The Age Music Victoria Awards Opens 2018 Nominations & Announces New Categories

The Age Music Victoria Awards are back for another year and this time 'round they've introduced some brand new categories.

2018 sees the introduction of the Best Reggae and Dancehall, Best Global, Best Rock/Punk, Best Female Musician and Best Male Musician categories. 

In addition to these, the Best Solo Artist category will now replace the previous categories of Best Male and Female Artist to include gender non-conforming artists.

The Best Aboriginal Act will now be known as The Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent and will now offer a cash grant and mentorship as well as the award.

"After each awards we survey the industry and judges to make sure the categories best reflect what is happening in Victoria in the year and the most deserved contributors to the industry are acknowledged," said the Awards Executive Producer, Patrick Donovan.

"We are confident these changes to criteria and judging panels will result in awards that are more inclusive and better reflect outstanding achievements. Stay tuned for an announcement in October with details about a new structure for this year’s event."

Submissions for all categories (which you can check out below) are open from today until midnight on 31 August. To be eligible, the artist or event must fit the following criteria: At least 50% of the act has been living in Victoria for the last two years and have released an EP or album (category dependent) between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018, or be a Victorian venue or festival.

Find out more about the Awards and the submission process here.