JMA Timeline:
Submissions & Performance Applications are open January 15, 2023 - April 30, 2023
Official nominees release to the media and public by May 15, 2023
Entertainer of the Year Nominees Announced One Week After May 15, 2023
Performance selection decisions are made between January 15, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Media and Performance Applications open on January 15, 2023
Submissions & Performance Applications are open January 15, 2023 - April 30, 2023
Official nominees release to the media and public by May 15, 2023
Entertainer of the Year Nominees Announced One Week After May 15, 2023
Performance selection decisions are made between January 15, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Media and Performance Applications open on January 15, 2023
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA
Official Guidelines and Criteria for the Josie Music Awards Association as determined
by The Josie Music Association & The Deciding Panel
The Josie Music Awards will continue to enhance and strengthen the guidelines each year to align independent artists fully with the majors. This progression in your career and our guidelines will ensure you have all the tools to move your career further if that is the path you choose. We do not guarantee your success on any level, that is up to you.
Note: The Josie Music Association, LLC and all its brands are privately owned by Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino with our own set of guidelines and standards which you will find below.
Please read through the following guidelines and category criteria information carefully prior to submitting your work.
Categories that have a one-year eligibility period the official release dates of your material would need to be between
April 1, 2022 - April 30, 2023
Categories that have a two-year eligibility period the official release dates of your material would need to be between
April 1, 2021 - April 30, 2023
Official Guidelines and Criteria for the Josie Music Awards Association as determined
by The Josie Music Association & The Deciding Panel
The Josie Music Awards will continue to enhance and strengthen the guidelines each year to align independent artists fully with the majors. This progression in your career and our guidelines will ensure you have all the tools to move your career further if that is the path you choose. We do not guarantee your success on any level, that is up to you.
Note: The Josie Music Association, LLC and all its brands are privately owned by Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino with our own set of guidelines and standards which you will find below.
Please read through the following guidelines and category criteria information carefully prior to submitting your work.
Categories that have a one-year eligibility period the official release dates of your material would need to be between
April 1, 2022 - April 30, 2023
Categories that have a two-year eligibility period the official release dates of your material would need to be between
April 1, 2021 - April 30, 2023
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded to those with the greatest proficiency in all aspects of entertainment. The deciding panel will give their consideration not only to recorded material, but also to live performances, stage presence, public acceptance, audience engagement, attitude, leadership, social media presence, business acumen and overall contribution to the independent Music Industry. Entertainer of the Year nominees are released a week after the rest of the categories.
SONG OF THE YEAR This category is awarded to the songwriter(s) and music artist on the recording. Any song with original words and music is eligible based upon the release date is within the eligibility period. This must be a fully released song available for purchase/download. This song is judged by the JMA deciding panel on originality, memorable melodies, composition, song structure, lyrics, chorus/hook, and recording quality.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded for an album as an entire unit. The album is judged on, but not limited to, the artist’s performance, musical background, engineering, packaging, design, art, layout, and liner notes. The album must have a release date within the yearly eligibility period. Awarded in this category will be the releasing album artist. Albums are eligible for two years. Albums must be mailed to The Josie Music Association located at 274 Bunney Lane; Medina, TN. 38355 and must be received by April 30, 2023, if a link to the full album was not included in the submission. Albums must have a minimum of seven songs. If less than 7 songs, please view the criteria for EP of the Year.
EP OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded for an EP as an entire unit. The EP is judged on, but not limited to, the artist’s performance, musical background, engineering, packaging, design, art, layout, and liner notes. The EP must have a release date within the yearly eligibility period. Awarded in this category will be the releasing EP artist. EPs are eligible for two years. EP’s must be mailed to:
The Josie Music Association is located at 274 Bunney Lane; Medina, TN. 38355 and must be received by April 30, 2023, if a link to the full EP was not included in the submission form. EP’s must have between 3-6 songs. If less than three songs, then please review the Single of the Year criteria.
