Hey, you know how we always lambast about how awful the nominees for the Best Metal Performance Grammy are? We always ask who the hell nominated these guys?! Well, after speaking to somebody who works with the Grammys, it turns out actual metal musicians pick the nominees every year. What does this mean? There are not enough (young) metal musicians as part of the Grammy academy. And, I learned any active musician can sign up to be a part of the voting process.
So? What do you need to eligible? Well according to the Grammy Pro site:
Recordings Released Online Only:
- Recordings commercially released in the U.S. through recognized online music retailers.
- Must have 12 qualifying physical or digital tracks or equivalent duration of content.*
- One qualifying track must have been released within five years of receipt of application.
- Releases must be currently available for purchase through recognized online music retailers.
- Recordings must be accompanied by verifiable documentation, e.g. liner notes, Allmusic.com.
Recordings Released Through Physical Distribution:
- Recordings commercially released in the U.S. through physical distribution outlets.
- Must have six physical tracks or equivalent duration of content.*
- One qualifying track must have been released within five years of receipt of application.
- Qualifying tracks must be currently available for sale through physical music retailers.
- Recordings must be accompanied by verifiable documentation, e.g. liner notes, allmusic.com.
So basically, if you are a signed artist and/or have posted enough music on digital services, you qualify. What's the one catch? A membership is a $100 a year but it also gives you access to the Grammy Pro website which has job listings, a classifieds section to find other pro musicians, and the ability to attend networking events.
If this sounds like something that's for you, here is where you go to sign up. Hurry up! The deadline to enter is September 15th.
