The Categories
AWARDS CATEGORIES
Recognising achievement in live performance, recording, musicianship and contribution across Southland's music community.
Recognising Excellence in Music
5 Categories
Guitarist of the year
Eligibility Period
The Guitarist of the Year category will consider performances, achievements, contributions and activities that occurred between:
18 October 2025 – 20 August 2026
BASs PLAYER of the year
Eligibility Period
The Bass Player of the Year category will consider performances, achievements, contributions and activities that occurred between:
18 October 2025 – 20 August 2026
KEYboard Player of the year
Eligibility Period
The Keyboard Player of the Year category will consider performances, achievements, contributions and activities that occurred between:
18 October 2025 – 20 August 2026
DRUMMER of the year
Eligibility Period
The Drummer of the Year category will consider performances, achievements, contributions and activities that occurred between:
18 October 2025 – 20 August 2026
OTHER INSTRUMENTALIST of the yeaR
Eligibility Period
The Other Instrumentalist of the Year category will consider performances, achievements, contributions and activities that occurred between:
18 October 2025 – 20 August 2026
Performance Awards
3 Categories
Vocalist of the year
Eligibility Period
The Vocalist of the Year category will consider performances, achievements, contributions and activities that occurred between:
18 October 2025 – 20 August 2026
BAnd of the year
Eligibility Period
The Band of the Year category will consider performances, achievements, contributions and activities that occurred between:
18 October 2025 – 20 August 2026
ENTERTAINER of the year
The Southland Entertainer of the Year is Southland's premier live performance award.
Recognising individual performers who demonstrate exceptional stage presence, audience engagement, musicianship, professionalism and entertainment value.
Open to solo performers across all musical styles and disciplines.
Up to six finalists will be selected to perform live at the Southland Music Awards & Hall of Fame, with the winner determined by a combination of judges' scores and audience voting on the night.
Eligibility Period
The Southland Entertainer of the Year category will consider performances, achievements, contributions and activities that occurred between:
18 October 2025 – 20 August 2026
Recording Awards
2 Categories
SONG of the year
Recognising an outstanding original song released during the eligibility period.
This award celebrates excellence in songwriting, composition, creativity and audience impact.
Eligibility
• The song must be an original composition.
• The song must have been released, publicly performed, broadcast, or made publicly available during the eligibility period.
• At least one primary songwriter, performer, or producer must have a significant Southland connection.
Eligibility Period
To allow sufficient time for releases to be heard, reviewed and recognised, the SONG OG THE YEAR category will consider works released between:
20 August 2025 – 20 August 2026
album of the year
Recognising an outstanding body of recorded work released during the eligibility period.
This award celebrates excellence across an entire album, EP, or extended music project.
Eligibility
• The album, EP, or project must have been released during the eligibility period.
• At least one primary artist, songwriter, or producer must have a significant Southland connection.
• The release must consist primarily of original material.
Eligibility Period
To allow sufficient time for releases to be heard, reviewed and recognised, the ALBUM OF THE YEAR category will consider works released between:
20 August 2025 – 20 August 2026
Special Awards
2 Categories
FRANK pratley awards
Recognising an emerging artist, band, or performer who has demonstrated significant growth, potential, dedication, and contribution to Southland music.
This award is intended to recognise developing talent and may take into consideration achievements, performances, recordings, and contributions over a period of several years. Nominees do not need to have achieved their success solely within the current eligibility period.
Special Achievement / Ambassador award
Recognising an individual, group, organisation, or business that has made an outstanding contribution to promoting, supporting, developing, or advocating for Southland music.
This award may consider contributions made over an extended period of time and is not restricted to achievements within the current eligibility period. The award acknowledges those whose efforts have had a lasting positive impact on Southland's music community.
Not sure which category fits your nominee best? Submit your nomination anyway; the judging panel can place it in the most appropriate category.
Southland Music Awards
Celebrating the musicians, performers, creators and supporters who make Southland's music scene thrive. Presented & hosted by the Southland Musicians Club.
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