VOCALIST OF THE YEAR FEMALE/MALE
This category is awarded to an individual based on their vocal ability. Deciding panel will judge vocal technique on tone quality, intonation, diction, breath support, pitch, and articulation. Since judging is just on vocal abilities you will not need to have an original song released to qualify for this category.
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded for an event that is defined as a vocal collaboration. This collaboration must include two or more vocalists either or all of them known primarily as individual artists. They must have a recorded single or album together as a unit released within the yearly eligibility period with each artist prominently featured on the body of work. Live performances only are not eligible for this category. Each music artist involved in the collaboration (vocal event) will be awarded.
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded to a musician that is primarily known as an instrumental performer. Criteria in this category state that the musician must have played on at least one song or album in their career that has been officially released for sale/streaming.
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded for an original music video that must be no more than 5 minutes in length. The music video must feature only one original song. The video will be judged by the JMA deciding panel on audio and video visual elements to include, but not limited to, the artist’s performance, video production, and video concept. The video must have a release date within the yearly eligibility period. Award in this category is presented to the artist and video director. If the video was self-directed by the artist only one award will be presented to the artist. No scrolling still picture videos or lyric videos will be accepted in this category.
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded to the artist who has demonstrated the largest creative growth and development in overall ability, live performances, vocals, professionalism, business acumen, and media recognition. This artist must have, at a minimum, three singles officially released within their career and at least one professional music video. All works within the eligible yearly period will be reviewed by the JMA deciding panel. This is an artist who has had a stellar year of growth! Must be 18+ years of age to qualify for this category.
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
Duo: This category recognizes artist excellence within a duo as a collaborative vocal and instrumental unit. This category does not include a solo lead singer that is also known primarily as a solo artist. The judging criteria are based on the musical performance of the duo as a unit live and in recorded materials. The duo must have a strong social media presence. One award is presented to the duo as a whole unit because the winner is the Duo as a whole.
Group: This category recognizes artist excellence within a group as a collaborative vocal and instrumental unit. The definition of a group for this category is a unit of three or more people that work together regularly. This category does not include a solo lead singer that is also known primarily as a solo artist. The judging criteria are based on the musical performance of the group as a unit live and in recorded materials. The band must have a strong social media presence. One award is presented to the group as a whole unit because the winner is the Group as a whole.
WORLD ARTIST OF THE YEAR
This category will be awarded to an artist that excels in multiple language recordings.
TRIBUTE ARTIST/BAND OF THE YEAR
This category will be awarded to an individual/band that excels as a tribute artist for a major/legendary artist. Candidates must work as tribute artists more than 50% of the time.
SOCIAL IMPACT SONG OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded to the songwriter(s) & music artist(s). Any song with original words and music is eligible based upon the release date is within the eligibility period. This must be a fully released song available for purchase/download. This song is judged by the JMA deciding panel on originality, memorable melodies, composition, song structure, lyrics, chorus/hook, social impact capability, and recording quality.
Social Impact Video of the Year
This category is awarded to the music artist. Any original video with original words and music is eligible based upon the release date is within the eligibility period. This must be a fully released video available for viewing by the public. This video will be judged by the JMA deciding panel on originality, video relates to song meaning, social impact capability, and video recording quality. No time limit of the video in this category.
SONGWRITER ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR
View general guidelines for details on this category. This category is plaque awarded on a date/event prior to the Josie Music Awards event. Songs in this category do not complete with each other, but instead are awarded on their own merit.
MUSIC VENUE OF THE YEAR
Candidates are any venue atmosphere with live music regularly. Both indoor and outdoor venues will be allowed for this category. Venues with or without food services will be allowed in this category.
ARTIST MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Candidates must be a licensed business for a minimum of two years to qualify, must have a minimum of two artists signed to their management company, and must have an updated website. Artists may be contacted for references. Management companies will be judged on their abilities to assist music artists in the following, but not limited to, booking artist shows, planning album/EP projects, organizing record releases and tours, creating marketing and merchandising strategies, and establishing and pursuing long-term career goals for the artists they manage.
