Best Acoustic Band
Criteria:
We’ve all seen our fair share of singer-songwriters – the HAT Awards has honored a few! But, the candidates for this category must represent a band composed, primarily, of acoustic instruments. Unplugged or plugged in, pick the band that moves you.
|
Best New Acoustic Artist
Criteria:
In San Diego, we all know the “big” names. But, the new crop of startup-artists who hit the open mics each year really keep the wheels turning. Candidates for this award got their start in 2006 or 2007 and exemplify passion and innovation.
|
Best Performer
Criteria:
Some say the song is all that counts. But, we all know that the packaging counts for something! Candidates for Best Performer bring the goods in the packaging department. They must have great stage presence and a show that makes the audiences groove!
|
Best Songwriter
Criteria:
Occasionally someone writes a song with a very precise and powerful balance between melody, structure and lyrical message. Candidates for this category have perfected the art of painting with all of the colors in the palette to create the perfect song.
|
Best Alt. Country
Criteria:
Country music’s come a long way since the Carter Family. Traditions have become contemporary and country music has grown. Candidates for this category draw from country music traditions and move beyond the prevailing trends into pop, folk and rock.
|
Best Americana
Criteria:
Americana music is defined by the context of the cultural setting of America in the 19th and 20th centuries that gave birth to styles ranging from folk and blues to country and rock. Candidates for this award adhere to these traditions in their music.
|
Best Instrumentalist
Criteria:
Some musicians have skills on their instrument that go beyond the cowboy chords we all learned in our Mel Bay text books! Candidates for this category showcase both musicality and technical skill. We’re looking for a roster of our finest players.
|
Best Vocalist
Criteria:
There are 2 parts to every singer-songwriter. This award honors the unique singing talents of our local musicians. Candidates are not required to write their own songs or play their own instruments. Here we honor the voice and that is all that matters.
|
Best Audio/Visual
Criteria:
These days many local solo artists and bands are making videos, doing photo shoots and developing websites. Candidates for this award help capture the spirit of our local artists and present them in a larger-than-life way that makes us all take notice.
|
Best Backup Musician
Criteria:
There’s only so much that one person can accomplish on stage. Where would we be without the kick-ass guitar solo, the foot tapping drum beat or the backing vocals? Candidates for this category must perform, primarily, as support for lead performers.
|
Best Open Mic
Criteria:
Acoustic music often finds its audience at a most sacred event – the open mic. San Diego has had its share of great open mics. The candidates for this award cultivate community and provide an environment for artists to develop and grow.
|
Best Support & Promotion
Criteria:
Local radio, publications, blogs, venues and booking agents all help musicians do what they do. Candidates for this award succeed in connecting and supporting local musicians while developing new opportunities and ideas within our local scene.
|
The HAT Awards is doing everything it can to keep the results of our online voting system democratic, diverse and fair. Before your ballot can be counted, you must verfiy your email address. This process is necessary because we must protect the integrity of the online balloting system from misuse or repeat submissions that could dilute our votes. We hope you understand!