BEST SONG/TRACK

presented by PBS

A short musical composition which can be with or without words.

Nominees in this category are determined by a judging panel, with winners determined by public voting.

BEST ALBUM

presented by Triple R

An album would generally be accepted to have at least nine tracks, or be 33 minutes in length, with a minimum requirement that a track includes at least 20 seconds of music. However, we understand that artists define whether their release is an album or ep, and some genres are more likely to have short songs and therefore albums that fall short of 33 minutes in length. Live albums and cover albums are included.

Nominees in this category are determined by a judging panel, with winners determined by public voting.

BEST SOLO ARTIST

presented by Triple R

An artist that performs under their own name or a pseudonym.

This category does not include lead singers of bands unless they’re being nominated for a separate and current solo career (i.e. they release music and play shows under their own name or solo pseudonym).

Nominees in this category are determined by a judging panel, with winners determined by public voting.

BEST DJ

presented by City of Melbourne

A person who skilfully layers, manipulates and mixes (via a mixer, CDJs, turntables or live set up) pre-made music (their own originals and/or others) and other musical elements and sounds together to create a new form of creative expression.

Nominees in this category are determined by a judging panel, with winners determined by public voting.

BEST PRODUCER

presented by AON

Someone who oversees, engineers, and manages the sound recording and production of a solo artist or group’s music. This can include a person who produces their own work or a sound engineer who plays a guiding role in recording.

Judging for this category is completed by a panel.

BEST MUSICIAN

presented by JMC

A person who skilfully and creatively manipulates their chosen instrument/s, making a significant musical contribution to an act.

Judging for this category is completed by a panel.

BEST GROUP

presented by PBS

Two or more people, a group of musicians, who play music together both on stage and in the studio as a collective under a band, group or collective name.

Nominees in this category are determined by a judging panel, with winners determined by public voting.

BEST REGIONAL ACT

presented by Pullman Melbourne on the Park

An individual artist or group of musicians that are based in Regional Victoria as defined by this map.

Nominees in this category are determined by a judging panel, with winners determined by public voting.