MEDIA COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Candidates will own or work for media companies that are in, but not limited to, radio, television, podcasts, etc. The JMA deciding panel will review sound and visual works as it applies to the company or program with a focus on the promotion of those in the independent music industry. NOTE: Companies/Businesses must be licensed, professional organizations.
BEST STAGE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Live audience votes on their favorite performance of the night at the Josie Music Awards show. The winner is awarded at the following year's show.
Photographer of the Year (selected from the 2022 JMA Event Photographers)
MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
This candidate will have ample experience producing music for multiple artists. Candidates will excel in arranging compositions, running recording sessions, guiding mixing/mastering/recording engineers, assists artists in ideas for projects to develop the vision and direction of projects.
VIDEO PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
This candidate will have ample experience in producing music videos for multiple artists. Candidates will excel in using film to represent the artist’s song visually. Judging will include but is not limited to, cinematography, locations, filming, production, and postproduction tasks such as editing.
LIFETIME CAREER ACHIEVEMENT/THE JOSIE SHOW HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR/Independent Country Music Hall of Fame
These special honoring categories are awarded by The Josie Music Association, LLC and are not a part of the nomination process. Individuals are welcome to use the contact page at www.josiemusicawards.com to make any suggestions during this year’s eligibility period.
PROMOTION/PR COMPANY OF THE YEAR
This category will be reviewed in the following areas of services including, but not limited to, artist marketing, marketing materials (creation and distribution), media coordination, event coordination, and guest appearances
RECORD LABEL OF THE YEAR
This category will be awarded to a record label that excels in client/artist engagement and professional artists’ work released within the past year. Candidate criteria state the label must have a minimum of two artists signed to their label. Record labels owned by a music artist must have two additional artists signed to label beside themselves. During the review process, artists may be contacted for a reference. A website must be included in your submission form. Candidates must have an official record label website; social media accounts will not be accepted. Record labels may not charge their artists a fee upon signing and must use a fair/legal contract. A sample of your basic contract will be required on the submission form. Record labels must be licensed businesses for a minimum of two years to qualify.
FAN'S CHOICE
This category is decided by the quality of comments that are received for an artist from their fan base. NOTE: This is not voting, this is quality of comments over quantity. Candidates will excel in fan interaction in all areas of the entertainment business including, but not limited to, live performances, meet & greets merchandise offerings, and social media presence/engagement.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Under 18 Years - Required to have a minimum of 2 original songs released to qualify in this category.
Adult Category criteria require nominees to have a minimum of two EPs or one Album released.
Artists that have been through a major music competition, have directly opened or toured with major acts, or have already won a Josie Music Award in prior years are also eligible for this category. The Panel’s final judgment may override all other requirements for this category.
The category will be awarded to an individual based on their individual growth and music performance for a single, EP, or album as well as their overall contribution to the independent music industry. Professionalism and music business acumen will also be considered. Adult category submissions must also have a strong social media presence.
This category is awarded to those with the greatest proficiency in all aspects of entertainment. The deciding panel will give their consideration not only to recorded material, but also to live performances, stage presence, public acceptance, audience engagement, attitude, leadership, social media presence, business acumen and overall contribution to the independent Music Industry. Entertainer of the Year nominees are released a week after the rest of the categories.
SONG OF THE YEAR This category is awarded to the songwriter(s) and music artist on the recording. Any song with original words and music is eligible based upon the release date is within the eligibility period. This must be a fully released song available for purchase/download. This song is judged by the JMA deciding panel on originality, memorable melodies, composition, song structure, lyrics, chorus/hook, and recording quality.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded for an album as an entire unit. The album is judged on, but not limited to, the artist’s performance, musical background, engineering, packaging, design, art, layout, and liner notes. The album must have a release date within the yearly eligibility period. Awarded in this category will be the releasing album artist. Albums are eligible for two years. Albums must be mailed to The Josie Music Association located at 274 Bunney Lane; Medina, TN. 38355 and must be received by April 30, 2023, if a link to the full album was not included in the submission. Albums must have a minimum of seven songs. If less than 7 songs, please view the criteria for EP of the Year.
