The making of a chart-topping song requires the work of many hands — those of the artist or band, songwriters, producers and videographers. That’s why it’s so important for musicians to be recognised and appreciated for their work. It’s the only way to stay on top and keep making music. Awards can also serve as a seal of approval that transcends digital metrics like streaming numbers and social media followers.
There are a ton of different awards in the music industry, from biggies like the Grammys to more local or regional ones. While they may differ in size and scope, they all honour the hard work and talent that goes into creating great music.
For some artists, a music award is a career-changer. A win or even just a nomination is a huge boost to an artist’s profile, which translates into more money and recognition in the industry. A famous example of this is Beyonce’s historic Grammy haul in 2023, which catapulted her to new heights and solidified her status as a music icon. The post-Grammy sales bump is well documented, as are the additional opportunities that often come with the prize.
Some of the most prestigious and well-known music awards are the Grammys, handed out by the Recording Academy (NARAS). The first Grammy ceremony took place in 1959 with 28 prizes awarded. The accolades were originally named after the phonograph invented by Thomas Edison and the name was later shortened to “Grammy” after a misspelling of Emil Berliner’s iconic record player. Over the years, the number of categories has increased as musical genres have emerged. For instance, rock was recognized by NARAS at the 1980 Grammys and rap was acknowledged in 1989. The selection criteria for compositions was altered in 2004 to make the prize more representative of contemporary music.
The nominees and winners of the general categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Artist and Song of the Year are determined by a vote of NARAS members. Each member is allocated 10 votes and can vote in up to five out of 30 general field categories, as well as two out of the seven craft or specialized fields. Those recordings that receive the highest number of votes become the nominees, while in some categories (craft and specialized) review committees determine the final five nominations.
Whether or not you’re a fan of a certain artist, most people know that the Grammys are the most prestigious music awards around. However, there are other coveted music awards all over the world, such as the BRITS, the SAMAs, Canada’s Juno Awards and France’s Victoires de la Musique.
So, do you need to be a mega-famous pop star or an indie-rock band to get a nod at the Grammys? Probably. But it’s nice to be acknowledged for all the work that goes into creating great music, whether you’re just getting started or have been in the industry for decades.