The changes in the categories that were made last year remain. There are no longer genre-specific categories for Outstanding Songwriter and Outstanding Vocalist. There will be one (1) category for each, open to artists in all genres. Similarly, there will be one (1) category each for Bassist, Guitarist, Keyboardist, Percussionist, and Specialty Instruments, open to artists in all genres. All these options will now be found under "General" on the list below. The changes represent voting patterns, feedback and suggestions from within and outside of the organization. We are confident these will strengthen the awards overall while continuing to honor members of our vital music community.
2023 CATEGORIES
Americana
Outstanding Americana Artist or Group
Outstanding Americana Recording
Blues
Outstanding Blues Artist or Group
Outstanding Blues Recording
Classical
Outstanding Classical Composer
Outstanding Classical Recording
Outstanding Classical Small Ensemble
Outstanding Community Orchestra
Country
Outstanding Country Artist or Group
Outstanding Country Recording
Electronic/Dance
Outstanding Electronic/Dance Artist or Group
Outstanding Electronic/Dance DJ
Outstanding Electronic/Dance Recording
General
Outstanding Anthology/Compilation/Reissue
Outstanding Children’s/Family Music
Outstanding Instrumentalist (Bassist) *
Outstanding Instrumentalist (Guitarist) *
Outstanding Instrumentalist (Keyboardist) *
Outstanding Instrumentalist (Percussionist) *
Outstanding Instrumentalist (Specialty Instruments) *
Outstanding Live Performance (INCLUDES VIRTUAL)
Outstanding Live Sound Technician
Outstanding Local Record Label
Outstanding Local Venue (capacity under 1000) *
Outstanding Local Venue (capacity over 1000) *
Outstanding National Album (Major Label)
Outstanding National Single (Major Label)
Outstanding National EP/Mixtape (Major Label)
Outstanding Record Producer
Outstanding Recording Studio
Outstanding Songwriter *
Outstanding Tribute Band
Outstanding Video / Limited Budget (Under $10K)
Outstanding Video / Major Budget (Over $10K)
Outstanding Vocalist *
Gospel/Christian
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Artist or Group
Outstanding Gospel Choir
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Recording
Jazz
Outstanding Modern Jazz Artist or Group
Outstanding Traditional Jazz Artist or Group
Outstanding Jazz Recording
Rap
Outstanding Rap Artist or Group
Outstanding Rap Recording
Rock
Outstanding Rock/Pop Artist or Group
Outstanding Alt/Punk/Indie Artist or Group
Outstanding Heavy Rock Artist or Group
Outstanding Rock Recording
Urban
Outstanding Urban Artist or Group
Outstanding Urban Recording
World
Outstanding World Artist or Group
Outstanding World Recording
* indicates new category since 2022