EP OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded for an EP as an entire unit. The EP is judged on, but not limited to, the artist’s performance, musical background, engineering, packaging, design, art, layout, and liner notes. The EP must have a release date within the yearly eligibility period. Awarded in this category will be the releasing EP artist. EPs are eligible for two years. EP’s must be mailed to:
The Josie Music Association is located at 274 Bunney Lane; Medina, TN. 38355 and must be received by April 30, 2023, if a link to the full EP was not included in the submission form. EP’s must have between 3-6 songs. If less than three songs, then please review the Single of the Year criteria.
VOCALIST OF THE YEAR FEMALE/MALE
This category is awarded to an individual based on their vocal ability. Deciding panel will judge vocal technique on tone quality, intonation, diction, breath support, pitch, and articulation. Since judging is just on vocal abilities you will not need to have an original song released to qualify for this category.
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded for an event that is defined as a vocal collaboration. This collaboration must include two or more vocalists either or all of them known primarily as individual artists. They must have a recorded single or album together as a unit released within the yearly eligibility period with each artist prominently featured on the body of work. Live performances only are not eligible for this category. Each music artist involved in the collaboration (vocal event) will be awarded.
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded to a musician that is primarily known as an instrumental performer. Criteria in this category state that the musician must have played on at least one song or album in their career that has been officially released for sale/streaming.
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded for an original music video that must be no more than 5 minutes in length. The music video must feature only one original song. The video will be judged by the JMA deciding panel on audio and video visual elements to include, but not limited to, the artist’s performance, video production, and video concept. The video must have a release date within the yearly eligibility period. Award in this category is presented to the artist and video director. If the video was self-directed by the artist only one award will be presented to the artist. No scrolling still picture videos or lyric videos will be accepted in this category.
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded to the artist who has demonstrated the largest creative growth and development in overall ability, live performances, vocals, professionalism, business acumen, and media recognition. This artist must have, at a minimum, three singles officially released within their career and at least one professional music video. All works within the eligible yearly period will be reviewed by the JMA deciding panel. This is an artist who has had a stellar year of growth! Must be 18+ years of age to qualify for this category.
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
Duo: This category recognizes artist excellence within a duo as a collaborative vocal and instrumental unit. This category does not include a solo lead singer that is also known primarily as a solo artist. The judging criteria are based on the musical performance of the duo as a unit live and in recorded materials. The duo must have a strong social media presence. One award is presented to the duo as a whole unit because the winner is the Duo as a whole.
Group: This category recognizes artist excellence within a group as a collaborative vocal and instrumental unit. The definition of a group for this category is a unit of three or more people that work together regularly. This category does not include a solo lead singer that is also known primarily as a solo artist. The judging criteria are based on the musical performance of the group as a unit live and in recorded materials. The band must have a strong social media presence. One award is presented to the group as a whole unit because the winner is the Group as a whole.
WORLD ARTIST OF THE YEAR
This category will be awarded to an artist that excels in multiple language recordings.
TRIBUTE ARTIST/BAND OF THE YEAR
This category will be awarded to an individual/band that excels as a tribute artist for a major/legendary artist. Candidates must work as tribute artists more than 50% of the time.
SOCIAL IMPACT SONG OF THE YEAR
This category is awarded to the songwriter(s) & music artist(s). Any song with original words and music is eligible based upon the release date is within the eligibility period. This must be a fully released song available for purchase/download. This song is judged by the JMA deciding panel on originality, memorable melodies, composition, song structure, lyrics, chorus/hook, social impact capability, and recording quality.
Social Impact Video of the Year
This category is awarded to the music artist. Any original video with original words and music is eligible based upon the release date is within the eligibility period. This must be a fully released video available for viewing by the public. This video will be judged by the JMA deciding panel on originality, video relates to song meaning, social impact capability, and video recording quality. No time limit of the video in this category.
