Awards Categories
Coming into our eleventh year, the YYC Music Awards continues to grow and evolve, seeing a dramatic increase in artist submissions for 2025.
Presented by Craig Senyk Initiatives, the 10th Anniversary YYC Music Awards Gala was held at the Event Centre at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino on Sunday, September 29, 2025. The Masters of Ceremonies for the evening’s festivities were Lisette Xavier, host of the new CBC KIDS show, Bestest Day Ever With My Best Friend, and James Demers, from Fake Moustache. The evening featured a Keynote address from Cynthia Moore, Chair of the Board of The Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
Submissions for the 2026 YYC Music Awards open on March 1, 2026, through to May 1, 2026.
The YYC Music Awards Foundation is also grateful to Craig Senyk Initiatives, who will once again present the 2026 YYC Music Awards Gala as our Title Sponsor.
Join us, as we celebrate the 11th Annual YYC Music Awards at the Event Centre at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino in September 2026, as Calgary’s Music Community and fans gather to recognize our own talented and diverse music scene. Stay tuned for the date announcement.
Take a look at the categories for this year below. Submissions opening March 1, 2026.
YYCMA 2026 - Calgary's Music Awards
In September 2026, the YYC Music Awards will award the following 29 categories:
The awards are split into 3 sections:
- Recording Awards (Artists are allowed 1 submission to 1 genre category in this section)
- Artistic Awards (Artists may submit to as many of these categories as they want)
- Industry Awards (Submitters may submit to as many of these categories as they want)
Recording Awards
Artists may only submit a single submission to ONE "Recording Awards" genre category (see categories below).
"For the "Recording Awards", if the track is part of an EP or album, then you must submit the entire EP or album in ONE submission in ONE genre category only.
If you do not have an EP or album, and release singles only, you are only permitted to submit one submission in ONE genre category per artist. Within that submission, you may upload multiple singles for jury consideration. (All singles must be submitted together as one submission in ONE genre).
Alternative Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Presented By:
X92.9
Category Description:
This category is defined as a genre of music that embraces attributes of progression and innovation in both the music and attitudes associated with it. It may embrace sub-genres such as indie rock, experimental, or any hybrids thereof. Some punk rock recordings that feature musical elements outside those typically found in the genre may be submitted in alternative; other types of punk rock recordings may be deemed most appropriate for submission into the rock or pop categories.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Blues Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of Blues styles of music including traditional and contemporary, solo or as a group, instrumental or vocal.
Submissions may be acoustic or electric.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Children's Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings created and intended specifically for children or a young listening audience, solo or as a group.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Classical Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of instrumental or vocal works for soloists, chamber ensembles, instrumental ensembles, and instrumental soloists with large ensemble or chamber ensemble accompaniment. A composition is generally one body of work, but may contain multiple movements to make up one composition.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Country Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Presented By:
Ranchmans
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of Country music styles, including but not limited to Alt-Country, traditional Country, Western Swing and other recognized Country music styles.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
EDM Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group.
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) styles.
Submissions should be music styles and original recordings that are composed with electronic equipment as the essential song writing tools and defined by their electronic elements. Vocals or tracks containing prominently recognizable samplings, interpolations or replayed elements will be eligible ONLY if the artist/group can provide written confirmation that reasonable attempts have been made to obtain proper clearance.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Folk Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of Folk music styles that include authentic Folk material in both traditional vocal and instrumental styles, as well as contemporary material by artists who use traditional Folk elements, sounds and instrumental techniques as the basis for their recordings. The music may be mainly acoustic, although it does not have to be exclusively acoustic. It should use arrangements and production that sets it apart from a Pop approach.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Inspirational/Holiday Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of music that includes any and all styles that demonstrate inspirational faith or holiday themed, including but not limited to: Traditional, Contemporary, Country, Alternative, Pop, Rock, Urban, Dance, Rap, Hip Hop etc.
Submissions will be accepted from choirs, groups, solo performers and instrumental or acapella artists.
As this is a diverse category, genre-wise, adjudication will take into account the lyrics, songwriting and performance rather than musical style.
NOTE: you may only submit your music to ONE Recording category only. You cannot submit it to both this category and another based on genre.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Jazz Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of Jazz styles of music including traditional and contemporary, solo or as a group, instrumental or vocal.
Submissions may also cover sub-genres such as Traditional, Stride, Ragtime, Swing, Bebop, Hard Bop, Cool Jazz, Modal Jazz, Fusion, Nu-Jazz, ‘Acid Jazz’, Smooth, Avant-Garde, Free Improvisation, Third Stream & Orchestral.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Metal Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Presented By:
Loud As Hell
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of Metal music styles including but not limited to Heavy Metal, traditional/classic Metal, Metalcore, Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Black Metal and any other sub-genres. There may be clean, growled, or screamed vocals or any combination of vocal types.
Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Punk artists are not eligible for this category. Rock based albums should submit to Rock Recording of the Year; Alternative albums should submit to Alternative Recording of the Year. Punk recordings should submit to the category closest to their style of Punk i.e. Punk Rock should submit to Rock Recording of the Year; Pop Punk should submit to Pop Recording of the Year etc.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Pop Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of Pop music styles that include but are not limited to mainstream Pop, Top 40, CHR, HOT AC, as well as Indie and other Pop styles or sub-genres not accessible on mainstream radio i.e. Pop Punk
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
R&B/Soul Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of R & B, Soul, Funk, Nu Jazz etc.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Rap Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of predominantly Rap music; a minimum of 50% of the recording. Lyrics must be delivered in an MC style with music/ beats reflecting the sound of traditional and/ or current Rap or Hip Hop music.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Rock Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings of Rock styles of music (which usually revolves around the electric guitar or acoustic guitar, and it uses a strong back beat laid down by a rhythm section of electric bass guitar, drums, and keyboard instruments.) This may include but is not exclusive to such sub-genres as, soft Rock, glam Rock, Punk Rock, progressive Rock, hard Rock and what may be considered mainstream, contemporary and/or Popular Rock.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
World/Cultural Music Recording of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to recordings that encompass one (1) or more traditional or cross-cultural music from around the World. This includes but is not limited to roots based or cross-cultural music styles from regions such as; North American Indigenous, South and Central America, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Caribbean.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated **
Artistic Awards
In addition to submitting to one genre in the "Recording Awards" section, Artists may submit to Artists may submit to as many of these categories as they want
Community Ensemble of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Community Ensemble or Group
Category Description:
This category is open to instrumental and/or vocal ensembles (mixed-gender or single-gender, adult, or children) performing any number of repertoire styles of music from traditional to contemporary. Award is based not only on the quality of performance, but also on the quality of the recording (if provided), artistic background, vision, community mandate and civic impact.
If the ensemble has recorded material commercially released it must be between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible (optional) ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated. **
Group of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Group
Category Description:
Based on the achievements of the Group towards the growth and development of their career locally, nationally and internationally. This may include but is not limited to touring, media exposure, festival performances etc. Submissions must include a summary of the achievements over the eligibility year, between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 as well as a single or album release in the same time frame.
Submission Requirements:
The artists must have a recording commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated. **
Indigenous Artist of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
First Nation, Métis or Inuit solo artist or group
Category Description:
Based on the achievements of the individual artist or group residing within 125 km of Mohkinstsis. Artist may be from any genre of music. Achievements include growth and development of their career locally, nationally and internationally. This may include but is not limited to music releases, touring, media exposure, festival performances, showcases, etc. Submissions must include a summary of the achievements over the eligibility year, between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026, as well as a commercially released single or album in this time frame.
Submission in this category does not preclude the artist from applying in one Recording (genre) category.
Submission Requirements:
The artist must have a recording commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated. **
Live Performer of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Performing Artist, solo or group
Category Description:
Open to Live Performers of all genres and experience, regardless whether the artist has any current commercially released recorded music. Based on the artist's delivery, stage presence, demonstration live musical ability, and connection with the audience.
Category nominees and winner will be determined by public vote.
Submission in this category does not preclude the artist from applying in one Recording (genre) category.
Submission Requirements:
The artist must have a minimum of 5 paid performances (earned from ticket revenue or guaranteed fees) between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible.
Submissions must include a summary of the performer's live performance experience and highlights over the eligibility period. Submission must include a live performance video sample or montage.
Music Video of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Director and Artist of the video. (One (1) physical trophy is awarded.)
Category Description:
This award recognizes the unique contribution a video makes to the elements that support a song, adding to the experience for the audience as well as technical quality of the production. Submissions must include links to the video online.
For the 2025 Awards, this includes digital collaboration and online streaming.
The award goes to both Director and Artist of the video. One (1) physical trophy is awarded.
Either the Director or Artist must be based within the eligibility area.
Submission Requirements:
The music video must have been released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible.
People's Choice Award
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This is based on Fan voting. Only one (1) vote per “fan” will be counted. We have systems in place that eliminate multiple votes from the same source.
Submission Requirements:
The artist must have a recording commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated. **
Single of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Artist or Group
Category Description:
This award is based on the artistic and technical merits of the recording, and may also consider the overall exposure of the nominated song including but not limited to streaming and download numbers, radio rotation and charting (both College and Mainstream radio will be considered) and video views if applicable etc.
Artists may be required to submit proof of exposure.
Submission Requirements:
The single must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Single may not be part of a collection previously nominated. ** Only ONE single may be submitted per artist.
