs $135 per submission. Then, from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, submission increases to $155 per submission. On Sept. 1 submission jumps to $180, until it increases, for the third and final time, on Oct. 1, when it caps at $225 per submission. The process closes on OCt. 15. The complete album must be uploaded as a WAV file, and the album artwork must be submitted as a JPEG or PDF.
Submissions are accepted here. The 2020 Blues Music Awards ceremony takes place May 7 of next year.