SONGWRITER ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR
View general guidelines for details on this category. This category is plaque awarded on a date/event prior to the Josie Music Awards event. Songs in this category do not complete with each other, but instead are awarded on their own merit.
MUSIC VENUE OF THE YEAR
Candidates are any venue atmosphere with live music regularly. Both indoor and outdoor venues will be allowed for this category. Venues with or without food services will be allowed in this category.
ARTIST MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Candidates must be a licensed business for a minimum of two years to qualify, must have a minimum of two artists signed to their management company, and must have an updated website. Artists may be contacted for references. Management companies will be judged on their abilities to assist music artists in the following, but not limited to, booking artist shows, planning album/EP projects, organizing record releases and tours, creating marketing and merchandising strategies, and establishing and pursuing long-term career goals for the artists they manage.
MEDIA COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Candidates will own or work for media companies that are in, but not limited to, radio, television, podcasts, etc. The JMA deciding panel will review sound and visual works as it applies to the company or program with a focus on the promotion of those in the independent music industry. NOTE: Companies/Businesses must be licensed, professional organizations.
BEST STAGE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Live audience votes on their favorite performance of the night at the Josie Music Awards show. The winner is awarded at the following year's show.
Photographer of the Year (selected from the 2022 JMA Event Photographers)
MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
This candidate will have ample experience producing music for multiple artists. Candidates will excel in arranging compositions, running recording sessions, guiding mixing/mastering/recording engineers, assists artists in ideas for projects to develop the vision and direction of projects.
VIDEO PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
This candidate will have ample experience in producing music videos for multiple artists. Candidates will excel in using film to represent the artist’s song visually. Judging will include but is not limited to, cinematography, locations, filming, production, and postproduction tasks such as editing.
LIFETIME CAREER ACHIEVEMENT/THE JOSIE SHOW HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR/Independent Country Music Hall of Fame
These special honoring categories are awarded by The Josie Music Association, LLC and are not a part of the nomination process. Individuals are welcome to use the contact page at www.josiemusicawards.com to make any suggestions during this year’s eligibility period.
PROMOTION/PR COMPANY OF THE YEAR
This category will be reviewed in the following areas of services including, but not limited to, artist marketing, marketing materials (creation and distribution), media coordination, event coordination, and guest appearances
RECORD LABEL OF THE YEAR
This category will be awarded to a record label that excels in client/artist engagement and professional artists’ work released within the past year. Candidate criteria state the label must have a minimum of two artists signed to their label. Record labels owned by a music artist must have two additional artists signed to label beside themselves. During the review process, artists may be contacted for a reference. A website must be included in your submission form. Candidates must have an official record label website; social media accounts will not be accepted. Record labels may not charge their artists a fee upon signing and must use a fair/legal contract. A sample of your basic contract will be required on the submission form. Record labels must be licensed businesses for a minimum of two years to qualify.
FAN'S CHOICE
This category is decided by the quality of comments that are received for an artist from their fan base. NOTE: This is not voting, this is quality of comments over quantity. Candidates will excel in fan interaction in all areas of the entertainment business including, but not limited to, live performances, meet & greets merchandise offerings, and social media presence/engagement.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Under 18 Years - Required to have a minimum of 2 original songs released to qualify in this category.
Adult Category criteria require nominees to have a minimum of two EPs or one Album released.
Artists that have been through a major music competition, have directly opened or toured with major acts, or have already won a Josie Music Award in prior years are also eligible for this category. The Panel’s final judgment may override all other requirements for this category.
The category will be awarded to an individual based on their individual growth and music performance for a single, EP, or album as well as their overall contribution to the independent music industry. Professionalism and music business acumen will also be considered. Adult category submissions must also have a strong social media presence.