Solo Artist of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Recording Solo Artist
Category Description:
Based on the achievements of the individual Artist towards the growth and development of their career locally, nationally and internationally. This may include but is not limited to touring, media exposure, festival performances etc. Submissions must include a summary of the achievements over the eligibility year, between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 as well as a single or album release in the same time frame.
Submission Requirements:
The artist must have a recording commercially released between March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated. **
Songwriter of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Songwriter(s) (One (1) physical trophy is awarded.)
Category Description:
Awarded to songwriters individually or collaboratively who are based in the eligibility area. The award is evaluated on the merits of its melodies, rhythm and lyrics. The submitted song does not have to contain lyrics, but those that do must submit the written lyrics in an attached file as well as song file(s).
A songwriter writing alone or in collaboration with others is eligible, as long as at least 50% of writers are located in the eligibility catchment area. A songwriter may make a submission as a single songwriter or as part of a song writing team. Songwriter(s) who wish to be considered as a team must all agree to submit as a team. One (1) physical trophy is awarded. Songwriter(s) within the eligibility area, who write for international artists/ releases are eligible.
Songwriters submitting alone must provide credits for all co-songwriters (to be entered on the category details page). The individual submitting for this award is wholly responsible for ensuring that all contributors are credited.
Submission Requirements:
The submitted song(s) must have a recording commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. If you wish to submit multiple songs for consideration, you must complete separate submissions forms for each.
The Prophets Of Music Emerging Artist Award
ExpandAwarded To:
Awarded to artist(s) with 2 or less independent releases.
Presented By:
The Prophets of Music Society
Category Description:
This award is not about the most polished band or most professional yet, they may not even have more than a couple demo’s posted so far but it’s about the band that is taking all those baby steps and embody possibility and promise, taking into account the criteria outlined below:
- Progression: progression of skills, musicality, and presence in local scene.
- Musicality: blend on instruments, interesting musical concepts, overall song layout and structure.
- Originality: a unified and distinct sound, compositional arrangement, unique and interesting.
- Direction: sense of unified sound and layout displayed in EP or sound samples. Cohesive throughout.
- Social media presence: easily found online content. Information regarding releases, shows, general band/artist info.
This award is presented in partnership with the Prophets of Music Society.
This award is sponsored by the Prophets of Music Society.
Submission Requirements:
Artists are required to submit an essay of 500 words or less, outlining why they think they should be considered for the Prophets Of Music Emerging Artist Award, based on the above criteria. This can include but is not exclusive to highlighting steps you are taking to build your band and brand, accomplishments you have achieved and where you are at in your career. Just tell us who you are and what you are about.
If you don't have a finished recording, for this category ONLY, we are accepting Demo tracks.
Industry Awards
Submitters may submit to as many of these categories as they want.
Industry Person of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Individual
Category Description:
Based on the individual contribution to the YYC and area music scene. Submissions could include but are not exclusive to; Promoters, Media (print and digital publications or their writers/ contributors), Photographers, Music Venues and or Venue staff & management, Booking Agents, Artist Promoters, Event Organizers/ Volunteers etc.
Submission Requirements:
Submissions can be self-submitted or submitted by another party. Please ensure that if you submit someone for consideration that they are aware you have done so and provide a reliable means to contact them. This is not a legacy award, so the submitted person(s) must be still active locally in the music industry.
Music Educator (and/or Ensemble Director) of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Music Educator or Ensemble Director
Presented By:
CADME
Category Description:
Recognizing music educators (kindergarten through college, public and private schools or community ensembles) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to improving music education in the schools and the Calgary community at large.
Submission Requirements:
Submissions are open to any music teacher within 125km radius of the City of Calgary. Submissions can be self-submitted or submitted by another party, such as students or colleagues. Please ensure that if you submit someone for consideration that they are aware you have done so and provide a reliable means to contact them. This is not a legacy award, so the submitted person(s) must be still active locally in music education.
** Eligibility period for this award is between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Recording Studio of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Individual/Company
Category Description:
This category is for the commercial studio which exists primarily as a rental facility for the recording and/or mixing of music.
Submission Requirements:
The album or single submitted as a sample of the studio’s portfolio must have been commercially released between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 to be eligible. ** Singles may not be part of a collection previously nominated. **
Venue or Presenter of the Year
ExpandAwarded To:
Venue or Individual
Category Description:
This category is for companies or individuals who have had a significant impact on the live music scene in Calgary within the eligibility period. This award is open to, but not limited to promoters, presenters, buyers, venues and festivals, including digital or virtual. The recipient will have demonstrated accomplishments in live music such as innovative programming, attendance, or programming for a specific community need.
Submission Requirements:
Eligibility period for accomplishments recognized by this award is between March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026.
Submissions for the 2026 YYCMAs ends May 1, 2026.