Photo: Dale Russell accepting the Lifetime Achievement award, OMA 2018
Photo Credit: snapd Oshawa
Calling all Durham Region artists and musicians – we hear you and now it’s your time to be seen. This year for the 3rd annual Oshawa Music Awards show, which will be held this year in downtown Oshawa at The Music Hall on April 4, 2020, we have decided to expand our award categories by introducing six new awards. Read down below for descriptions about each new category to find out which one you may qualify for this year.
1. SINGLE OF THE YEAR
This award is presented to an artist or band in any genre for the outstanding achievement of a single recording within the current eligibility period. Voters should give consideration to market impact (airplay, streaming, sales of pre-recorded music, and live performance in the Durham region), artistic merit, creativity, production, and artwork.
2. ALBUM OF THE YEAR
This award is presented to the artist or group for an album in any genre, which was released for mass consumption in its entirety, within the current eligibility period. An album is defined as a collection of individual recordings, made available as a single item. The album can be a special project or commemorative package. Voters should give consideration to market impact (airplay, streaming, and sales of pre-recorded music), artistic merit, creativity, production, and artwork.
3. SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
This award is presented to the songwriter(s) of any genre, for compositions released for public performance and public consumption within the eligibility period. This award is based on the songwriter(s) body of work. Copyright owners must submit THREE (3) songs as a representation of the creative success of each songwriter’s body of work during the eligibility period. Voters should give consideration to the creative integrity of the songs, taking into account all aspects of the given song, if applicable, including but not limited to lyrics, music, streaming and radio success, sales, and impact on consumers.
4. DURHAM SONG OF THE YEAR
This award is presented to the songwriter(s) of an original song, of any genre. Songwriters and artists are asked to write and record an original composition that acknowledges or celebrates Oshawa and or the Durham Region. This award is based on an individual and original song. Voters should give consideration to the creative integrity of the song.
5. MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
This award is presented to the video director and recording artist for a video in any genre, released for consumption within the eligibility period. This award is for an original music video. Voters should give consideration to all aspects of the given video, including creativity, production, visual appeal, and impact on consumers.
6. MUSIC TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The award goes to a music educator (instrument, theory, business, and practicum) that lives in or teaches in the Durham Region, and has demonstrated leadership in music education. A call for public nominations will be made November through December. A panel will review the list of submission. Through developed list of criteria and discussion, a panel of judges will vote for the winner.
Online applications for all award categories open for public submissions will be made available through the Oshawa Music Awards website on December 9, 2019. For more information regarding eligibility, adjudication, nomination and voting process, head over to our Award Criteria page. Which award are you most excited for? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the official hashtag #OMA2020. Best of luck!