General Award Association Guidelines and Information
Using special software or building of bots to send your name in multiple times through non-existent email or fake email addresses will get you eliminated from the Josie Music Awards. Each entry will be verified. Artists, songwriters, music industry businesses only need to submit each category once to be reviewed in that category. This is not a voting or numbers competition.
If we are unable to find any current works during our review period, your name will be eliminated. Please make sure your website is provided and up to date. Please make sure any links you include are working from the time you submit them until the award show date.
Nominee decisions and award winner selection is reviewed and finalized by a deciding panel who will remain anonymous to ensure the integrity of this process.
As the categories continue to grow, the rules and guidelines that currently apply may change for future award shows without prior notice.
Requirement: All nominees must have an official website (websites can be created for free on sites like Weebly) for main category consideration. Subcategories will just need to be searchable online. Social media pages will not count as an official website. Website must be updated and current with appropriate content for individual to be considered.
A genre/category will remain or be added only if it has a minimum of 10 nominee candidates. Combinations may apply if a category has less than 10 nominees or the category may be eliminated during the nomination review process. A genre will not be added if there are less than 10 potential nominees. Sub-genre awards are subject to be awarded as a single full larger genre after reviews of talent/works are completed. (i,e. modern country/traditional country/outlaw country/etc. can be combined under the general heading of Country if there are not enough candidates in a specific genre).
Submissions of yourself or your work will be accepted starting January 15, 2023 by completing the submission form(s) on our website for review by our deciding panel. Suggestions by fans will be accepted starting April 1st of each calendar year for select categories. Self-submissions will be reviewed first and take precedence over fan suggestions regarding space availability in genres/categories.
No cover songs will be accepted at the Josie music Awards.
Review details/scorecards are not shared with nominees or potential nominees.
Nomination and Winner selection is made by an unbiased panel of Industry Leaders. No decisions on Nomination or Winner selection are made by The Josie Music Award Owners (with the exception as noted above on non-nomination categories such as The Lifetime Career Achievement Awards, etc.).
Any negative or defaming comments about the Josie Music Awards, its owners, the Josie Network of Brands, or event venues will lead to immediate termination from nomination for current and future years , winner lists, all Josie Network of Brands and its affiliates including but not limited to The Josie Show, Country Blast Radio, Confidently Ready, The Independent Country Music Hall of Fame, The Country Gospel, Bluegrass Music Association, Indie Star Entertainment, IndiesVoice Magazine, The Josie Music Awards, JMA Fest, Cavalla Records, Indie Star Publishing, and more. This includes all spoken and written words. Your affiliation with our brands will be immediately terminated without prior notice and we retain the right to seek legal action.
As genres grow more award categories will be added.
All nomination and winning decisions are FINAL. No comments or feedback will be shared with nominees, winners, attendees, fans, family, friends, etc.
Criminal Affiliation: If you work as an employee, representative, independent contractor, have a strong affiliation with, or promote in any way an organization that has a CRIMINAL past (this includes the owners/managers of the organization) you do not qualify to participate in the Josie Music Awards. Part of moving your career forward is making good association choices. Large organizations/companies (i.e. record labels, talent companies, etc.) will pass on working with you if they feel you are accepting of criminal actions. Our focus will remain with those that are working to grow their craft/career. Business Acumen is an important factor in the Independent Music Industry.
All or any one of the many Josie Network Brands may be present at the yearly award show event.
Excellent Sportsmanship is required!
Tickets must be purchased at our official website www.josiemusicawards.com to ensure you have the correct tickets. Everyone wishing to attend the award show must purchase tickets. The Josie Music Awards is a full production theater show and our organization does not own the venue, equipment, etc. Josie Music Awards Main Stage Performers will have complimentary entrance as noted in your performance contract.
There is no cost to submit your material for review to The Josie Music Awards. There is no membership required.
Rules and Guidelines are subject to change without advanced notice by The Josie Music Association, LLC owners and deciding panel.
All Rules and Guidelines are final and determined by The Josie Music Association, LLC owners and deciding panel.
