The Kootenay Music Awards are back and, this year, after a year-long hiatus and something of a reimagining, it’s not just about the talent in and around Nelson but the entire Kootenay region.
“We’re going to Rossland, Revelstoke, Fernie and everywhere in between,” Kootenay Co-op Radio’s Evie Lavers told the Nelson Star.
“We want to acknowledge the whole region, and we’ve put together a good marketing campaign so we can reach all the artists and recording studios.”
Kootenay Co-Op Radio is coordinating this, the fifth, Kootenay Music Awards. It’s a celebration of local, original music that captures the diversity, creativity and craft of musical talents found in and around the Kootenay Mountain Region. From Fernie, Rossland to Revelstoke and all the communities in between, the return of the awards is exciting for music lovers and industry alike.
Until the deadline, February 12, nominations are now open! If you know a talented musician, nominate them; if you’re the musical talent, get your name in the running!
“Seven of the awards can be submitted by SoundCloud, and the eighth award for best music video isto be submitted by a Facebook or YouTube link.”
As with the big music awards, the categories are: Song of the Year; Artist of the Year; Album of the Year; Best Rock/Punk/Metal Act; Best Music Video; Best Folks/Roots/Country Act; and, Best Electronic Producer.
For all of us local music fans who’ll be determining the outcome of the awards, a new voting system has been implemented to mitigate issues with multiple voting.
“We’re removing the spam aspect of artists and bands going on every day and voting forthemselves.”
Submissions are open for all original works from the Kootenay Mountain Region recorded from May 24, 2015 to February 12, 2017. They can be made via email to kootenaymusicawards@gmail.
The date of the event is set for Friday, March 10, 2017 and will no doubt impress. While the search for a host is still on, everyone can look forward to a great time as well as several live performances.
“Kootenay Co-op Radio has been working really hard lately to have some strong community involvement,” said Lavers.
“A few years ago I realized I listen to a lot of music, and I had the skills to help artists achieve their goals. If you spend your whole life playing violin in your room 12 hours a day, you might not have the skills to get that music heard.”
“For a small town, it’s insane how much talent there is in Nelson and the Kootenays. And people put so much effort into what they do. I find it actually so amazing. We’re taking this legacy and pushing itinto the future.”